PURE (Elsevier) - Detailed Review
Research Tools
PURE (Elsevier) - Product Overview
Introduction to PURE (Elsevier)
PURE, developed by Elsevier, is a Research Information Management System (RIMS) or Current Research Information System (CRIS) that plays a crucial role in managing and analyzing research data within academic and research institutions.
Primary Function
The primary function of PURE is to centralize and manage data related to research activities, allowing institutions to track, analyze, and report on various aspects of their research output. This includes managing research profiles, repositories, and the full research lifecycle, from grant applications to publication and impact assessment.
Target Audience
The target audience for PURE includes research managers, administrators, and researchers within academic and government research institutions, as well as corporate research labs. It is particularly useful for those responsible for overseeing and managing research activities, ensuring compliance, and making strategic decisions based on high-quality data.
Key Features
Data Model and Integration
PURE uses a core data model that supports various content types and is designed to integrate seamlessly with other institutional systems, ensuring consistent and high-quality data.
Modular Design
The system has a modular design that covers the entire research lifecycle, including grant management, publication tracking, and impact analysis.
Configurable Workflows
PURE offers highly configurable workflows to validate data, ensuring accuracy and compliance. It also includes role-based access control to manage user permissions and data visibility.
Reporting and Dashboards
The system provides comprehensive reports and dashboards for all data, facilitating easy analysis and decision-making. It also includes a dedicated module for preparing REF (Research Excellence Framework) submissions.
Search and Export Capabilities
PURE features a powerful frontend portal search using the Elsevier Fingerprint Engine™. Users can export data in various formats such as JSON, XML, BibTeX, and Excel, and also produce reports in PDF, Word, Excel, and HTML formats.
Customization and Branding
The system allows for customization, including data synchronization from other systems, configurable classifications, and branding options to match the institution’s identity.
Single Sign-On and API
PURE supports single sign-on integration and provides an API for data extraction and integration with other systems, ensuring smooth data management and transition at the end of a contract.
By providing these features, PURE helps institutions streamline their research management processes, reduce administrative burdens, and make informed strategic decisions based on accurate and comprehensive data.
PURE (Elsevier) - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of PURE
The user interface of PURE, a research information management system by Elsevier, is designed with several key features to enhance ease of use and overall user experience.
Customizable Dashboard
One of the significant enhancements to the user interface is the introduction of a customizable dashboard. This dashboard serves as the first point of contact for users when they log in, akin to a hotel lobby that guides users to relevant areas. It is highly customizable, allowing different user roles (such as researchers, librarians, and department heads) to select widgets that are most relevant to their tasks. For example, a researcher might prefer widgets related to their own research, CV, or portal profile, while a librarian might focus on editing tools and data quality reports.
Role-Based Access and Workflows
PURE features role-based access control, which ensures that users see only the data and functionalities relevant to their roles. The system also includes highly configurable workflows that help validate data and streamline processes. This modular design covers the full research life cycle, making it easier for users to manage their tasks efficiently.
Search and Filtering
The user interface includes powerful search and filtering options. Users can type in search terms, use boolean operators, or employ advanced search features to find specific content. The system also allows for sorting and filtering content, with the ability to save frequently used filters for future use. Additionally, users can export listed items in various formats.
Accessibility and Support
PURE is designed to be accessible, adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 standards. The system is screen reader friendly and compatible with tools like JAWS, NVDA, and Apple’s VoiceOver. Most controls and features can be operated using the keyboard, enhancing usability for all users. The system also offers comprehensive support, including a self-service environment, online documentation, and access to a global team of product specialists.
User-Friendly Portal
The PURE Portal is accessed via a web browser and allows institutions to control what content is displayed internally and externally. The portal is templated but can be customized to match the institution’s branding, including logos, colors, and messaging. This customization helps in creating a familiar and welcoming environment for users.
Implementation and Training
The implementation process for PURE includes a comprehensive onboarding program with orientation calls, execution plans, and access to informative tools and help desk support. This ensures that users can quickly get started and maximize the value of the system. Additional resources such as toolkits and in-product guides are available to support users in using the system effectively.
