Where Theory Ends and Real Life Begins
You’ve probably heard it before: “Time Management is just configuring a few rules and schemas, then run it.”
But anyone who has faced unprocessed retro calculations, accidentally deleted clusters, or mysterious payroll errors knows: it’s not that simple!
I’m Isabelly Gomes, SAP consultant with over 18 years of experience in Brazil and across Europe.
In this blog, I’ll share what books won’t teach you, but clients expect you to know.
Whether you’re just getting started in SAP Time or you’re managing a team that depends on a stable, transparent process – this post is for you.
Where Theory Ends and Real Life Begins
You’ve probably heard it before: “Time Management is just configuring a few rules and schemas, then run it.”
But anyone who has faced unprocessed retro calculations, accidentally deleted clusters, or mysterious payroll errors knows: it’s not that simple!
I’m Isabelly Gomes, SAP consultant with over 18 years of experience in Brazil and across Europe.
In this blog, I’ll share what books won’t teach you, but clients expect you to know.
Whether you’re just getting started in SAP Time or you’re managing a team that depends on a stable, transparent process – this post is for you.
Where Theory Ends and Real Life Begins
You’ve probably heard it before: “Time Management is just configuring a few rules and schemas, then run it.”
But anyone who has faced unprocessed retro calculations, accidentally deleted clusters, or mysterious payroll errors knows: it’s not that simple!
I’m Isabelly Gomes, SAP consultant with over 18 years of experience in Brazil and across Europe.
In this blog, I’ll share what books won’t teach you, but clients expect you to know.
Whether you’re just getting started in SAP Time or you’re managing a team that depends on a stable, transparent process – this post is for you.
5 Common Mistakes in Time Management Projects (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Deleting data or clusters
Trying to “clean data” using PU00 or RPUDEL20 or RPUP2D10 without full knowledge?
You might end up wiping entire histories and halting payroll.
Tip: Always simulate in a sandbox first. Make sure you fully understand what each action does, and never delete live data without proper backups and version control.
This should be standard practice – but believe me, I’ve seen projects where everyone assumed backups were in place. When disaster struck, the only version available was from months earlier. Tragic. Avoidable.
Better to be sure than to assume. That’s my mantra. But hey – that’s a topic for another post.
2. Not updating break date in Infotype 0003
When you forget the “break point” in IT0003, retro calculations may go too far back or include irrelevant periods, causing unexpected results.
🛠️Make sure the break date is properly maintained and automatically updated in your HR processes.
3. Invalid status in Infotype 0007
If the work schedule status is missing or misconfigured, Time Evaluation may simply ignore the employee, no warning, no error, just silence.
Reminder: Always validate the work schedule status, especially during hiring or internal moves.
4. Retroactive limit misaligned with Payroll
If the Time and Payroll retro limits aren’t in sync, you’ll get inconsistent data, missed adjustments, and major headaches.
Best practice: Align configuration dates across modules and keep them updated regularly.
5. Misused rules, functions, or operators
A single incorrect operation in a schema rule can trigger logic loops, wrong overtime calculations, or missed allowances.
My advice: Break down and test complex rules step-by-step, especially for night work, rotating shifts, or partial time scenarios.
5 Common Mistakes in Time Management Projects (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Deleting data or clusters
Trying to “clean data” using PU00 or RPUDEL20 or RPUP2D10 without full knowledge?
You might end up wiping entire histories and halting payroll.
Tip: Always simulate in a sandbox first. Make sure you fully understand what each action does, and never delete live data without proper backups and version control.
This should be standard practice – but believe me, I’ve seen projects where everyone assumed backups were in place. When disaster struck, the only version available was from months earlier. Tragic. Avoidable.
Better to be sure than to assume. That’s my mantra. But hey – that’s a topic for another post.
2. Not updating break date in Infotype 0003
When you forget the “break point” in IT0003, retro calculations may go too far back or include irrelevant periods, causing unexpected results.
🛠️Make sure the break date is properly maintained and automatically updated in your HR processes.
3. Invalid status in Infotype 0007
If the work schedule status is missing or misconfigured, Time Evaluation may simply ignore the employee, no warning, no error, just silence.
Reminder: Always validate the work schedule status, especially during hiring or internal moves.
4. Retroactive limit misaligned with Payroll
If the Time and Payroll retro limits aren’t in sync, you’ll get inconsistent data, missed adjustments, and major headaches.
Best practice: Align configuration dates across modules and keep them updated regularly.
5. Misused rules, functions, or operators
A single incorrect operation in a schema rule can trigger logic loops, wrong overtime calculations, or missed allowances.
My advice: Break down and test complex rules step-by-step, especially for night work, rotating shifts, or partial time scenarios.
5 Common Mistakes in Time Management Projects (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Deleting data or clusters
Trying to “clean data” using PU00 or RPUDEL20 or RPUP2D10 without full knowledge?
You might end up wiping entire histories and halting payroll.
Tip: Always simulate in a sandbox first. Make sure you fully understand what each action does, and never delete live data without proper backups and version control.
This should be standard practice – but believe me, I’ve seen projects where everyone assumed backups were in place. When disaster struck, the only version available was from months earlier. Tragic. Avoidable.
Better to be sure than to assume. That’s my mantra. But hey – that’s a topic for another post.
2. Not updating break date in Infotype 0003
When you forget the “break point” in IT0003, retro calculations may go too far back or include irrelevant periods, causing unexpected results.
🛠️Make sure the break date is properly maintained and automatically updated in your HR processes.
3. Invalid status in Infotype 0007
If the work schedule status is missing or misconfigured, Time Evaluation may simply ignore the employee, no warning, no error, just silence.
Reminder: Always validate the work schedule status, especially during hiring or internal moves.
4. Retroactive limit misaligned with Payroll
If the Time and Payroll retro limits aren’t in sync, you’ll get inconsistent data, missed adjustments, and major headaches.
Best practice: Align configuration dates across modules and keep them updated regularly.
5. Misused rules, functions, or operators
A single incorrect operation in a schema rule can trigger logic loops, wrong overtime calculations, or missed allowances.
My advice: Break down and test complex rules step-by-step, especially for night work, rotating shifts, or partial time scenarios.
Why am I writing this?
Over time, I’ve developed a personal methodology that focuses on:
- Preventing breakdowns before they happen
- Understanding business impact before touching the configuration
- Bringing clarity to complex retroactive logic
This content is for you, if:
- are leading a team new to SAP Time
- are facing recurring retro issues or user confusion
- or want to optimize and simplify your current time setup
It’s never too late to learn
After all these years in SAP, I’m still learning. And I still love teaching.
This blog is my space to share lessons from the field, insights into logic and processes, and stories that connect tech with real-life impact.
If you enjoyed this post, follow me on socials or subscribe to the newsletter (coming soon!).
If you’re looking for support, collaboration, or just a quick brainstorm about your current system – I’m just a post away 🙂
See you in the next post!
Why am I writing this?
Over time, I’ve developed a personal methodology that focuses on:
- Preventing breakdowns before they happen
- Understanding business impact before touching the configuration
- Bringing clarity to complex retroactive logic
This content is for you, if:
- are leading a team new to SAP Time
- are facing recurring retro issues or user confusion
- or want to optimize and simplify your current time setup
It’s never too late to learn
After all these years in SAP, I’m still learning. And I still love teaching.
This blog is my space to share lessons from the field, insights into logic and processes, and stories that connect tech with real-life impact.
If you enjoyed this post, follow me on socials or subscribe to the newsletter (coming soon!).
If you’re looking for support, collaboration, or just a quick brainstorm about your current system – I’m just a post away 🙂
See you in the next post!
Why am I writing this?
Over time, I’ve developed a personal methodology that focuses on:
- Preventing breakdowns before they happen
- Understanding business impact before touching the configuration
- Bringing clarity to complex retroactive logic
This content is for you, if:
- are leading a team new to SAP Time
- are facing recurring retro issues or user confusion
- or want to optimize and simplify your current time setup
It’s never too late to learn
After all these years in SAP, I’m still learning. And I still love teaching.
This blog is my space to share lessons from the field, insights into logic and processes, and stories that connect tech with real-life impact.
If you enjoyed this post, follow me on socials or subscribe to the newsletter (coming soon!).
If you’re looking for support, collaboration, or just a quick brainstorm about your current system – I’m just a post away 🙂
