Infotype data is generally coded as a key (for example, infotype P0006, address type 1 = permanent residence) to allow fast data entry and space-saving storage. When you process infotypes, the texts or attributes of the keys are read from the relevant control tables.

In many control tables, storage of data is time-dependent and therefore assigned a validity period.

In HR, this applies to the following areas:

• Work schedules
• Pay scale structures
• Wage types
• Wage type valuation
• Bank data
• Positions
• Payee codes

When you read the data for an infotype key from time-dependent control tables, you must determine which record is valid in the specified validity period.

If you use a transaction to process an infotype, the system reads the table record which is valid on the start date.