CORE HR: SIT and EIT

Oracle Apps provides several unique features that enables the storage of additional data elements that do not find a storage in the seeded Oracle forms. These include Special Information Types (SIT) or Extra Information Types (EIT). Though either one can be used to store data, there are certain peculiarities which an implementation consultant should be aware of. Appropriate choice would make the implementation effective and also enable data security.

The section below addresses some of the key differences between the two

Special Information Types (SIT)
SITs are created from Personal Analysis flexfield, a type of Key Flexfield and are visible across the Business Group
SITs are primarily attached to People related data; can also be used with Jobs, Assignment & Locations
SIT form has a start date and end date associated with the SIT row.
Sometimes, SIT can cause performance issues (though very minor)
SITs have limited security restrictions, thus making them unsuitable for storing sensitive data
The Business thumb rule to be adopted while deciding to go for an SIT is dictated by the nature of the data that is to be stored. Generally individual (personal) data that is not very sensitive can be stored using SIT


Extra Information Types (EIT)
EITs are a type of Descriptive Key Flexfield; can be restricted to specific Responsibility
EIT's can be attached to People, Assignment, Job, Position, Location and Organization (via a classification)
EIT forms do not have start and end dates. If you want to create dated information, then you would have to use two of the EIT flexfield attributes to store this information.
EIT’s can be used at Person, Assignment, Job, Location level etc. related issues (like Bonus, Incentive info etc.) may be created in EIT
EITs don’t have any performance issue
EITs can be tied to a responsibility so that the appropriate population can also access the EITS. Since EITs are a type of DFF’s it can be migrated across instances using a tool like Kintana which is not possible with Key Flexfields, to which SITs belong.

The Business thumb rule to be adopted while deciding to go for an EIT is dictated by the nature of the data that is to be stored. Generally compensation data that is may be of sensitive nature (like Employee Incentive Bonus plans, Stock option data etc.) can be stored using EIT