In SAP the concept of Infotypes is unique to the HR environment. Infotypes are a group of related data fields which usually appear as an entry screen for the user. They have an associated database table and time dependent storage i.e. start and end dates associated with each record. This can lead to a high volume of records as time progresses but allows for different records to be valid at different times.
There are number ranges identifying specific infotype areas and unique function modules, classes, macro modules and commands to retrieve the data held there.
Logical databases which provide specialist selection screens, data retrieval and authorisation checks are routinely used. This aids the efficiency and consistency of data retrieval.
To further aid that efficiency, data is held in clusters and retrieved via commands designed to keep buffering and database access times to a minimum.
There is also a specific HR form editor for designing payroll related forms.