SAP
Definitions
Object
An individual element of information that exists in
the system. Objects are the basic elements of information that collectively
make up, or define, an organizational plan or structure. Different object types represent information
that can be linked together.
Examples are:
S Position
P Person
O Organizational unit
C Job
Position
A
specific, individual employee assignment (e.g., AO in EECS). Positions are occupied by Persons. There is usually one position for one
person. However, positions may also be
occupied by multiple people (e.g., job sharing). Positions may also be vacant, partially filled, or obsolete.
(object type “S” for specific
position).
Person
An
individual who fills a specific position.
Persons are linked to Organizational Units through a Position. (Object
type = “P”).
Organizational
Unit
Units of
an organization that perform a function
(e.g. departments, labs, centers, divisions.) Must be linked to one another to produce a hierarchical structure
for the organization. (Object type =
“O”).
Job
A classification of positions. EEO codes are assigned to Jobs. (Object type “C” for classification).
Relationship
Objects are linked together through Relationships. Without relationships, objects are only isolated pieces of information. For example, an organizational unit “reports to” another organizational unit, creating a hierarchy. A Person is the “holder” of a position. Jobs “describe” Positions.
Organizational
Plan
Provides
a way of representing an organization as a “big picture” structure. It pulls together Organizational Units,
Positions, and Person objects and their relationships into a picture of the
organization.
Infotype
A screen of
data representing a group of related data fields.
Action
A sequence of infotypes or screens
that must be maintained when a particular Human Resource process is
performed. Examples are Hiring,
Transferring an Employee, or Leaving (i.e. terminating).