> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/monolith-tour/evidence-management/item-locations.md). # Item Locations Item Locations allows you to keep track of where you are physically storing items in your lab and keep that record associated with your evidence and storage items in Monolith. When you assign a location to an evidence or storage item, Monolith tracks where that item sits and updates it automatically as the item moves through the chain of custody process. {% embed url="" %} ## View your item locations 1. In the left-hand navigation, open **Evidence Management.** 2. Click **Item Locations**. This page shows all of the locations set up for your office. If you have more than one office, the list reflects the office you are currently in.
### How locations are organized Item Locations uses a simple hierarchy so you can recreate your physical storage in Monolith and get a digital picture of where everything is: * **Item Locations** is the overall section. * A **Group** represents a physical storage area, such as a long-term storage room or evidence locker. * Inside a group, each individual location appears as a **tile**. Tiles map to the rows, shelves, bins, or however else you organize that space in reality.
{% hint style="info" %} For details on creating and managing groups, see the [Item Location Groups documentation.](/monolith/monolith-tour/evidence-management/item-locations/location-groups.md) {% endhint %} #### Switching views You can view your item locations in two ways, using the view toggle near the top of the page: * **Tiles** is the default view. It shows each group with its locations laid out as tiles, giving you a visual picture of your storage. * **Grid** shows the same locations in a table, with columns for type, office, and the number of evidence and storage items in each. This is useful for scanning details across all of your locations at once.
#### Team locations Alongside any groups you create, each office has a **Team** location that Monolith creates automatically. It populates with users as they are added to Monolith in that office.
You cannot create a Team location from **Create Group**, but you can rename it. You can assign evidence and storage items to a user within the Team location. When you do, the **Current Location** shows that user's name, and the **Location Path** reads the office, then the Team location name, then the user's name. In Grid view, the **Type** column shows whether a location is a **Group** or a **Team** location. ### See what is stored in a location Click any tile to open it. Monolith shows a list of everything currently stored there, including both evidence items and storage items. Use the back navigation to return to the locations view.
## Assign a location to a new evidence item You assign a location as part of the intake process when creating an evidence item. 1. Open the **New Evidence Item** window. 2. In the **Intake Details** section, find the **Received By** box. 3. Choose the location you want to assign from your set-up item locations. 4. Complete the rest of the intake details and save the item.
Once intake is complete, scroll down to the **Evidence Overview**. You will see the **Current Location** (for example, a specific shelf) along with the full **Location Path**.
### Add a location to an existing item If you open an evidence item and no location appears in the evidence details, intake has not been started for that item yet. You can assign a location by entering intake details directly from the item. 1. Open the evidence item and go to its **Chain of Custody** actions. 2. Click the **COC Actions** dropdown and select **Enter Intake Details**. 3. In the window that opens, choose a location from the dropdown in the **Received By** box, the same way you would for a new item.
## Assign a location to a storage item Storage items work the same way as evidence items. 1. Open the **Storage Items** tab and create a **New Storage Item**. 2. Assign one of your item locations. 3. Click **Create Storage**. To confirm the assignment, view the storage item. In the box on the left-hand side you will see the **Current Location** and the **Location Path**, just as you do for evidence items.
## Location Path and chain of custody The **Location Path** gives you the full context for where an item lives. When you have multiple item locations within an office, the path shows: * the **office** * the **group** * the specific **tile** (for example, the shelf) where the item is stored Any time an item moves through the chain of custody process, Monolith updates the **Current Location** and **Location Path** to reflect where that item currently sits. This applies to both evidence items and storage items, which is why setting up your locations up front is worth the effort.