Custom Infotypes in SAP HR: Expanding Your Data Horizons

SAP HR (also known as SAP HCM) has a robust suite of information types designed to store and manage a wide range of employee data. These standard information types cover personal information, addresses, organizational assignments, bank details, and more. However, sometimes businesses encounter specific data tracking requirements beyond what is provided out of the box. That’s where custom information types come into play.

What is a Custom Infotype?

A custom information type is a user-defined data structure within SAP HR that allows you to store information that is not readily accommodated by standard information types. It gives you the flexibility to capture unique and essential data for your organization’s HR processes.

Everyday Use Cases for Custom Infotypes

• Company-Specific Details: Store information such as project assignments, specialized certifications, company vehicle information, or equipment issued to employees.
• Compliance: Track regulatory information, safety training completion dates, or license expiration for compliance purposes.
• Benefits: Manage customized employee benefits packages, flexible spending account details, or unique company perks.
• Talent Development: Record specialized skill sets, leadership program participation, or career development milestones.

Creating a Custom Infotype: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Planning: Carefully define the specific data fields in your custom info type. Consider data types, lengths, and any relationships to other data elements.
2. Transaction PM01: Access transaction code PM01 (Create Infotype).
3. Infotype Number: Assign a four-digit number to your info type, typically starting with ‘9’ to denote a custom object.
4. PS Structure: Create a PS structure to define the fields of your custom info type. Give each field a name, data type, and length.
5. Technical Characteristics: Define screen layout, data storage methods, and whether the info type is time-dependent (allowing for multiple records over time).
6. Infotype Characteristics: Specify characteristics like time constraints, whether the infotype is single-screen or multi-screen, and how it will interact with other system functions.

Important Considerations

• Data Integration: If necessary, ensure your custom info type aligns with other HR modules, such as payroll or time management.
• Reporting: If you need to create reports based on your custom info type data, you may need to develop custom reports or queries.
• Maintenance: Like any custom development, regular maintenance and updates may be required as your business requirements or SAP system evolves.

Benefits of Using Custom Infotypes

• Tailored Data Management: Meet the precise data tracking needs of your organization.
• Improved HR Processes: Streamline processes that rely on unique or specialized information.
• Enhanced Reporting: Generate more insightful reports by including custom data fields.
• System Flexibility: Adapt your SAP HR system to match your business requirements.

In Conclusion

Custom info types are powerful tools for expanding SAP HR’s data management capabilities. By thoughtfully planning and creating custom info types that align with your unique needs, you can optimize your HR processes, gain better data insights, and ensure your system supports the smooth operation of your business.