Reporting Options in SAP R/3 for the HCM ModuleIf you look through the table of contents for this book, you see that the bulk of the chapters are dedicated to the SAP Query tool. That is because it is a very comprehensive, easy-to-use tool with a great deal of functionality compared to the other available tools (for example, the InfoSet (Ad Hoc) Query tool). Table 15.1 compares the SAP reporting tools to assist you in weighing your options for HCM reporting in SAP R/3.
Using the HCM Module at Your OrganizationChapter 1, "Getting Started with the SAP R/3 Query Reporting Tools," includes a section titled "Comparing the Query Tools to Decide Which to Use." That brief section says that the best business practice is to configure and use one main Query tool at your organization to ease support and training considerations and to ensure that your report data is consistent. That section also mentions that the most robust of the SAP query-based reporting solutions is the SAP Query tool. This recommendation that the best end-user reporting solution is the SAP Query tool also holds true for HCM reporting. Your SAP R/3 system comes predelivered with three data sources (logical databases) that can be used for reporting on HR and payroll data from the HCM module. These three logical databases are called PnP, PcH, and PaP. As mentioned earlier, because the SAP Query tool has such robust and comprehensive capabilities, organizations often permit its use by super users or power usersusers who are the savviest of the functional/business experts who utilize the solution. Casual users are often given only transaction codes or shortcuts to execute reports already created by others within the SAP Query tool. I have heard the argument that savvy, trained business folk should use SAP Query, and casual users should use the InfoSet (Ad Hoc) Query tool or the QuickViewer. However, I recommend that an organization select a tool for primary use and train its end users on it. That way, the organization avoids any possible data inconsistencies due to different tool use. I always recommend the use of the SAP Query tool above all other tools because it has the most features and flexibility. |