Home > SAP Tips > SAP best practices > Discover the power of DPF
SAP Tips:
EMAIL THIS
 TIPS & NEWSLETTERS TOPICS 

SAP BEST PRACTICES

Discover the power of DPF


Saujanya GN
04.05.2007
Rating: -4.00- (out of 5)


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


Usually, there is a lot of information around us both at the organization level and at the individual level.

And its always true that "data rules the world." In this world of information, it's often quite tricky to capture and utilize data in the right way.

Thinking of a similar scenario in HR systems, there are tons of documents involved, such as appraisal documents etc. Is there a way to get all these documents to be stored in the HR system itself (as a folder per employee) and thus ensuring data security?

The answer to such a question is the "DPF - Digital Personnel File". Here in this article, I would like to share that information how the digital personnel file can be used, where it can be used and what benefit we get from using it.

What is the Digital Personnel File?

The digital personnel file (DPF) is a central storage for all documents relevant to the employees of a company. It is based on SAP Records Management.

Why do we need Digital Personnel File?

The DPF provides you with central access to all employee documents. This access enables you to simplify and optimize the tasks of your HR administrator and design the layout of your document storage more effectively.

Advantages:

1. You have fast and secure access to archived documents.

2. You can enter Office documents and notes directly in a record, using document templates if required.

3. You can include Internet or Intranet pages in a record. In addition to documents, you can also integrate other diverse electronic elements (the elements can originate from the local SAP system, from other SAP systems or from non-SAP systems):
a) Business Objects
b) Transactions
c) Reports

->These integration options mean that the record provides a universal view of all the information objects that exist for a business process.

- > Access to information is facilitated. The user no longer has to navigate through systems to find information objects, because all the information objects for the whole record are available in one structured view. Clicking on an object in this view displays it directly.

->In addition, the integration of the WebFlow Engine and an ad hoc workflow tool enables you to efficiently control your processes from the record.

How can we use the Digital Personnel File ?

The DPF is based on the record model that structures the various folders of the DPF and decides which documents the system stores in a particular folder.

The DPF can be filled with documents either manually by an HR administrator or automatically using the processes within HCM Processes and Forms .

In the latter case, the system creates the DPF automatically for the relevant employee when a process is completed. An administrator with the relevant authorization can search for, display, add, and delete documents in the DPF, for example, and also display process forms and steps.

More in detail:

The DPF is based on exactly one record model that is binding for all employees. It is not possible to use different record models for different employee groups. The standard system contains a record model with standard settings. To set up the digital personnel file, you can use or enhance this sample record model or create your own model.

Let's have a look at the basic terms involved before we start doing it.
Basic terms in records management :

Element
An element is a piece of information that is checked into Records Management. Elements can be integrated into records, but they don't necessarily have to be.

Record model
A record model is a template for records, which is created using the customizing feature. The template defines the structure of the records. Records that are based on the same record model always have the same structure. This improves user orientation within the records.

File plan
A file plan is a central registry used for the management of records. The use of a file plan is optional.

Service provider
Service providers enable integration of elements into Records Management and access to elements. Each service provider is responsible for a particular group of elements (for example, service provider for documents, service provider for notes, service provider for business objects). Within a service provider, you can adapt element types to further subdivide this group.

Element Type
An element type groups similar elements together. Element types are the starting point for checking new elements into Records Management or searching for them in Records Management.

To create element types according to customer-specific requirements, use the IMG activity Registry Maintenance.

Area

Records Management has an underlying framework that can also be used for other applications outside of Records Management. Each application has its own framework area.
An area contains a group of service providers. It defines attributes for the element types of these service providers.

Steps to add a document or attachment to a record

1. Goto Transaction : srmregedit
SAP provides standard set of service providers. It can be used or copied in order to cater to the needs of the customer. The service provider acts like a heart for the entire function.

2.You can use the standard record model or copy the existing record model. Use transaction organizer to access SAP records management.

3.SAP also provides a content model. Use the existing one, or copy the content model if some specific properties have to be set for the documents. Use transaction DMWB to go to the document modeler workbench.

Documents to be supported by the DPF
1. HR master data - Infotypes
2. Adobe forms (from the process framework)
3. Archive link documents
4. Documents like resumes, tax cards, notification on confirmation, salary change etc.

Saujanya GN is currently working in ERP HCM, SAPLabs, India as a Development specialist.
This content is reposted from the SAP Developer Network.
Copyright 2007, SAP Developer Network

SAP Developer Network (SDN) is an active online community where ABAP, Java, .NET, and other cutting-edge technologies converge to form a resource and collaboration channel for SAP developers, consultants, integrators, and business analysts. SDN hosts a technical library, expert blogs, exclusive downloads and code samples, an extensive eLearning catalog, and active, moderated discussion forums. SDN membership is free.

Want to read more from this author? Click here to read Saujanya GN's Weblog. Click here to read more about the SAP NetWeaver Platform on SDN.



Rate this Tip
To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchSAP.com.
Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member.




Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED CONTENT
SAP NetWeaver
Top 10 SAP tips of 2007
Retrieve BI data with Web Services
Eliminate database read/write times with ABAP shared memory
XI: Search through the payload of a message... without TREX!
Using Folders in PI 7.1
User management with SAP NetWeaver Administrator
Business process platform creation for healthcare, part 2
Business process platform creation for healthcare
How to acquire the runtime information of a data transfer process (DTP)
A process runtime dashboard for tracking efficiency

SAP best practices
Increase column width in a transaction screen
Select Text fields: Case-insensitive
Finding BADIs you can use
Updating an RT table entry in SAP HR Payroll -- without the ADDWTE option
Is this the quickest way to find a BADI?
Adding custom fields for retail product comparisons in SAP BW
ABAP Objects in SAP Workflow to provide improved performance
Top 10 SAP tips of 2007
Retrieve BI data with Web Services
Eliminate database read/write times with ABAP shared memory

SAP HR (human resources) module
SAP HR training tutorial
Information technology skills for the SAP HR developer
Managing employees with SAP HR
SAP HR reporting tips and techniques
The difference between an SAP system and a non-SAP system
SAP ERP HCM wins out over PeopleSoft thanks to ROI
SAP ABAP development quiz
Updating an RT table entry in SAP HR Payroll -- without the ADDWTE option
SAP LSO course type error
Modifying customer-specific personnel change requests

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.



NetWeaver SAP White Papers
HomeNewsTopicsBlogsTipsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersProducts
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2008, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
SearchSAP.com is a search service provided by TechTarget and is completely
independent of and not affiliated with SAP AG.
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts