Why do we need a user ID but not PERNR?

[Former Member]

Hi experts,

I was wondering why we need a user id and not Pernr. shouldn't pernr be enough for login and other stuff.? I can understand that user id is assigned on IT 0105 with subtype 0001. but still what is the need for that. I need to explain this to my client. Please explain.

Thanks,

Pankaj

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

I don't know if there is a one sure shot solution but at one of client I worked, we use User ID for Login and identification.

Employees could get different PERNR's if they were assigned International Assignments.

Also, Employees could get a different PERNR if they decide to switch companies. However, in our case, the User Id remained same...

At another client, we had Concurrent employment, and employee would  get a different PERNR based on the position they were working... But their User ID remains the same...

So I not sure if this answers your question but I hope I gave you an idea on how various clients choose to implement and use PERNR and User ID.

- H

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Thanks Harshal..I think I got my answer. I will wait a little bit to see what others say but your answer looks very convincing.

[Former Member]

If I am understanding your question correctly, there is a need for both.  I mean, you are really talking about 2 different data types between PERNR and user ID, NUMC vs CHAR respectively, to be used in different capacities.  In our case, user ID is used for logging into the various clients, used for assigning authorizations, determining who executes custom programs via ABAP, etc.  PERNR is simply used within HR to identify one employee from the next.  PERNR is assigned when an employee is hired and stays the same throughout their entire lifecycle within our system.  Same can be said with user ID.  Even in the case of rehires, both original PERNR and user ID are retained for the employee.

Hope this helps!