Understanding SAP HR Infotype 1001: Relationships

In SAP Human Capital Management (HCM), Infotypes are the building blocks for storing employee data. They act as individual data containers, each focusing on a specific aspect of HR information. Infotype 1001, known as the “Relationships” infotype, is crucial in defining the connections between employees, positions, organizational units, and tasks within a company’s structure.

What Does Infotype 1001 Do?

Infotype 1001 serves the following essential purposes:

• Defines Organizational Structure: It establishes the hierarchical relationships between different organizational units (departments, divisions, teams, etc.) and outlines how they are interconnected within the company.
• Assigns Employees to Positions: It links employees to their specific positions, clarifying roles and responsibilities.
• Connects Tasks to Positions: It outlines the specific tasks or duties expected of a positionholder.
• Enables Powerful Reporting: It provides a foundation for comprehensive HR reporting. You can analyze workforce structures, job assignments, and task distributions.

Critical Elements of Infotype 1001

Let’s break down the essential components that make up this info type:

• Subtype: Defines the specific relationship described (e.g., an employee holding a position, an organizational unit reporting to another unit).
• Object Types: Indicates the types of objects involved in the relationship, such as:
  • ‘S’ for Positions
  • ‘O’ for Organizational Units
  • ‘P’ for Persons (Employees)
  • ‘K’ for Cost Centers
  • ‘C’ for Jobs
• Relationship Start and End Dates: Specifies the time frame for which the relationship is valid.

How to Maintain Infotype 1001

Depending on your SAP HCM configuration, there are a few ways to maintain Infotype 1001 records:

• Transaction Code PP01: This is the primary transaction for managing object relationships, including the creation, editing, and deletion of Infotype 1001 data.
• Organizational Management (OM): OM specialists usually handle establishing and maintaining relationships as this area of SAP deals directly with organizational structure.
• Simple Maintenance/Structural Graphics: In some SAP HCM setups, certain relationships may be created automatically when using these tools.

Example

Let’s illustrate the use of Infotype 1001 with a scenario:

1. An employee, John Smith, is assigned to the position of “Sales Manager.”
2. A relationship record is created in Infotype 1001 with the following details:
   • Subtype: ‘008’ (indicating “Belongs to”)
   • Object Type (A): ‘P’ (Person)
   • Object ID (A): John Smith’s Employee ID
   • Object Type (B): ‘S’ (Position)
   • Object ID (B): Sales Manager Position ID
   • Start Date: Date John starts as Sales Manager
   • End Date: Open-ended if it’s an ongoing position

Why is Infotype 1001 Important?

Infotype 1001 is indispensable for effective HR management in SAP because it:

• Underpins accurate organizational charts
• Facilitates efficient workforce planning
• Streamlines succession planning
• Aids in identifying reporting lines
• Assists in compliance and auditing