SF-Data-Arch Salesforce Data Management Practice Question
Universal Containers needs to access real-time order data stored in an external legacy ERP system within Salesforce without storing the data locally. Which Salesforce feature is most appropriate for this data management requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates mistakenly suggest custom batch integrations or ETL tools to copy external data locally, missing the core requirement that the data must be accessed in real-time without local storage.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Salesforce Connect using an OData adapter.
Salesforce Connect allows for the integration of external data sources via OData or custom adapters, exposing external data as External Objects. This allows users to view and interact with the data in real-time within Salesforce without the storage costs or synchronization issues associated with physically importing the data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Bulk API 2.0 with a scheduled middleware sync.
Why it's wrong here
Bulk API 2.0 is used for moving large volumes of data into Salesforce for local storage. This does not meet the requirement of 'not storing the data locally' and would involve periodic synchronization rather than providing the real-time access that the business needs for ERP orders.
- ✗
Change Data Capture (CDC) to monitor ERP updates.
Why it's wrong here
Change Data Capture is used to track changes to Salesforce records and publish them to an external system, or vice versa. It is a synchronization tool that typically results in data being stored in both systems, which violates the requirement to avoid local storage in Salesforce.
- ✗
Apex Callouts to a REST endpoint on the ERP.
Why it's wrong here
While Apex callouts can retrieve real-time data, they require custom code for every interaction and do not natively display the data as records. This increases maintenance and doesn't leverage the declarative benefits of External Objects, which allow for standard list views and related lists.
- ✓
Salesforce Connect using an OData adapter.
Why this is correct
Salesforce Connect is the ideal solution for real-time access to external data without replication. By using the OData adapter, the external ERP data appears as External Objects in Salesforce, allowing for seamless integration into the UI and reporting while the data remains in the legacy system.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Salesforce exam blueprint
This SF-Data-Arch practice question is part of Courseiva's free Salesforce certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SF-Data-Arch exam.