Position vs. Employee in SAP

In SAP, data related to personnel administration is divided into two categories, Position Data and Employee Data.

1. Position Data includes information associated with the employment position, which may be filled or vacant. The components of position data are:
   • Master Data includes information that defines the position. Master data includes:
     • Position number, position title and job class
     • Employee Subgroup
     • If the position is salaried or hourly
     • Approver relationships, including supervisor, and time, leave, and travel approvers

   • Organizational Unit (Org Unit)

     The term "Org Unit" refers to a sub-part of the organizational structure. An Org Unit number is assigned to each sub-part of the organization and then those org units are organized into a hierarchical structure of reporting relationships. Each position is assigned to an Org Unit that fits within the larger organizational structure.

   • Budget

     Before a person can be hired into a position, UNL identifies funds from which to pay future wages. The source of funding is known as a cost object.

2. Employee Data

   Employee Data is data about the individual employee including:

   • The employee's Personal Information including important addresses, emergency contacts, banking direct deposit information, tax withholding information, and education and professional certifications.
   • Payroll information includes the specific cost center(s) that will be charged for the employee's wages, actual salary that will be paid, and appointment dates (start and end dates)
   • Benefits that the employee is receiving, such as elected health coverage, insurance and savings plans.