david's response brings up an interesting question.  i think many of us
are aware of the commercially available software that is often too
inflexible to accommodate our individual institutions' peculiarities;
what we are not aware of are the innovations our colleagues have
developed.  so, my question is: would people be interested in some kind
of forum where those who have created solutions they are willing to
share can do so (along with the underlying code so others could modify
to fit)? would this fit into the era forum?

susan

Higginson, David A wrote:
>
> Evelyn,
>
> I have created an computerized accounting system for grant management,
> which includes electronic requisitions, travel processing and check
> requests. After the requisitioner has entered the items, the account,
> and expense category the system checks the real-time balance for the
> account before the order can be placed. As long as there are funds
> available in the category the requisitioner can submit the order. At
> that time the system determines the approvers based on account and $.
> There is a PI approval (up to three people at different $ levels) and if
> necessary a safety approval (radio active items). Once the approvals
> have been given on-line (notification of pending approval by e-mail
> and/or pop-up notifier) it bounces to our post-award grant specialist
> who checks for compliance with award policies (Policies are on-line and
> can be pulled up on the approval screen). As soon as this approval is
> given the requisition prints directly to the purchasing dept (or
> accounts payable for Check Request and Travel). We were able to cut out
> checks by the account/budget offices (we have two) by making the system
> eliminate the chance for overspend. Our average time Order Entry ->
> Purchasing is 28 minutes, and when requested we can achieve Order Entry
> -> Delivery within 24 hours. This has been very beneficial to us as
> Research is about 1/4 mile from main hospital and university and orders
> previously required significant walking time.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> -David
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Evelyn Ford [mailto:xxxxxx@PGH.AUHS.EDU]
> Sent: Friday, January 30, 1998 3:35 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list RESADM-L
> Subject: Signature Authority
>
> I'd appreciate some info regarding signature authority:  What
> signatures do you require for purchase requisitions, check requests,
> travel documents, etc., after the P.I. (or his/her designee) signs
> off but before the document reaches Accounts Payable, the Purchasing
> Department, or whatever.  Does it have to go through your research
> finance office?  Local (department) administration?
>
> Thanks.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------
> Evelyn J. Ford, Research Administrator
> Center for Neurosciences Research
> Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
> Allegheny Campus, Pittsburgh PA 15212-4772
> voice 412.359.4475
> fax 412.359.4499
> xxxxxx@pgh.auhs.edu

--
Susan B. Burke
Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
Office of Sponsored Programs
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue NE, HMB-S456
Washington, DC 20002