Defining Variable Elements

To define variable elements, use the Variables (GP_VARIABLE) and Variables by Category (GP_VARIABLE_BY_CAT) components.

Page Name

Definition Name

Usage

Variable Name Page

GP_PIN

Name the element and define its basic parameters.

Variables - Definition Page

GP_VARIABLE

Define the value of a variable according to the format specified on the Variable Name page.

Variables By Category Page

GP_VARIABLE_BY_CAT

View or update the values of one or more variables within the same category. (Variables are assigned to categories on the Variable Name page.) Up to three Values tabs can appear on this page:

  • The Numeric Values tab displays variables defined with decimal values or monetary values (along with the currency code).

  • The Character Values tab displays variables defined with character values.

  • The Date Values tab displays variables defined with date values.

You can't create or delete variables using this page.

Variables are a means of storing a value and using it later. In situations requiring you to input a value—whether in a formula, in a calculation component, or elsewhere—the system enables you to identify the input as a variable and use the same value repeatedly. Using variables, you can define this value and invoke it anywhere in your formulas and calculations.

Example

On January 1, the batch process resolves three formulas and two earnings using a monetary factor of 20 in their calculations. This factor changes to 25 on April 1. If you assign this factor a format type of numeric, you have to make five effective-dated changes, but if you define this factor as a variable element, you have to make only one effective-dated change for the new factor, 25, to be used anywhere the variable is referenced.

Variables can be defined with any one of the following field formats:

  • Character

    The field length for variables with a character field format is 30 spaces.

  • Date

  • Decimal

    The field length for variables with a decimal field format is 12.6.

  • Monetary

    The field length for variables with a monetary field format can be up to 12.6, depending on the currency code you are using.

  • Pointer

    Variables can be defined with the Element Pointer field format, which enables you to link a variable element to another element. This concept is useful when you use variable elements as components of a formula element to make the formula more generic and applicable to changing situations.

    An element pointer is a means of storing the element number of another element, not the element's actual value. When you use the element pointer variable, the process uses the value of the element pointed to by the element pointer.

Note: When you assign a value to a variable either directly or by means of another element (for example, an array), consider whether the variable can support the assigned value in terms of field length and field format. For example, 50 characters of text should not be assigned to a character variable with a field length of 30 spaces. Similarly, a monetary value should not be assigned to a variable with a character format.

Being data input elements, variables are resolved as they are encountered during batch processing. The resolution of the value equals the value you put in the definition.

If you've selected the Store check box on the Variable Name page, all resolutions of the variable are stored.

Use the Variable Name page (GP_PIN) to name the element and define its basic parameters.

Navigation:

Set Up HCM > Product Related > Global Payroll & Absence Mgmt > Elements > Supporting Elements > Variables > Variable Name

You name every element and define its basic parameters on an Element Name page. All element components in Global Payroll share the same Element Name page (GP_PIN).

Note: For variables that you intend to use as chartfields for the integration with PeopleSoft General Ledger, be sure to select the Store check box on this page. If you don't, the GP_GL_PREP process won't store results for them in the Global Payroll Transaction Interface (GP_GL_DATA) record.

Use the Variables - Definition page (GP_VARIABLE) to define the value of a variable according to the format specified on the Variable Name page.

Navigation:

Set Up HCM > Product Related > Global Payroll & Absence Mgmt > Elements > Supporting Elements > Variables > Definition

This example illustrates the fields and controls on the Variables - Definition page.

Variables - Definition page

Field or Control

Description

Value

Enter the value to assign to this variable.

The type of value that you assign depends on the format type that you designated on the Variable Name page.

Use As Chart Field

Select the Use As Chart Field check box to use the variable element as a ChartField. ChartFields are used by PeopleSoft General Ledger. When you select this check box, the Prompt View field becomes required.

Prompt View

Select the record with which you want to associate this variable. The name of the record appears as a column heading on the GL Mapping page