Overall, the user interface of PURE is designed to be intuitive, customizable, and supportive, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and enhance the efficiency and visibility of research activities. The system’s focus on user feedback and continuous improvement ensures that it remains aligned with the needs of its diverse user base.
PURE (Elsevier) - Key Features and Functionality
Key Features and Functionality of PURE (Elsevier)
Data Integration and Management
PURE is an interoperable and open Research Information Management System (RIMS) or Current Research Information System (CRIS) that allows institutions to manage inbound and outbound data securely and automatically. It integrates with various data sources, including Elsevier’s Scopus, Funding Institutional, Digital Commons, Newsflo, Funding Database, InCites, Journals API, JUFO, and PubMed Central. This integration enables the collection, de-duplication, authentication, linking, and sharing of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of research activities.AI-Driven SDG Mapping
PURE utilizes AI through a trained machine learning algorithm to map research outputs to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The process involves:- A text-based search on the title and abstract to match SDGs.
- Building a term frequency/inverse document frequency matrix from the submitted text.
- Using a logistic regression model to estimate the probability that the award title and abstract match each SDG. This helps in identifying and highlighting research contributions aligned with global sustainability goals.
Fingerprint Engine
The Elsevier Fingerprint Engine is a key feature of PURE that uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to mine the text of scientific documents, such as publication abstracts, funding announcements, awards, and project summaries. It creates indexes of weighted terms, known as “fingerprints,” which help institutions find valuable connections among people, publications, funding opportunities, and ideas. This engine supports applications across multiple subject areas, including life sciences, engineering, Earth and environmental sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and agriculture.Research Visibility and Reporting
PURE provides tools to enhance research visibility and streamline reporting processes. It offers complete research visibility through connected internal and external reporting on research activity and compliance. This helps institutional leaders, research managers, and library professionals to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of research productivity and compliance. The system also supports the generation of actionable insights through connected and accurate reporting on real-time research activity.Security and Compliance
PURE is certified under ISO/IEC 27001:2013 policies, standards, and guidelines, ensuring that the system’s administrative, physical, and technical safeguards protect institutional information. This certification guarantees a high level of security and reliability, which is crucial for managing sensitive research data.Collaboration and Workflow Management
The platform facilitates collaboration among various research teams by providing organized overviews of research activity data. It enables precise tracking of the entire funding lifecycle and various research milestones by supporting multiple project workflows. This helps in maintaining connectivity between multiple research teams and streamlining grant applications and research outputs.Decision-Making and Institutional Performance
PURE helps institutions drive performance and results by providing a cohesive research ecosystem. It capitalizes on funding opportunities by offering clear visibility into workflow activity and milestones. The system also demonstrates global impact through quantitative and qualitative indicators interlinked with research output, which is essential for informing decision-making and allocating resources effectively.Integration with Other Tools
PURE integrates seamlessly with other Elsevier solutions, such as SciVal, to provide a comprehensive understanding of research positioning and impact. This integration allows institutions to showcase researcher profiles with metrics from SciVal, enhancing the visibility and credibility of the research conducted. By combining these features, PURE offers a comprehensive platform for managing research information, enhancing decision-making, and promoting institutional excellence. PURE (Elsevier) - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
PURE is widely used in academic institutions for managing and reporting research activities. Here are some of its performance highlights:
- Comprehensive Data Management: PURE collects and integrates a broad range of research data, including publications, grants, collaborations, and research impact. This makes it a valuable tool for research management and reporting.
- Accessibility and Usability: The system is web-based and accessible from anywhere, which enhances its usability for researchers and administrative staff. It also allows for the creation of automated CVs and links to other profiles like Orcid.
- Reporting and Analytics: PURE provides reporting capabilities through APIs, although there have been criticisms about the difficulty in using these APIs and the limitations in direct access to the database. The reporting module is being enhanced, but it still requires some coding experience.
Accuracy and Limitations
Despite its strengths, PURE has several limitations and areas for improvement:
- Reporting Challenges: The reporting functionality in PURE is often criticized for being cumbersome. Users have noted that it requires coding experience and that the API structure, while similar to Scopus, can be challenging to work with.
