The New Infotype Framework: Modernizing SAP HR Data Management

Introduction

SAP HR (SAP HCM) uses info types to store structured employee data. These info types are like specialized containers for everything from personal information to organizational assignments. Traditionally, info types have been tightly linked to how the data is presented on the screen. The New Infotype Framework introduces a shift that significantly benefits SAP HR.

What is the New Infotype Framework?

The New Infotype Framework decouples info-type data storage from its screen presentation. This means:

• Data Logic Separated from Display: How info-type data is stored in the database and shown to users is now treated as a separate concern.
• Flexibility: You have much greater control over how info-type data is displayed, manipulated, and validated, independent of the backend database structure.
• Performance: Due to this streamlining, specific processes in SAP HR can see efficiency improvements.

Key Advantages

• Enhanced User Experience (UX): The New Infotype Framework enables modern user interface technologies (like Fiori) to create more intuitive and user-friendly experiences when working with employee data.
• Better Integration: Decoupling the info types makes integrating SAP HR with other systems smoother, especially when those systems have different data structures.
• Customizability: With control over data presentation, you can tailor screens to your business needs without complex modifications to the underlying database.
• Future-Proofing: The framework ensures compatibility with SAP’s evolving UI technologies and trends.

Activating the New Infotype Framework

The New Infotype Framework is a gradual transition. Here is how to get started:

1. Technical Switch: You will find a special configuration switch (transaction code SWF5) to activate the framework.
2. Gradual Adoption: SAP provides tools and settings to manage which info types are decoupled. You can strategically adopt it over time.
3. Standard SAP Functionality: Much of SAP’s standard HR functionality and new UI applications already utilize the New Infotype Framework.

Example: Organizational Management (OM) and Personnel Administration (PA) Integration

A critical use case where the New Infotype Framework offers advantages is with integrating Organizational Management (OM) and Personnel Administration (PA). Sharing and syncing data between these modules can be streamlined to improve synchronization speed and provide better error handling.

Considerations

• Technical Expertise: The New Infotype Framework demands more development-side understanding than the traditional method of directly editing screens.
• Existing Customizations: If you have many custom modifications to your HR screens and forms, transitioning to the new framework will require careful assessment and rewriting of some of your custom code.

Conclusion

The New Infotype Framework provides flexibility and adaptability to your SAP HR system. While a transition, it facilitates modern interfaces, enhanced performance, and improved compatibility, ultimately enhancing employee data management in your organization.