In an SAP payroll schema, which function is used to import data from the Absences infotype into payroll processing?

Introduction / Context:
Payroll schemas in SAP HR consist of a sequence of functions that read, process, and write different kinds of data during a payroll run. Each function has a specific purpose, such as importing infotype data, processing internal tables, or performing calculations. Absences recorded in SAP Time Management or HR must be considered in payroll, for example for unpaid leave, sick pay, or holiday pay. This question asks you to identify which payroll function is used in the schema to import data from the Absences infotype into payroll processing.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- We are dealing with SAP payroll schemas, which use functions like PAB, PIT, and P0015.
- Absences are stored in a dedicated infotype, typically 2001 (Absences).
- Payroll must read absence data to determine pay reductions or replacements depending on rules and country-specific legislation.
- The question asks which function imports Absences infotype data into payroll.

Concept / Approach:
SAP payroll schemas use a family of functions starting with "P" to read HR infotype data. For example, P0015 reads infotype 0015 (Additional Payments). Similarly, PAB is the function that reads Absences infotype data (such as infotype 2001) into payroll. Once the data is imported, other functions and rules can evaluate the absence records and create appropriate wage types, reductions, or replacement payments. PIT, by contrast, is used to process internal tables of wage types that have already been imported and generated. RAB, as suggested in the distractor, is not the standard function used for importing absences.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that payroll functions starting with P0xxx often read specific infotypes, and some generic P** functions read types of time or absence data. Step 2: Identify that P0015 is specifically related to reading Additional Payments infotype, not absences. Step 3: Recall that PIT is a processing function used to process wage types in internal tables such as IT or RT, not for direct infotype import. Step 4: Recognise that PAB is the standard payroll function used to import Absences infotype data into payroll, where it can be processed by subsequent rules. Step 5: Conclude that function PAB is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
In a SAP payroll schema (for example, in transaction PE01), you can search for function PAB. You will see it used in places where absence information is required for calculations. The schema documentation for PAB confirms that it reads Absences infotype data and makes it available to payroll for further processing. By contrast, the documentation for PIT explains that it processes wage types according to rules, and P0015 is confirmed as reading Additional Payments infotype. These references verify that PAB is the correct function for importing absence information.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (PIT) is wrong because PIT does not read infotypes; it processes wage types already present in internal tables, applying rules such as valuation and cumulation. Option C (P0015) is incorrect since P0015 is dedicated to reading Additional Payments infotype 0015, which stores one-time payments, not absences. Option D (RAB) is incorrect because it is not the standard function used for importing Absences infotype data in payroll schemas; the distractor name is misleading and does not correspond to the correct import function for absences.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to assume that all P** functions behave similarly, or to guess based on the infotype numbers without checking the function documentation. Another mistake is mixing up schema functions that import data (such as PAB or P0015) with those that process wage types (like PIT). When analysing or modifying payroll schemas, it is essential to understand which functions are responsible for input, processing, and output. Knowing that PAB reads absence data helps you trace how absences affect payroll and where to insert or adjust rules for absence valuation.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Function PAB, which reads Absences infotype data for payroll, because in SAP payroll schemas, PAB is the import function that retrieves absence records from the corresponding infotype so that payroll can correctly apply absence-related rules and calculations.