- Collection Management: PURE does not handle collections well, which is a significant limitation for institutions with extensive digital archival and research collections. This often necessitates the use of separate systems like ExLibris Alma/Primo VE.
- Ethics and Compliance: PURE has a basic Ethics record module, but it may not fully cater to the ethics requirements of all institutions. Additionally, there have been issues with compliance with open access mandates, such as those from ARC/NHMRC.
- Preservation: The system does not support versioning of documents and relies on third-party preservation systems. This raises concerns about the long-term preservation of research data.
- Metadata Editing: While PURE now allows editing of metadata records imported from Scopus, there are still limitations in bulk editing certain fields, which can be problematic for maintaining accurate records.
User Experience and Institutional Impact
- Managerial Focus: PURE is often criticized for being marketed and designed primarily for research managers, focusing on metrics like productivity and output volume. This can lead to reductive and bias-ridden inferences about academic performance.
- Surveillance and Productivity Tracking: The system’s emphasis on tracking metrics and targets can be seen as a form of corporate surveillance, which may not align with the values of all academic institutions.
Areas for Improvement
- Enhanced Reporting and Analytics: Improving the reporting module to make it more user-friendly and accessible without requiring coding skills would significantly enhance the system’s performance.
- Better Support for Collections: Developing capabilities to handle collections and digital archives would make PURE more versatile for institutions with diverse research outputs.
- Compliance and Ethics: Ensuring full compliance with open access mandates and enhancing the Ethics module to meet the varied needs of different institutions is crucial.
- Preservation Strategies: Integrating robust preservation strategies, including versioning of documents, would improve the system’s ability to maintain long-term records accurately.
In summary, while PURE is a powerful tool for managing research information, it has several limitations that need to be addressed to improve its performance and accuracy. These include enhancing reporting capabilities, better handling of collections, ensuring compliance with ethics and open access mandates, and improving preservation strategies.
PURE (Elsevier) - Pricing and Plans
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The pricing for PURE is not presented in traditional tiers like many other software products. Instead, the cost is often evaluated based on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A study by Knowledge E, an independent consulting company, compared the TCO of using PURE versus building a DIY (do-it-yourself) solution. Here are some findings:
- For small institutions (≤ 200 research active staff members), the TCO for using PURE is generally lower than for DIY solutions. For example, PURE can reduce the equivalent full-time employees (FTE) needed for maintenance and support compared to DIY solutions.
- For large institutions (≥ 3000 research active staff members), PURE also shows a significant TCO advantage. The study indicates that PURE can reduce the FTE requirements substantially compared to DIY solutions.
Implementation and Hosting Costs
The cost of implementing PURE includes several factors:
- Implementation Costs: These can vary but are typically part of the initial setup. Elsevier provides a comprehensive onboarding process, including orientation calls, execution plans, and access to informative tools and help desk support.
- Hosting Costs: PURE is hosted as a full software-as-a-service cloud solution, either on Amazon Web Services (AWS) globally or Aliyun in China. This includes automatic and scheduled upgrades, which can affect the overall cost.
Features and Support
While there are no explicit tiers, the features and support provided by PURE are comprehensive:
- Comprehensive Toolkit: Includes on-campus toolkits and in-product guides to help institutions implement and use PURE effectively.
- Customer Support: Access to a global team of product specialists, self-service environment, and ongoing support through live training sessions and dedicated consultants.
- Certification Program: A free online certification program for PURE administrators to enhance their skills.
Free Options
There are no free versions of the PURE system available for general use. However, institutions can benefit from free resources such as the PURE Certification Program and various support tools and guides provided by Elsevier.
Customization and Scalability
The cost can also be influenced by the specific needs of the institution, such as the number of research active staff members and the complexity of the implementation. Elsevier works closely with institutions to customize the implementation and ensure it meets their specific requirements.
Summary
In summary, while PURE does not have traditional pricing tiers, its cost is evaluated based on TCO, implementation, and hosting costs. The system offers comprehensive features and support, but there are no free versions available for general use.
