Subunits of an infotype.
Subtypes are used to subdivide infotype records. They subdivide infotype data by subject matter, which makes it easier for you to access and manage information, or to assign different control features (such as time constraints) to different subtypes. You can also create separate histories for each subtype.
Example
You create the following address types in infotype
Addresses
(0006):
Permanent residence
(subtype 1)
Temporary residence
(subtype 2)
Home address
(subtype 3)
Because different addresses may be current at the same time, you must choose time constraint 3 for infotype
Addresses
(0006). However, because a record of permanent residence must always exist, time constraint 1 must be used for this subtype. A home address, on the other hand, is not absolutely essential and only one can exist once at any one time, so time constraint 2 is appropriate.
Because the relevant entry screens and check logics are identical irrespective of the address type, there is no point creating one infotype per address type.
Subtypes enable you to take account of the various time characteristics of different infotypes. You specify a time constraint for each subtype, irrespective of the other subtypes.
Other examples of infotypes with subtypes are:
Recurring Payments and Deductions
and
Additional Payments
.
Subtypes do not represent a level below infotypes. Instead, infotypes are divided into subtypes, each of which represents a different category of infotype with its own time characteristics.
The entry screens of individual subtypes may differ one from the other.
Note
You can assign authorizations on a subtype basis.