I want information about how each available Adapter Source option controls object maintenance, updates, imports, and synchronization behavior.

You use the Adapter Source of an object to specify how the object is maintained and updated. When creating certain objects (from a user interface page, not by running a data import task), you can select from one of the following Adapter Source values:

External

You maintain the object and all its data fields in an External system, such as an ERP system or CSV files. You can overwrite or delete objects with this Adapter Source during data imports from the External system.

AribaManaged

You maintain the object directly in the system instead of an external system. You use this Adapter Source as the default value for system generated objects. Import events do not affect these objects unless you include them in the import file. If you import an object with the Adapter Source set to AribaManaged, you change the Adapter Source to External.

ManuallyMaintained

You use an external system as the source of the object, but you do not overwrite or delete the object during data imports.

PunchIn

You use this Adapter Source for the PunchIn feature in Procurement Content. You import the object data from the PunchinGroup.csv file through the Import PunchinGroup.csv task.

Replicated

You use this Adapter Source in a Federated Process Control (FPC) parent/child site configuration. You keep the object active in the child site after the parent site creates it. You cannot update replicated data in the child site. You must perform all updates in the parent site.

Catalog Management
Core Procurement > Core Administration > Core Administration Import/Export
Invoicing
Purchasing > Services Procurement