PURE (Elsevier) - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Pure, Elsevier’s Research Information Management System (RIMS), is designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of other tools and systems, enhancing its utility and versatility.ORCID Integration
Pure supports integration with ORCID, allowing institutions to manage and update researchers’ ORCID records automatically. This includes asserting the organization to the researchers’ ORCID records, importing data from ORCID to Pure, and updating Pure records with ORCID metadata. It also enables the addition of works to the researchers’ ORCID records and the insertion of links to their public Pure portal pages.Repository Integration
Pure can integrate with various repository systems such as EPrints and DSpace. This integration allows for the transfer of research outputs, including full text files and metadata, from Pure to the repository. The system ensures that Pure remains the single entry point for modifying data, and it provides filters to control when and how data is synchronized, such as visibility filters, workflow filters, and publication status filters.Funding and Grant Management
Pure integrates with Elsevier’s Funding Institutional, supporting the full funding lifecycle. This includes managing grant applications, awards, and project tracking, which helps institutions monitor the grant lifecycle effectively.Data Import and Export
Pure offers interoperable solutions that allow data to be imported from and exported to various external sources. It supports web services using SOAP, REST, and OAI interfaces, with both XML and JSON output formats. The API enables the extraction and population of data in Pure, with access controlled using API keys.Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Web Browser Compatibility
Pure is accessible via a web browser interface and is compatible with major browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. This ensures that users can access the system from various devices without compatibility issues.Mobile Devices
While Pure is not specifically designed for use on mobile devices, its web-based interface makes it accessible from any device with a web browser, although it may not be optimized for mobile use.Accessibility
Pure adheres to accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549. The system is tested annually to ensure it is screen reader friendly and compatible with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and Apple’s VoiceOver. Most controls and features are operable using the keyboard, enhancing accessibility.Single Sign-On and Authentication
Pure supports single sign-on integration and can be configured to authenticate users using SAML2-based authentication mechanisms. This ensures secure and convenient access for users. In summary, Pure is highly integrable with various systems and tools, and it maintains a high level of compatibility across different platforms and devices, ensuring it can be used effectively in a variety of institutional settings. PURE (Elsevier) - Customer Support and Resources
Support Channels
Email or Online Ticketing
You can raise support requests via email or the online ticketing system. This allows you to report issues and track the status of your support tickets.
Phone Support
Phone support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate assistance for urgent issues.
Customer Success Manager
In addition to the help desk, you have access to a Customer Success Manager who ensures you are using PURE optimally and assists with any concerns that are not issues for the support desk.
Response Times
The support response times are categorized based on the severity of the issue:
Category A (Critical defect with no workaround)
Response within 4 hours during help desk hours.
Category B (Critical defect with workaround)
Response within 2 working days.
Category C (Non-critical defect with no workaround)
Response within 4 working days.
Category D (Non-critical defect with workaround)
Response within 8 working days.
Additional Resources
Service Documentation
PURE provides service documentation in HTML format, which can be useful for troubleshooting and learning about the product.
End-of-Contract Data Extraction
At the end of your contract, you can extract your data using the Pure Web Service API, allowing you to retrieve your data in machine-readable formats. Elsevier also provides guidance on the migration strategy and timeline.
Help Center
The Pure Help Center is available for Pure Administrators, where they can find articles and submit feedback or requests for new articles. General users should contact their local Pure Administrators for assistance.
Global Support
The help desk is based in multiple locations, including the USA, Denmark, and Singapore, ensuring that you receive the best possible service and response times regardless of your location.
These resources and support channels are designed to help you use PURE efficiently and address any issues you may encounter.
PURE (Elsevier) - Pros and Cons
Advantages of PURE (Elsevier)
Efficiency and Time Savings
PURE significantly streamlines research management processes, freeing up time for administrative and faculty staff. It automates data sourcing and integrates multiple facets of research activity, reducing the administrative burden and allowing institutions to focus on strategic decisions.
