are you able to check in R/3? does it work there Please check if the pernr grouping is correctly maintained and is assigned to HRFOR check the variant works in backend for payroll program 1. HRFOR - This feature decides whether to use HRFORMS or CEDT forms (configured in PE51) for the payslip. If HRFORMS, the name of HRFORM has to be mentioned here. If PE51 needs to be used then $CEDT$ should be specified. 2. EDTIN - This should hold the value of the variant to be executed in the CEDT program (payslip program). The variant should be proper with the with the correct CEDT (payslip) form name and other parameters. 3. EDPDF - The name of the smartform (standard smartform HR_ESS_PAYSLIP_TO_PDF or customer specific form) used to show the output in the ESS.
follow this check the note steps 1592562 - ESS Payslip troubleshooting