Difference between a Table and an Infotype

[Former Member]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me the exact differences between a Table and Infotype?

Thanks,

Anil

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Anil,

Infotypes are HR-specific structures that are used to organize Employee master data.

In the background, they also update table fields (PAXXXX & PBXXXX).

However, they present more than a table : Easy data entry, logical database reporting, etc.

An infotype consists of a table (PAXXXX - PBXXXX), module pool (MPXXXX00), screen (e.g. 2000), subtypes.

Regards,

Dilek

[Former Member]

Hi Satish,

Infotypes are used to group related data fields together. They provide information with a structure, facilitate data entry, and enable you to store data for specific periods.These are units of information in the Human Resource Management System

An infotype is a group of system-controlling characteristics such as attributes, time constraints etc.

Data is not stored field by field on the human resources database, but is grouped together in logical groups.

Tables

The actual Physical area for storing the data is termed as Table.Internal Table does the storing for Infotypes.

[Former Member]

Hi satish,

An Infotype is just another way to handle/store data.

HR Data is huge and time dependent . The history of

the employee is maintained .

To enable logical storage of data and to facilitate easy

and faster data entry /retrieval , concept of Infotype

Came into existence .

1. Why SAP introduced Infotypes

Bcos : to divide lot of master data related to

an employee into groups called as INFOTYPE

dividing in such group makes it logically

distributed so that authorisation rights

can be distributed accordingly. (which practically

happens in most companies where HR is not centralised)

2.why SAP HR module using infotypes mostly

BCos : All its data (master data related to emplyee)

is found in infotypes only. (all kind of master data

is put in some or other infotype )

3 Any drawbacks using transparent tables

SAP suggests that to read infotype information,

use their STANDARD function modules only.

BCOS :

a. it will be fast

b. those FMs will automatically check authorisations

c. any change in these FM's by SAP, will automatically

effect Z Programs (if perfomance, data etc is improved)

4. Ht diff. bw Infotypes n transparent tables

Infotype is the FUNCTIONAL WORD

Table is the TECHNICAL WORD

Infotype means logical set of information.

Table means actual physical database table.

Each infotype has a corresponding transparent table.

Regards,

Amit Mittal.