> 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/relay-request-portal/relay-overview/using-relay.md). # Using Relay Submit structured forensic requests, track case and evidence progress, communicate with forensic teams, and access shared files through Relay. Relay is Monolith's request portal for submitting structured forensic requests to the teams you work with. Each forensic organization using Relay has its own Relay tenant. After you have been granted access, you can submit requests, provide evidence and contact information, upload supporting files, track the progress of your requests, communicate with the forensic team, and access files shared back with you. ### Access Relay Each Relay tenant has its own URL. Your forensic provider or organization may send you this URL directly, provide it through an internal website or resource, or invite you by email. A Relay tenant URL may look similar to: ``` https://relay-app.monolithforensics.com/{tenant} ``` Use the URL provided by the forensic organization you are submitting requests to. {% hint style="info" %} Relay and Monolith use separate authentication systems. If you also use Monolith, sign in using your Relay account unless your organization has configured Single Sign-On (SSO) for Relay. {% endhint %} ### Create a Relay Account If the organization allows self-registration, you can create a Relay account from its tenant URL. Creating an account does not automatically provide access to the tenant. The forensic organization must approve your access before you can begin submitting requests. After registration: 1. Submit your account request. 2. Wait for the forensic organization to approve your access. 3. Return to Relay after approval. 4. Log in using your Relay account. Organizations may also send users direct invitations rather than asking them to self-register. A Relay account can belong to more than one Relay tenant. For example, an investigator who submits requests to multiple forensic labs may use the same Relay account to access each organization that has granted them permission. ### Relay Home After logging in, Relay provides access to the forensic organizations you are approved to work with. Under each **Forensic Partner**, available options include: * **Submit a Request** * **My Requests** * **Case Drives** Relay Admins may also have access to **All Requests** for reviewing requests submitted by other users. Your Relay home page also provides training resources for common Relay workflows. ### Submit a Request Select **Submit a Request** under the appropriate forensic partner to begin a new request. Relay guides you through a structured intake process so the forensic team receives useful information before work begins. A request may include sections such as: * Request Descriptor * Request Details * Supporting Files * Evidence Items * Contacts * Additional custom fields configured by the forensic organization The exact information requested may vary depending on how the forensic team has configured Relay. ### Request Instructions Before beginning a request, the forensic organization may provide instructions explaining what should be included with your submission. These instructions may include guidance such as: * Required case or matter information * What details should be included in the request description * Supporting documents that should be attached * Evidence information that should be provided * People or contacts who should be identified * Physical evidence delivery instructions * Other intake requirements Review these instructions before submitting your request. Providing complete information during intake can reduce follow-up questions and help the forensic team determine whether the request is ready to proceed. ### Request Details Use the request details section to explain what work is being requested and provide the context the forensic team needs to understand the matter. Provide enough information for the team to understand: * Why the work is being requested * What should be examined or collected * Relevant background information * Important deadlines or circumstances * Other details that may affect the forensic process The information entered here becomes part of the Inquiry reviewed by the forensic team in Monolith. ### Attach Files Supporting documents can be uploaded with the Relay request. Examples may include: * Warrants * Search authority * Consent forms * Case documentation * Prior reports * Screenshots * Supporting correspondence * Other documents relevant to the request These files remain associated with the request and can be brought into the resulting Monolith case when appropriate. ### Add Evidence Items Evidence information can be entered directly into the Relay request. Provide as much information about each item as is reasonably available. Depending on the evidence and the forensic organization's configuration, this may include information such as: * Evidence type * Manufacturer or service provider * Item name * Model or service information * Unique identifier * Size * Description * Custom evidence information * Associated contacts Providing evidence details before physical intake can help the forensic team understand what is being submitted and prepare for the work. ### Add Contacts Relay also allows you to identify people related to the request. Contacts may represent: * Custodians * Suspects * Victims * Witnesses * Attorneys * Employees * Device owners * Account holders * Other relevant individuals Contacts can also be linked to the evidence items they are associated with. For example, a custodian can be added to the request and associated with the laptop, mobile device, or account belonging to that person. When the Relay request becomes a Monolith case, supported contact information can carry forward with the rest of the request. ### Custom Fields The forensic organization may configure additional custom fields for Relay. These fields allow the team to collect information specific to its intake process while continuing to use Relay's standard request structure. Custom fields may apply to: * The overall request * Individual evidence items Some Inquiry fields may also be mapped to fields in the resulting Monolith case so the