Tips for enhancing standard SAP ERP HCM Infotypes

This HR tip comes courtesy of Sylvia Chaudoir of Deloitte, who is speaking at our upcoming HR 2013 event, 11-14 June in Amsterdam! Get an introduction to enhancing standard infotypes.

• Step 1: Choose the Infotype to Enhance
  • Enter the Infotype number and press Create All
    • Use the four-digit number, including leading zeros
    • Infotype Version: You may define specific country versions of the screen to enhance
    • Generate Objects: This will create all related sub-objects simultaneously so you do not have to maintain them individually
• Step 2: Confirm the Object Creation Prompt
  • This navigates to create the CI_Pnnnn Include for the new customer Include structure
    • Press Create to continue
    • Depending on your SAP client setup, you will probably be prompted for an SAP Developer Key, as well
• Step 3A: Define the New Fields
  • Create the CI_Pnnnn DDIC structure definition
    • Enter a description and the new fields for the Infotype
    • Field names must be five characters and start with ZZ or YY
      • Component types may be new or you may use existing definitions of field st
        ructures
• Step 3B: A Word About Component Type
  • Thousands of SAP Component Types already exist
    • Use the F4 search tool to find one that suits your needs rather than creating your own Z-component
    • This will save you maintenance activity later
    • For example, the Contact Number component type used here is a standard definition
  • You can search Data Elements by name/description or by field characteristics to find what you need
    • Standard Selections: Entering a partial description with wildcard characters before and after the text will search and return all component types that contain the text
    • Settings: If choosing a VERY common name, you may wish to delete the Maximum number of hits restriction
  • The wildcard search returns a list of fields with the matching text for you to choose from
    • Sorting: Click on the heading of any column to sort by that field. Then you can select the field you want to use by double clicking on it.
• Step 3C: A Word About Reference Fields
  • You must specify reference tables and fields for fields containing currency amounts or quantity data
    • The reference field format must either be:
      • Data type CUKY for currency key fields
      • Data type UNIT for quantity fields (e.g., hours, pieces, …)
    • Reference:
      ZZCUR provides a reference for the CURR field type for Annual Salary
• Step 4: Save the Structure
  • When you have completed the field definition additions, Save the structure
    • Save will store your changes, creating the appropriate dictionary objects in the SAP ABAP Workbench system
      • You should also be prompted for Transport selection
    • Status: The status New indicates that you have saved your changes

Learn about enhancing infotypes and more. There is still time to register for HR 2013! In fact the early bird pricing discount expires Friday (May 10)!