Creating Variables

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to create Variables in SAP SuccessFactors Incentive Management.

Variables

Variables are placeholders used in a rule in place of a territory, fixed value, rate table or lookup table. Without variables, you would have to create a separate rule whenever one position uses a different value than another.

Let’s look at an example of the use of variables in a plan. In the image below, we have a single compensation plan with a set of rules. Our two sales reps, Terry and Amy, can both use the plan even though each has different territories, rates, and bonus amounts. We do this by inserting variables in the rules, where they act as placeholders.

A diagram showing how a single plan can have different territories, rate tables, and fixed values for different sales reps by using variables as placeholders in the plan.

Use the following steps to include variables in your plans:

  1. Create or import compensation elements such as variables and fixed values.
  2. Create a variable for each type of compensation element.
  3. Add the variable in place of the compensation element in the rules.
  4. Assign the variable to a compensation element on the plan, title or position level in the compensation plan details.

Exercise: Create Variables

Business Example

In this exercise, you will use Variables as placeholders for Territories, Fixed Values, and Rate Tables in our plan. We will need a Variable for each type of Compensation Element we created previously, using the following table as a guide.

 TypeVariableDefault
Sales TerritoryTerritoryTV_Sales_TerritoryNone
Quarterly BonusFixed ValueFVV_Quarterly_BonusNone
Commission RatesRate TableRTV_Comm_RatesRT_Commission_Rates
ExerciseStart Exercise

Steps

  1. Create a Territory Variable.

    1. From the Compensation Elements menu, select Variables.

    2. Select the Create icon.

    3. Select Territory in the Type drop down menu.

    4. Leave the default effective dates.

    5. Choose OK.

    6. Enter TV_Sales_Territory for the Variable Name.

    7. ChooseCreate.

  2. Create the Fixed Value Variable for the Quarterly Bonus:

    1. Select the Create icon.

    2. Select Fixed Value in the Type drop down menu.

    3. Leave the default effective dates.

    4. Choose OK.

    5. Enter FVV_Quarterly_Bonus for the Variable Name.

    6. Set the Return Type to Currency.

    7. Leave all other fields at the default.

    8. Choose Create.

  3. Create the Rate Table Variable for the commission rates and set it to default to the Rate Table we created previously.

    1. Select the Create icon.

    2. Select Rate Table in the Type drop down menu.

    3. Leave the default effective dates.

    4. Choose OK.

    5. Enter RTV_Comm_Rates for the Variable Name.

    6. Set both the Input Type and Return Type to Percent.

    7. In the Default field, select RT_Commission_Rates.

    8. Select Create.

Best Practices for Variables

  • Always set a default for each variable.
  • If you don’t have a default compensation element, create a "dummy" element with a null or false value and set this as the default.
  • Always use a variable in a rule instead of referencing the compensation element directly. This will make your plans more scalable.

Summary

  • Variables are placeholders that can be used in rules in place of Territories, Fixed Values, Rate Tables, or Lookup Tables.
  • They provide flexibility, allowing one rule to accommodate different positions, territories, rates, and bonuses.
  • To use variables, create or import Compensation Elements and create a Variable for each one.

Learning

SAP FacebookSAP YoutubeSAP LinkedIn