information remains available after intake. See [**Custom Field Options**](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview/relay-administration/custom-field-options.md) for information about configuring Relay custom fields and Inquiry-to-Case field mapping. ### Complete the Request Before submitting, review the request and confirm that the information is complete. Pay particular attention to: * Request details * Evidence items * Contacts * Supporting documents * Required custom fields Submit the request when everything is ready. After submission, the request is sent directly into the forensic team's Monolith environment as an **Inquiry** for review and triage. ### What Happens After Submission? Submitting a Relay request does not necessarily mean that forensic work begins immediately. The forensic team may first need to: * Review the request * Confirm that required information is present * Review supporting documents * Approve the requested work * Wait for physical evidence to arrive * Request additional clarification * Determine whether the work belongs to a new or existing case The current request status in Relay helps communicate where the request is in that process. ### Track Your Requests Use **My Requests** to review requests you have submitted. Relay Admins can also use **All Requests** to review requests submitted by other users within the Relay tenant. Request status may include values such as: * **New** * **Contacted** * **Accepted** * **Declined** * **Converted** * **Merged** * **Transferred** The forensic team controls the Inquiry status from Monolith, and updates are reflected in Relay. ### Communicate With the Forensic Team Each Relay request includes a **Comments** area for request-specific communication. Comments can be used to: * Answer follow-up questions * Provide clarification * Discuss the submitted request * Add additional context * Communicate about intake or next steps Relay also supports @mentions. {% hint style="info" %} Request comments live in Relay. They are separate from Monolith case notes and do not automatically become part of the Monolith case record. {% endhint %} ### When Your Request Becomes a Case When the forensic team is ready to begin active casework, your Relay request may be used to create a new Monolith case or merged into an existing case. Supported information submitted through Relay can be carried into the resulting case, including: * Requestor information * Evidence items * Evidence metadata * Contacts * Documents * Custom field information The forensic team determines which information should be brought into the case. ### Track Case Progress After your request has been connected to a Monolith case, Relay can provide visibility into the resulting forensic work. Available case information may include: * Case name * Case number * Case lead * Case status * Case progress * Case open date * Case close date * Last activity date This allows you to check the status of your request without needing to contact the forensic team for every routine update. ### Track Evidence Progress Relay can also display information about evidence associated with the resulting case. Available information may include: * Evidence number * Evidence progress * Evidence type * Manufacturer or service provider * Unique identifier * UUID * Size * Description * Evidence photos * Chain of custody information Available chain of custody information can also be downloaded from Relay. ### Case Drives **Case Drives** provide access to files that the forensic team has shared with you from a Monolith case. Files may include: * Reports * Deliverables * Exported data * Supporting documents * Other case-related files When a Monolith user shares an eligible file with your Relay account, the file becomes available through **Case Drives**. Files originally uploaded as part of your request remain associated with the request itself. Case Drives are used when the forensic team shares files back with you during or after casework. ### Working With Multiple Forensic Partners A single Relay account can have access to multiple Relay tenants. If multiple forensic organizations have granted you access, each appears as a separate **Forensic Partner** in Relay. Make sure you select the correct forensic partner before submitting a request. Requests, cases, and files remain associated with the appropriate forensic organization. ### Account or Login Problems If you cannot access Relay, verify that: * You are using the correct Relay tenant URL. * Your account has been approved for that tenant. * You are using your Relay credentials rather than your Monolith credentials. * You are signing in through your organization's identity provider if Relay SSO is configured. If you still cannot access Relay, contact the organization or forensic team that provided your Relay access. Your organization's Relay administrator can contact Monolith Support if additional assistance is needed. ### Best Practices * Review the forensic organization's request instructions before starting. * Provide enough detail for the forensic team to understand the requested work. * Add evidence information before submission when it is available. * Identify relevant contacts and associate them with evidence when appropriate. * Attach supporting authority or documentation when required. * Monitor your request status in Relay. * Use request Comments when clarification is needed. * Review case and evidence progress in Relay before requesting a manual status update. * Use Case Drives for files shared back to you by the forensic team. * Confirm that you are submitting to the correct Forensic Partner when you belong to multiple Relay tenants. ### Related Documentation * [**Relay Overview**](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview.md) * [**Managing Relay Requests in Monolith**](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview/managing-relay-requests-in-monolith.md) * [Relay Administration](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview/relay-administration.md) * [Custom Field Options](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview/relay-administration/custom-field-options.md) * [**Contacts**](/monolith/using-monolith/people/contacts.md)