What is the difference between PICOF and PECI ?

What is the difference between PICOF and PECI ?

PICOF (Payroll Interface Common Output File)

Captures only "Top of the Stack" (latest/final values).
Excludes reversed/recinded transactions (no audit trail).
Generates a single XML file (all paygroups combined).
Best for: Simple, high-volume payroll runs where only current data matters.

PECI (Payroll Effective Change Interface)

Captures "Full Stack" (all changes, including history).
Handles reversed/recinded transactions (full audit capability).
Generates separate XML files per paygroup.
Best for: Complex payrolls needing traceability (e.g., retro pay, corrections).

Clarified jargon:

Recinded Transactions
Meaning: A payroll transaction that was reversed/canceled (e.g., a bonus paid in error and rolled back).

Key Impact:

PICOF: Ignores recinded transactions (only shows final values).
PECI: Tracks recinded transactions (full audit trail).

Example:

Jan 1: $1,000 bonus (paid)
Jan 5: Bonus recinded (reversed)

PICOF: Shows nothing (net change = $0).
PECI: Shows both payment + reversal.

"Top of the Stack" = latest values only
"Full Stack" = complete transaction history

Added use cases for clarity.

Example Scenario

Employee Action: 10% raise → later 5% deduction.

PICOF Output: Only shows final 5% net increase.

PECI Output: Shows both transactions + timestamps.