Comprehensive Data Management
The system brings all research information onto a single, secure platform, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility. It combines information from various sources, resolving issues of incomplete, conflicting, or incompatible data. This integration helps in maintaining complete reporting on connected research activities and compliance.
Enhanced Collaboration
PURE facilitates collaboration among different research teams by providing organized overviews of research activity data. It supports multiple project workflows, enabling precise tracking of the entire funding lifecycle and various research milestones.
Improved Decision Making
The system generates actionable insights through connected and accurate reporting on real-time research activity. This helps research administrators, researchers, and librarians make informed decisions based on evidence-based data.
Increased Funding Opportunities
PURE helps institutions provide more information around the impact of their research, thereby improving their prospects for future funding opportunities. The Award Management module, for example, aids in the grant management process and records the successes of the research performed.
Security and Reliability
The system is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring a high level of security and reliability. It manages complex security structures based on global best practices and continuous software development.
Institutional Visibility
PURE boosts institutional visibility by providing compelling stories, vibrant public profiles, and tailored views of the institution’s research activities. This is particularly beneficial for annual reporting and ad hoc analyses.
Disadvantages of PURE (Elsevier)
Cost Considerations
While PURE offers significant advantages, it may come with a higher total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to DIY solutions, although it is noted that PURE can provide a 70% added value over DIY systems. The cost-benefit analysis can vary depending on the institution’s specific needs and resources.
Implementation and Operational Costs
The initial implementation and operational costs for PURE can be substantial. However, the system can help reduce these costs over time through efficiencies and streamlined processes.
Dependency on External Support
Institutions may need to rely on external technical support provided by Elsevier, which could be a drawback for those preferring internal control over their systems. However, this support is also seen as a benefit by many users.
Customization Limitations
While PURE offers flexibility and customization options, some institutions might find that it does not fully meet their unique needs, particularly if they require highly customized solutions.
In summary, PURE offers substantial benefits in terms of efficiency, data management, collaboration, and decision-making, but it also involves costs and potential dependencies on external support that institutions need to consider.
PURE (Elsevier) - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing PURE by Elsevier with Other Research Management and AI-Driven Research Tools
Unique Features of PURE
- Comprehensive Research Management: PURE is a robust research information management system that helps institutions manage data about research, including research profiles, repositories, and the full research life cycle. It integrates with Elsevier’s Funding Institutional, supporting the entire funding lifecycle.
- Advanced Data Model and Integration: PURE has a robust data model that supports core content types and is interoperable, making it easy to integrate with other systems. It also features configurable workflows for data validation and role-based access control.
- Powerful Search and Reporting: The system uses the Elsevier Fingerprint Engine™ for powerful frontend portal search capabilities and provides reports and dashboards for all data. It also includes a dedicated assessment module for preparing REF submissions.
- Expert Networking and Visibility: PURE scans and analyzes scientific documents to create detailed indexes of weighted concepts, mapping experts’ networks and collaborations within and outside the institution. This enhances the visibility of researchers and their work.
Potential Alternatives
Quantilope
- Focus on Market Research: Quantilope is more focused on market research, streamlining survey creation, data analysis, and providing predictive insights. It is ideal for product testing, brand health monitoring, and campaign evaluation, but it does not manage the full research life cycle like PURE.
- Features: Quantilope offers automated survey design, real-time insights, and predictive modeling tools, which are different from PURE’s research management features.
Brandwatch
- Social Media and Sentiment Analysis: Brandwatch specializes in social media listening and consumer sentiment analysis, which is not a primary function of PURE. It helps businesses track their online reputation and monitor brand perception, but it does not manage research data or funding lifecycles.
- Features: Brandwatch provides real-time sentiment analysis and identifies emerging trends, but it lacks the comprehensive research management capabilities of PURE.
Crayon
- Competitive Intelligence: Crayon focuses on gathering and analyzing competitive intelligence, providing real-time tracking of competitor activities. While useful for market dynamics, it does not serve the same purpose as PURE in managing research data and institutional research activities.
- Features: Crayon offers tools for competitive benchmarking and identifying new business opportunities, but it does not include the detailed research management and reporting features of PURE.
