JRE Installation for BEN Financials

Last updated: June 22, 2023.

    Important Note: This document is designed for Local Support Providers (LSPs).

This document includes instructions on installing Oracle's Java Runtime Environment (JRE) plug-in successfully and using an updated version of the BEN Financials litmus test. BEN users' machines must have a supported version of the JRE plug-in. Guidance from Oracle is that end users can use the most current version of Java, not only the most recent certified version. For details on recommended browsers and Java versions, please go to Desktop Requirements for BEN Financials: BEN Helps Support Portal (upenn.edu)

Starting on Sunday, February 11, 2018, Java 1.8 Update 151 was the lowest version of JRE supported for use with BEN.

BEN Financials requires at least JRE 1.8.0_151, but systems can be upgraded to the most recent version of Java 8 (note that JRE 1.8.0_151 was pushed from the BEN Financials site beginning January 21, 2018 if there is no JRE currently installed). This allows Penn's constituents to keep their computers up to date with Oracle's most recent Java vulnerability fixes.

Installation

Beginning January 21, 2018, the current certified version of JRE (1.8.0_151) can be downloaded from the BEN server. Simply remove the existing version from the user's workstation, and the user will then be prompted to download the JRE when logging into BEN Financials. After logging into BEN the first time after the JRE install, the user will receive a pop-up message asking to trust the Java applet. The user should click Always Trust.

To download the newest version of JRE, please visit www.java.com.

Note: JRE is NOT required for end-users that only have access to the Requisitioner responsibility or use the Shopper Role.

Configuring JRE

Beginning with JRE 1.7_51, Oracle introduced new security settings that prevent the use of BEN Financials in its default state but are configurable to allow the use of those applications. That configuration is done through the Java Control Panel. To use BEN Financials, the following must be done:

1. In the Java Control Panel, click the "Security" tab.
2. Click "Edit Site List ...".
3. Click "Add" in the Exception Site List window.
4. Click in the empty field under the "Location" field to enter the following URL: https://benfprod.isc-seo.upenn.edu
5. Repeat steps 3 - 4 and add any Non-Production URL as needed.
6. Click "OK" to save the URLs that you entered.
7. Click "OK" to save changes made to the Java Control Panel.

Notes:

• On shared computers, the Java security settings must be configured for each BEN user account.
• End users must have local administrator rights to change the default Java security settings.

Litmus Test to Confirm Connectivity to BEN Financials

1. The user should login to the client system.
2. Launch a supported web browser.
3. Navigate to the following URL: http://benapps.isc-seo.upenn.edu/
4. Login using the LSP48 Username and the Password stored in this PennBox file.
5. Select the LSP Testing responsibility.
6. On the right hand side, under LSP Testing, select Invoices. The Find Invoices form appears.
7. Enter 024047011 in the Invoice Number field and click the Find button. An Invoice form appears that corresponds to the invoice number.
8. Close BEN Financials.

Associated Documentation

BEN Financials Advisories

Security Level Settings in the Java Control Panel