Get started using SUMS in 4 quick steps!
Steps Detail (Click to expand)
1. Log into SUMS
2. Join a billing group: Click Billing Groups in the gold menu or this text, search for your PI/Sponsor's BG, Request Entry.
 3. Join Equipment Group: You may either join an Equipment Group directly, similar to the BG method, or you may search for a tool, and the training will first include EG entry procedures before showing tool training.  Click this text to see all equipment groups.
4. Get access to a tool: Once BG & EG requirements are fulfilled, the tool training page will display steps required to gain access to the tool. This may be additional training, requesting access, or manual addition to the tool access list by Equipment Owners. 
Equipment Groups
Total Equipment Groups: 55
SUMS BENEFITS
Visibility
Any department, shared user facility or IRI on campus can enter their equipment and immediately it is searchable by researchers.
Cost
The SUMS framework automates many of the tasks needed for a shared user facility operation to help streamline operations at no cost. 
Reporting
The SUMS system provides equipment and billing reporting abilities to allow equipment group administrators the ability to quickly view who is using their equipment.
 
Automatic Billing
Payments utilizing PeopleSoft project numbers can be automatically sent to the GT Controllers office for processing through SUMS.  For larger equipment groups this can free hours of staff time per billing period.
Equipment Access Control
Physically interlock tools so that only trained and approved researchers can use them and capture this time directly for billing and reporting purposes.
Integration 
The SUMS framework offers a solution for the full life cycle of tool usage from researchers searching for equipment or services, training, billing and processing of payments for this usage all in one framework common across the GT campus.
Training Management 
Within SUMS trainers can configure the requirements for access to equipment including online tests, video's, training sessions and checkoffs.  All researcher  and trainer notification and record keeping is done within the SUMS framework.
 
Safety 
The SUMS system directly interfaces with the GT ORS radiation/laser safety database for instant granting or removal of permission. Along with physically interlocking tools this assures that only trained and authorized researchers can use equipment.
 
 Scheduling/Queue
The SUMS online scheduler allows equipment group personnell to configure scheduling rules for a variety of parameters for researchers scheduling time on their equipment including the ability for schedule requests to require staff approval.  Queue is also available for walk-up type equipment.