FAQs - Getting Started



What is RIMS

RIMS stands for Research Instrumentation Management System and is the web-based software tool for reserving, tracking, and billing for facilities usage in the Vice President for Research (VPR) division at Penn State.  The system was formerly called Portal (prior to 7/2010) and was developed by a commercial vendor, Versatile, and significantly customized for use by Penn State’s user facilities.


What is the RIMS Launchpad?

The RIMS Launchpad is a web site found at www.rims.psu.edu that serves as a comprehensive starting point for users and prospective users of user research facilities.  From this web page, users can log in and out of RIMS and UFIS as well as access information and resources related to user facilities usage.  An alerts and announcements section on the page is used to share timely information with the research community related to facilities usage.  It is recommended that all users bookmark this page for access to RIMS.


What is UFIS?

UFIS stands for User Facilities Information System and is the web-based data collection system used to collect user and billing project information for entry into RIMS.  Currently, there is not a direct electronic upload of information from UFIS to RIMS; information is manually verified and transferred to appear in RIMS within approximately 24 hours after a user record request is submitted or a billing account PI approval is received.


How do I get a user account for RIMS?

New internal users submit an online request for a RIMS user account via the UFIS system, which can be accessed from the "Need a RIMS Account?" option on the right sidebar of the www.rims.psu.edu page.  A RIMS user account for new external users is established as part of the overall paperwork process that external users go through with the facilities administrative and technical staff to create an external account.


I already have a RIMS user account but I get a "we cannot find you" error message when I try to log in.

If your RIMS user name was not set up to match your Penn State Access Account ID, you will not be able to authenticate successfully to access the system.  E-mail rims@psu.edu to request that your RIMS user name be reset to match your Penn State Access Account ID.


Can I log in with someone else’s user ID and password because mine isn’t working?

No, it is a violation of Penn State Policy AD20 Computer and Network Security to transmit to, share with, or divulge to others your passwords related to computer accounts and network access.   Per Section II of AD20 regarding Responsibilities Related to Access to and Use of Computer and Network Resources for System Users, users are responsible for safeguarding passwords and/or other sensitive access control information related to their own accounts or network access.  Violation of any provision of this policy may result in suspension of access, disciplinary and/or judicial action, initiation of legal action, and requirement of the violator to provide restitution for any improper use of service.


Why is my user profile deactivated?

If you are an internal user, the most likely reason your RIMS user profile has been deactivated is because you are no longer showing up in the Penn State Access Account directory.  That typically indicates an issue with your human resources paperwork or appointment status that you will need to rectify with your advisor or academic department.  Another reason for deactivated user account status may be that you have not had a valid billing project attached to your user profile for an extended period of time.  E-mail rims@psu.edu to ask if and how you can get your user profile switched back to active status.  If you are an external user whose user profile has been deactivated, please e-mail rims@psu.edu for information about reactivating your account (which will most likely include completing updated external account/order paperwork).


How do I change my password for RIMS?

You don’t have a separate password for RIMS because RIMS uses Penn State Web Access for authenticating user credentials.  If you are an internal user with a Penn State Access Account, you would follow the instructions online at https://www.work.psu.edu/password/ to change your Penn State Access Account password.  If you are an external user with a Friends of Penn State Account, you would go to the Friends of Penn State (FPS) web site at https://fps.psu.edu/ and choose the Change Password option in the header.


How do I log out of RIMS?

In the upper right corner of the RIMS screen just below your name and the date/time box, look for three small icons - the far right of which is a small door with a green arrow.  Click on that "exit" door to "exit" the RIMS system.  Then at the Web Access confirmation screen asking if you are sure you want to logout, select the Logout button to release your credentials from the current session.  CAUTION: If you do not logout of Web Access, the next person who uses the computer or terminal to log in will do so under your credentials (and thus, could charge YOUR billing projects for their work).