SAP Human Resource Management: Master Modules, Infotypes & Payroll

Introduction to SAP HR

SAP Human Resource Management (commonly referred to as SAP HR or SAP HCM) is one of the core functional modules in the SAP ERP suite. It helps organizations manage and automate various human resource processes, ranging from employee data management to payroll, recruitment, time tracking, and more.

Unlike traditional HR systems that primarily focus on people, SAP Human Capital Management (HCM) takes a broader approach, integrating both people and monetary resources. This dual capability ensures that not only is employee data efficiently managed, but it is also aligned with financial goals and organizational strategies.

SAP HR ensures compliance with internal company policies and country-specific regulations, making it a powerful tool for global enterprises.

SAP HR Module Structure Overview

SAP HR is divided into key functional areas:
  • Personnel Administration (PA): Maintains essential employee data.
  • Organizational Management (OM): Defines company hierarchy and roles.
  • Recruitment: Manages applicant tracking and hiring processes.
  • Time Management: Handles attendance, shifts, and leave.
  • Payroll: Calculates employee salaries and integrates with finance.
  • Training and Event Management: Organizes employee development programs.

Infotypes in SAP HR

Infotypes are data containers in SAP HR that store information related to an employee. Each infotype has a unique four-digit number and groups similar data, such as personal details, work schedules, or pay information.

Commonly Used Infotypes

Infotype Description
0000 Actions
0001 Organizational Assignment
0002 Personal Data
0006 Addresses
0007 Planned Working Time
0008 Basic Pay

Infotype Screens in SAP HR

SAP HR utilizes different screen types to handle data entry and visualization for infotypes. Each screen type serves a unique purpose in the user interface and is identified by a specific numeric range:
  • 1000 Series – Dummy Screens: Used primarily for testing or placeholder purposes. These do not store real data but can simulate actions.
  • 2000 Series – Single Entry Screens: These screens allow users to enter data for a specific infotype in a straightforward, user-friendly form.
  • 3000 Series – Overview Screens: Overview screens display a summary of data entries across time periods or versions. Useful for quick audits and changes.

Transaction Codes (T.Codes) in SAP HR

Personnel Administration T.Codes

T.Code Description
PA30 Maintain employee master data
PA20 Display employee information
PA40 Perform personnel actions (e.g., transfer, termination)

Recruitment T.Codes

PB20 Display applicant data
PB30 Manage applicant profiles
PB40 Execute recruitment actions

Organization Management T.Codes

PPOME Modify organization structure
PPOCE Create organization unit
PPOSE Display organization chart
PM01 Create/enhance infotypes (PA & Recruitment)
PPC1 Create OM-specific infotypes
PPCM Enhance OM infotypes

Time Constraints on Infotypes

Time constraints define how many records an infotype can hold and whether these records can overlap.
  • Time Constraint 1: Only one record can exist at any time. New records overwrite old ones.
  • Time Constraint 2: Multiple records allowed, but no overlaps.
  • Time Constraint 3: Allows overlapping and multiple records simultaneously.
This setup is essential to ensure accurate historical data and prevent conflicting information.

Payroll in SAP HR

Payroll processing in SAP HR calculates employee compensation based on working hours, tax codes, bonuses, deductions, and other rules defined in the system. SAP Payroll is country-specific to meet local regulations and tax structures.

Key Payroll Concepts

  • Payroll Area: Group of employees whose payroll is processed on the same schedule.
  • Payroll Control Record: Locks data during payroll processing and defines payroll periods.
  • Schemas and Rules: Used in calculation logic for payroll.

FAQs about SAP Human Resource Management

1. What is SAP HR used for?

SAP HR is used to manage employee records, handle recruitment, track time and attendance, process payroll, and support employee development in an organization.

2. What is the difference between SAP HR and SAP HCM?

SAP HR is the traditional term for Human Resources management in SAP, while SAP HCM (Human Capital Management) includes all HR functionalities plus talent management and analytics features.

3. What are Infotypes in SAP HR?

Infotypes are structured data containers in SAP HR that store related employee information, such as personal data, payroll details, and organizational assignments.

4. What is PA30 used for?

PA30 is the SAP transaction code used to maintain employee master data, including creating, updating, or viewing various infotypes for employees.

5. Can SAP HR handle payroll?

Yes, SAP HR has a dedicated Payroll module that calculates salaries, deductions, and taxes, ensuring compliance with local laws and accurate compensation management.

6. What are Time Constraints in Infotypes?

Time Constraints determine how many records can exist for an infotype and whether records can overlap. For example, Time Constraint 1 allows only one record at a time, while Time Constraint 3 allows overlaps.

Conclusion

SAP Human Resource Management (HR/HCM) is a comprehensive, modular system designed to streamline every aspect of human capital operations—from recruitment to payroll, and organizational management. By mastering its modules, infotypes, and technical structure, businesses can build a robust, scalable HR system tailored to their needs.
 

SAP HR

Read Also

SAP HR Reference Books:
SAP Human Resource Certification, Interview Questions and Configuration Reference Books

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SAP HR (Human Resources) Hints and Tips

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SAP ABAP/4 Programming, Basis Administration, Configuration Hints and Tips

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