1 System Conventions
This page provides definitions for the page validation/message symbols as well as information on searching, filtering, and sorting.
1.1 Page Validation/Message Symbols
Symbol | Denotes |
| Rigid Validation: When an error proceeded by the red X icon is displayed, data must be corrected before the system can save the page content. |
Types of Messages
The conventions for messages generated by PAMS are listed below. Symbols used as part of these conventions are designed to convey system messages consistently and to provide you with a richer user experience.
Symbol | Denotes | ||
 | Critical Error. This kind of error must be corrected for the system to save your data. If one or more errors of this kind appear on the page and are not corrected, the system will not save the data entered after the last successful saveallow you to proceed. Example: Entering “two” in a field where a numeric value (“2” is called for produces a Critical Error.) is required will produce a rigid validation. Also, not providing data in a required field displays a rigid validation. | ||
| Non-rigid Validation: When an error proceeded by the red yield sign is display, there is an issue with the data entered on the page. You can still save the data, however, I the data isn’t corrected, the system won’t move the status to “Completed”. Example: Entering no information in a field where data entry is required may produce a non-rigid validation. |  | Regular Error. This kind of error will let you save the information entered. However, if one or more errors of this kind appear on a page and are not corrected, the system will not change the status of the page to “Completed.” If these errors occur while updating the budget sheet on a proposal, for instance, the budget sheet will not be marked as complete and you will not be able to submit the proposal. |
Example: Entering no information in a field where data entry is required may produce a Regular Error. |  | Exception. This symbol denotes Warning: When an error proceeded by the yellow yield sign with an exclamation point is displayed there is either a discrepancy or inconsistency in the information entered. Such errors must be corrected or justified. | |
 | Information. This symbol designates a note containing important information regarding your document or report. | ||
 | Success Message. This symbol appears when a particular process has been executed successfully, such as when information is saved or submitted.. |
Using Search Fields
Some search fields have a search requirement similar to the following:
Institution Name like: Enter the Institution Name or at least a part of it.
The word like, as used here, means that if you are uncertain of the exact name of the institution (or whatever you are searching for), you can enter a part of the name of the institution you are searching for. For example, if you know that “Water” is part of the institution name (as in Waterfield Company or Waterman University), enter “water” in the search field and click Search. The system searches for and pulls up all institutions with “water” as part of the institution name.
| Note: When the blue box with the “i” is displayed the following message will provide information about the page you are viewing. The information may help you complete the action or task you are accessing. |
| Success Message: The green check mark indicates success. The success message is generally displayed when you have completed an action or task. |
1.2 System Icons
1.2.1 Icons to be used in the Context Menu.
Icon | Definition |
| Action History |
| Attachments |
| Emails |
| Folders |
| |
| Popup |
| Remove |
| TOC |
| Update/Edit |
1.2.2 Icons to be used for the messages on the top of the page.
Icon | Definition |
| Success |
| Confirmation |
| Error |
| Note |
| Warning |
1.2.3 Icons to be used in the floating tool bar.
Icon | Definition |
| Save |
| Save and Continue |
| Continue |
| Cancel |
| Mark as Complete |
| Submit |
| Export to Excel |
| Export to Word |
| View Links |
| Other Actions |
| Close Window |
1.2.4 Other Icons
Icon | Definition |
| Create New |
| Tooltip Help |
| Update/Edit |
1.3 Using Search Fields
When accessing data in PAMS, you may find that too many items are displayed and it is difficult to find the item you want to work with, whether it is a proposal, award, or even an institution.
Clicking the Search link above the grid on the list page will display your Search filters. The Basic Search Parameters are the most common search fields. By clicking on Advanced Search Parameters will allow you to enter additional search parameters.
You can enter one or multiple search field. Once you have entered the desired search criteria click Search to narrow your displayed results.
You can also save your Search, by entering a Search Name and clicking Save Parameters.
Search parameters change from page to page.
1.4 Using Filters
Another way to narrow your list page results is by using the Filters included in the grid.
Text fields require that you enter text, click the filter icon, and select the appropriate option as seen below.
Date fields require that you enter a date, you can use the calendar provided to select the date. Once the date is entered click the filter icon and select the appropriate option as seen below.
Dropdown filters include a list of options to select from. The selectable values will change from page to page. Below you see the example from the My Awards page.
If you apply filters you and want to remove them, click the Clear filters link above the grid.
This search method also works for numbers if like is a search option. For example, if you know that part of a solicitation number includes “FOA,” enter “FOA” only in the search field and click Search.