Understanding Time Constraint 2 in SAP HR

In the world of SAP Human Resources (HR), time constraints are critical. These constraints play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of employee data records. One key constraint you need to familiarize yourself with is Time Constraint 2. Let us break it down.

What is Time Constraint 2?

Time Constraint 2 dictates how a specific info type (a data collection unit for employee information) can exist in the SAP HR system. The critical characteristics of Time Constraint 2 are:

• One Record at a Time: An employee can have only one valid record for an info type marked with Time Constraint 2 at any given time.
• Gaps Allowed: Unlike Time Constraint 1, Time Constraint 2 permits gaps between records. This means there can be periods where an employee’s record for that particular info type may not exist.

Infotypes Using Time Constraint 2

Here are some typical examples of info types that often utilize Time Constraint 2:

• Family/Related Person (Infotype 0021) – Subtype: Spouse: An employee might only sometimes have a spouse recorded in the system, or their marital status can change. Time Constraint 2 allows for a spouse record to be present and gaps to exist.
• Organizational Assignment (Infotype 0001): An employee typically holds one position within an organization. However, there might be gaps in employment or transitions between positions.

Why is Time Constraint 2 Important?

Time Constraint 2 helps to maintain HR data integrity in several ways:

• Prevents Conflicting Records: It safeguards against creating multiple overlapping records that cause contradictions and confusion.
• Reflects Real-World Situations: Time Constraint 2 accommodates changes in employee circumstances, such as marital status or job positions.
• Ensures Data Accuracy: It guarantees that data is reliable and accurately depicts the employee’s history within the organization.

How Does Time Constraint 2 Work in Practice?

Imagine you need to update an employee’s marital status from “Married” to “Divorced.” Let us assume the “Spouse” subtype within the Family/Related Person info type uses Time Constraint 2:

1. Ending the Existing Record: The system will first end-date the existing “Married” record to the day before the divorce.
2. Gap: There may be a gap in the record when there is no active spouse data.
3. New Record (Optional): If the employee remarries, you can create a new “Married” record with the appropriate start date.

Key Points to Remember

• Time constraints are assigned to both info types and their subtypes.
• Understanding time constraints ensures you enter HR data correctly, avoiding errors.
• Time constraints are fundamental for maintaining clean and organized employee data within SAP HR.