In SAP HR (HCM), a PCR (Personnel Calculation Rule) is a configurable rule used during payroll processing to interpret and manipulate time data and wage types. PCRs work inside schemas, which define the sequence of payroll operations. PCRs tell the system how to calculate, modify, or generate wage types based on employee data.
What is a PCR in SAP HR?
A Personnel Calculation Rule (PCR) is a logic block that:
- Reads payroll-relevant data (e.g., time data, wage types)
- Evaluates certain conditions
- Performs calculations
- Outputs results to payroll
PCRs determine how time and attendance (such as overtime, absences, substitutions) convert into wage types processed in payroll.
Where are PCRs used?
PCRs are used mainly in:
1️⃣ Time Evaluation (schema: TM00, TM04, etc.):
Used to process:
- Attendance
- Absences
- Overtime calculation
- Breaks
- Quota generation
2️⃣ Payroll (schema: U000, IN00, etc.):
Used to:
- Create or modify wage types
- Perform pay calculations
- Define processing rules for earnings, deductions, and taxes
Structure of a PCR (Personnel Calculation Rule) :
1.Header Section:
- PCR name (3–5 characters)
- Description of the rule
- Documentation (optional but recommended)
2.Three-Column Logic Structure:
Each PCR consists of three columns:
Column 1: Decision / Condition
- Checks what is being processed (e.g., wage type, time type)
- Acts like an IF condition
Column 2: Operation
- SAP payroll/time operation to execute
- Acts like the command or action
Column 3: Result / Value
- Output or value used by the operation
- Could be a wage type, a constant, or a number
3.Lines / Branches:
- PCR contains multiple lines
- Each line represents a “branch” for different conditions
- Branches can be nested based on decision operations
4.Default Line (*):
*indicates a default or "catch-all" case if no other condition matches
5.Use of Subrules (if needed):
- PCR can call other PCRs
- Helps to structure complex logic modularly
6.Schema Integration:
- PCR is executed when called through schema operations like:
- PIT (Process Input Table)
- PRT (Process Time)
- PE02 is used to maintain PCR
7.Output:
- Typically generates/changes wage types or time types
- Results flow to payroll tables (e.g., IT, RT, ZL)
Example checks:
- Wage type
- Time type
- Hours
- Employee subgroup
- Daily program class
How PCRs Work in Payroll Flow:
- Time data flows into the schema.
- Schema calls a PCR using payroll operations like:
- PIT (Process Input Table)
- P2001 (Absence)
- P2010 (Time wage types)
- PCR checks the wage/time type and applies rules.
- Output wage types flow to RT (results table).
Common Operations in PCRs:
OperationPurpose (ADDWT) Add wage type to result table (MULTI) Multiply hours or amounts (DIVID) Divide values(MODIF)Set modifiers (ESG, PSG) ELIMT Eliminate wage types RTE/TRA/NUM Change rate, amount, or number
Summary:
PCR in SAP HR is a flexible rule-building tool used for payroll and time evaluation. It:
- Adjusts wage types
- Calculates overtime/absences
- Applies employee subgroup-specific logic
- Works inside payroll/time schemas
PCRs give companies the ability to tailor payroll processing to unique business rules.