Desktop view
Organizations that have adopted cloud-based HR systems like SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central (EC) often still rely on SAP ECC for payroll processing. This hybrid landscape demands high-fidelity, real-time, rule-aware data synchronization between the cloud and the on-premise world.
But this isn’t as simple as sending API calls or importing CSV files. It’s about replicating rich employee lifecycle data, structured across multiple Infotypes, with support for:
Enter SAP’s BIB (Business Integration Builder) framework — a powerful, highly configurable solution for point-to-point HCM master data replication.
Payroll is the single most critical and risk-sensitive area in any SAP deployment. Integrating third-party systems into your payroll processes—without losing control of retroactivity, wage type generation, and deduction accuracy—requires a level of precision that only SAP-native point-to-point integrations can offer.
We dive into Infotype structures, ABAP interface designs, compliance considerations, and how to build integrations aligned with your payroll control record lifecycle.
At its core, point-to-point integration is the direct, tightly coupled connection between SAP and a third-party system, bypassing generic middleware tools. This method:
1. Reduces latency
2. Improves customization
3. Simplifies error handling
4. Aligns closely with payroll and compliance needs
Rather than sending data into a black box middleware, you're in full control—writing ABAP logic that knows exactly which Info type, PA subtype, or Wage Type to manipulate.
1. Data Extraction: Use ABAP programs or LSMW tools to pull employee master data, time punches, deduction records, etc. Accessed from Infotypes like 0002, 0167, 0378, 2010, 2011
2. Transformation: ABAP logic maps SAP internal formats to the vendor’s schema (e.g., Fidelity fixed-width layout, Alight’s ANSI X12)
3. File Generation & Encryption: Generated file stored on the SAP application server or NFS path PGP encryption applied if needed
4. Secure Transmission: Transferred via SFTP using command-line tools or SAP’s own connectivity add-ons
5. Audit Logging: All activity logged via custom Z-tables or application logs (SLG1)
.svg)
Many integration strategies lean on middleware like SAP CPI, Dell Boomi, or Mulesoft. These tools are excellent for generic APIs and JSON/XML transformations—but HR and payroll data demand something more:
%201.svg)
The Business Integration Builder (BIB) is SAP’s native master data mapping engine used to replicate employee records from EC to ECC. It provides:
Delta replication ensures only changed data is sent from EC to ECC. This is achieved via:
1. Data Extraction: Use ABAP programs or LSMW tools to pull employee master data, time punches, deduction records, etc. Accessed from Infotypes like 0002, 0167, 0378, 2010, 2011
2. TransformField Mapping Tables (V_T77SFEC_BIBF): Defines EC → Infotype field relationships
Transformation Templates: Handle conversion logic (e.g., map EC ‘grade’ to SAP ‘job group’)
Filters: Set by country, employment type, event reason
Switches: To allow client-specific logic branching ation: ABAP logic maps SAP internal formats to the vendor’s schema (e.g., Fidelity fixed-width layout, Alight’s ANSI X12)
3. File Generation & Encryption: Generated file stored on the SAP application server or NFS path PGP encryption applied if needed
4. Secure Transmission: Transferred via SFTP using command-line tools or SAP’s own connectivity add-ons
5. Audit Logging: All activity logged via custom Z-tables or application logs (SLG1)
Always sync organizational assignment (IT0001) before syncing basic pay (IT0008). Payroll schemas rely on organizational context to determine wage type rules.