Consensus
- Scientific Research Summarization: Consensus is an AI-powered search engine that summarizes key findings from scientific papers, which can be useful for literature reviews but does not replace the comprehensive research management functions of PURE. Consensus is particularly helpful for businesses in science, healthcare, or the medical field.
- Features: Consensus analyzes and summarizes insights from multiple studies, but it does not manage research profiles, funding lifecycles, or provide the same level of institutional research support as PURE.
Summary
PURE by Elsevier stands out for its comprehensive approach to research management, including data validation, integration with funding systems, and detailed reporting. While alternatives like Quantilope, Brandwatch, Crayon, and Consensus offer specialized tools for market research, social media analysis, competitive intelligence, and scientific research summarization, they do not provide the same breadth of features for managing institutional research activities as PURE does. If your primary need is to manage research data, profiles, and the full research life cycle within an institution, PURE remains a strong choice. However, if you need tools for specific aspects like market research or competitive intelligence, the alternatives mentioned might be more suitable.
PURE (Elsevier) - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PURE and what does it do?
PURE is a research information management system (RIMS) that helps institutions manage data about research and related activities. It groups content into research profiles and repositories, allowing institutions to create reports, showcase research, analyze and track research progress and impact, monitor grant lifecycles, and prepare REF submissions.
Q: What are the key features of PURE?
PURE includes several key features such as a robust data model supporting core content types, interoperability with other systems, a modular design covering the full research lifecycle, configurable workflows for data validation, role-based access control, single sign-on integration, and a powerful frontend portal search using the Elsevier Fingerprint Engine™. It also offers reports and dashboards, a dedicated assessment module for REF submissions, and integration with Elsevier’s Funding Institutional for the full funding lifecycle.
Q: How does PURE support data integration and validation?
PURE allows data to be synchronized from other institutional systems, with the mapping of data determined by the client during implementation. It also features highly configurable workflows to ensure data relevance and accuracy. Additionally, PURE includes data enrichment configurations and duplicate merging to maintain high-quality data.
Q: What kind of support and training does Elsevier offer for PURE?
Elsevier provides comprehensive onboarding, including orientation calls, execution plans, and access to informative tools and help desk support. They also offer a self-service environment, interactive in-product guides, live training sessions, and a free online Pure Certification program for administrators. Dedicated consultants are available to guide institutions in optimizing their use of PURE.
Q: How is PURE hosted and maintained?
PURE is implemented as a full software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution, hosted and maintained by Elsevier on Amazon Web Services (AWS) globally and Aliyun in China. This setup enables automatic and scheduled upgrades to the system.
Q: Can PURE be customized to fit the needs of my institution?
Yes, PURE offers customization through optional modules, allowing only relevant features to be available. Institutions can configure data synchronization, workflows, classifications, and data enrichments. The system can also be branded to match the institution’s preferences, including logos, colors, and messaging.
Q: What is the pricing for PURE?
The pricing for PURE ranges from £51,656 to £250,000 per instance per year. A free trial is available, and the cost can vary depending on the specific needs and modules chosen by the institution.
Q: How does the Pure Experts Portal benefit researchers?
The Pure Experts Portal, powered by the Elsevier Fingerprint Engine™, helps researchers find collaborators for funding opportunities and research projects, publicize their expertise, and increase their visibility across the research community. It analyzes scientific documents to create a detailed index of weighted concepts reflecting a researcher’s unique expertise and maps their networks of collaborators.
Q: How do I maintain my profile in the Pure system?
To update information on your profile, you need to log into Pure. You will have an individual view of your research publications and other outputs, with the ability to associate additional information types that may not be displayed publicly.
Q: What kind of reporting and analytics does PURE offer?
PURE provides reports and dashboards for all data, helping institutions make better strategic decisions. It simplifies reporting across all types of data and includes a dedicated assessment module for preparing REF submissions. The system also offers powerful search and filtering capabilities to ensure high-quality data.
Q: How does PURE ensure data security and access control?
PURE features role-based access control to manage user permissions and data visibility. It also supports single sign-on integration to ensure secure access to the system.