eRAM: Working with Shortcodes

Shortcodes are used for making purchases at U-M, including purchasing animals, equipment and/or other necessities related to eRAM protocols. The eRAM system facilitates the use of Shortcodes by providing functionality to request the use of Shortcodes from other individuals, and the transfer of Shortcodes between protocols.

Within eRAM, Shortcodes can be maintained by a Principal Investigator (PI), or a Shortcode Manager who has been designated by a PI.

View Details of Shortcodes

Manage Shortcodes tab, Shortcode Details list

Use the Manage Shortcodes tab on the PI & Lab Personnel Home Workspace to view the details of Shortcodes available for your use. A Shortcode must be listed on this page in order to be available when purchasing animals or selecting as a Per Diem Shortcode.

PI & Lab Personnel Home workspace, Manage Shortcodes tab
LetterFieldDescription
AShortcode DetailsList of the shortcodes you own or manage.
BUpdate DetailsClick "Update Details" link to view and update information about the shortcode. See the Manage Shortcode Details section of this document for more information.
CShortcodesThe shortcode number.
DOwning PI Last Name/First NameThe last name and first name of the Principal Investigator who owns the Shortcode.
EShortcode Manager First Name/Last NameThe first name and last name of the designated Shortcode Manager.

Manage Shortcodes tab, Available Shortcodes from Other PIs list

Available Shortcodes from Other PIs, letters A-F
LetterFieldDescription
AAvailable Shortcodes from Other PIsList of the shortcodes other PIs have loaned you for use in your own protocols.
BShortcodesThe shortcode number.
COwning PI Last Name/First NameThe last and first name of the Principal Investigator who owns the shortcode.
DThis PIs ProtocolThe protocol for which the PI has authorization to use the shortcode.
ETypeTypes of goods/services the shortcode can be used to purchase.
FAvailable for UseIndicates if the shortcode is currently available to be used in the eRAM system.
GActive in MPathwaysIndicates whether or not the shortcode is currently active in the M-Pathways Financials & Physical Resources system.

Update and Manage Shortcode Details

After clicking Update Details next to a listed shortcode, the Manage Shortcode Details page displays. From this page, you can claim/add and update both valid Shortcodes and Shortcode Managers. You can update the information on your Shortcodes at any time after adding them into eRAM, such as updating its status or service types, linking to your protocols, or adding a billing viewer. 

For further instructions on claiming/adding a shortcode for use in eRAM or how to designate a Shortcode Manager, see the Manage Shortcodes job aid.

Manage Shortcodes Details page fields A - J
LetterFieldDescription
AAddClick Add to enter another shortcode.
BUpdateClick Update to edit the details of an existing shortcode, including authorized protocols and Billing Viewers.
CShortcodeThe shortcode number.
DActive in MPathways?Specifies whether or not the shortcode is currently active in the M-Pathways Financials & Physical Resources system.
EAvailable for Use?Specifies whether or not the shortcode is currently available to use in the eRAM system.
FType(s)Lists what types of goods/services the shortcode can be used to purchase.
GPGN SAPOCProject Grant Number (PGN) Single Administrative Point of Contact (SAPOC) designated in M-Pathways.
HPersons Authorized to Manage ShortcodesClick Browse... to add a Shortcode Manager.
ILast Name / First Name/UniqnameThe last name, first name and uniqname of the individual(s) authorized to manage shortcodes for the PI.
JDelete

Click Delete to remove that person as a Shortcode Manager.

Click OK to save your updates.

Related Resources

Last Updated
Monday, May 5, 2025