Account Projection Tools

The tools described below are used by account management staff in sponsored research projections at Purdue University. These standardized tools were launched in March of 2026 and provide a standard, centrally supported format for research account projections.

Account Projection Tool

The Account Projection Tool (APT) is a modern financial planning solution designed to help users confidently forecast account activity, monitor future balances, and support informed decision‑making. Built as an enhancement to existing financial systems, the tool provides a standardized, intuitive way to project expenses while maintaining alignment with underlying financial and payroll data. The APT is the final phase of a multiyear project to redesign and build upon the legacy projection tool, the Account Information Management System (AIMS).

As the university’s primary projection solution, the APT provides a consistent, transparent, and efficient approach to grant projections and reporting. APT is the standard, required tool for individuals responsible for grant projections. Enhancements focused on consistency, accuracy, and the ability to support growing and increasingly complex financial portfolios.

The refreshed interface emphasizes clarity and ease of use. Users can export projections into clean, well‑structured Excel files that are ready for analysis, sharing, and recordkeeping. Improved export formats reduce manual cleanup and make it easier to integrate projections into existing workflows and reporting processes.

More information about full refresh effort can be found below the training and resources information.

New Functionality and Training

The launch of APT includes a new Salary Estimation Calculator, designed to support more accurate and consistent salary projections.

Training for both APT and the Salary Estimation Calculator is scheduled for early March, with additional workshops planned for April. Links to the system and available resources are provided below.

APT Resources:

  • Launch the Account Projection Tool
  • Account Projection Tool Quick Reference Guide
  • Coming soon: Account Projection Tool User Manual
  • Coming soon: Frequently Asked Questions

Salary Calculator Tool

The Salary Calculator Tool is a new separate planning resource designed to help faculty and account managment staff estimate the cost of hiring a new employee and determine whether sufficient funding exists within an account or budget.

The Salary Calculator features a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to enter assumptions, review results, and refine estimates—without requiring advanced financial expertise.

Before initiating a hire, users can model salary scenarios and better understand the financial impact of adding personnel. The tool can produce salary estimates, combined with available budget information, allows faculty to see long term funding impacts and “what if” scenario support. This supports informed conversations, reduces uncertainty, and helps ensure hiring decisions align with available funding.

Coming soon: Link to the Salary Calculator Tool

Research Account Management Tools Redesign Project

The Account Information Management System toolset served campus researchers and account management staff for more than 15 years. As part of the broader PERA launch initiative, a cross-functional group of stakeholders conducted a comprehensive review and redesign of these tools. As a result, AIMS has been rebranded and modernized as the Account Projection Tool.

The project was delivered in three phases:

Phase 1: Research Account Dashboard (RAD)

Phase 1 concluded with the launch of the Research Account Dashboard (RAD), a faculty-focused view that provides access to grant data (both summary and account-level details) as well as faculty discretionary accounts. Key deliverables included improved system performance and a more intuitive user interface. Phase 1 was completed in September 2024.

Phase 2: Legacy Projection Tool Improvements

Phase 2 focused on assessing existing account projection tools (legacy AIMS) used by business office and Sponsored Program Services staff. To address long-standing bottlenecks, the team implemented targeted system modifications that resulted in significant performance improvements. Phase 2 was completed in March 2025.

Phase 3: Standardized Projection Platform

Phase 3 launched in June 2025 with a focus on identifying and delivering a single, standardized projection platform. The resulting tool serves as the university-wide foundation for consistent projections, with the ability to scale to meet future growth. This phase also included the development of training materials and quick reference guides to support users across campus. Phase 3 was completed in March 2026.