> 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/start-here/welcome-to-monolith/initial-setup.md). # Initial Setup Review recommended setup steps before using Monolith for active casework. Your organization should review and configure the core settings that support users, cases, evidence, storage, reporting, and quality assurance. Some settings may already be configured during implementation or trial setup. Use this page as a setup checklist to confirm that Monolith is ready for your team’s workflow. ### Recommended Setup Checklist #### 1. Review organization information Confirm your organization details before users begin working in Monolith. See: [**Organization Info**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/organization-info.md) This information may be used throughout Monolith, including reports, labels, and other organization-specific areas. #### 2. Add user accounts Create user accounts for team members who need access to Monolith. See: [**Team Management**](/monolith/using-monolith/organization/team-management.md) Confirm that each user has the appropriate access for their role before they begin working with cases, evidence, reports, or administrative settings. #### 3. Configure item number formats Set the formatting for case numbers, evidence numbers, and storage numbers. See: [**Item Number Formats**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/item-number-formats.md) Number formats help standardize how records are created and referenced across Monolith. #### 4. Configure case options Review and customize the options your team will use when creating and managing cases. Recommended settings include: * [**Case Types**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/case-types.md) * [**Case Statuses**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/case-statuses.md) * [**Case Progress**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/case-statuses.md) These options help your team classify cases consistently and track case progress over time. #### 5. Configure evidence options Review and customize the options your team will use when adding and managing evidence. Recommended settings include: * [**Evidence Types**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/evidence-types.md) * [**Evidence Progress**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/evidence-progress.md) These options help standardize evidence intake and tracking across your organization. #### 6. Configure time entry options Review the categories your team will use for time tracking. See: [**Time Entry Categories**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/time-entry-categories.md) These settings help organize time entries and provide more consistent reporting. #### 7. Configure quality assurance options Review and customize the options your team will use for quality assurance workflows. Recommended settings include: * [**QA Checklist Items**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/qa-checklist-items.md) * [**QA Issue Types**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/qa-issue-types.md) These settings help your team standardize review processes and track QA issues consistently. #### 8. Configure item labels Create and upload labels for evidence, storage items, or people. See: [**Item Labels**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/item-labels.md) Monolith supports DYMO label templates and variables that can pull information from Monolith records. #### 9. Create evidence locations Create the physical locations where evidence may be stored. See: [**Item Locations**](/monolith/using-monolith/evidence-management/item-locations.md) Locations should reflect how your organization tracks evidence in the real world, such as evidence rooms, shelves, bins, lockers, or other storage areas. #### 10. Add existing storage items, if applicable If your organization already uses storage items that should be tracked in Monolith, add them before beginning the related storage workflows. See: [**Storage Items**](/monolith/using-monolith/evidence-management/storage-items.md) This helps your team manage physical or digital storage items and associate them with cases and related workflows as needed. #### 11. Add forensic software Enter the forensic software tools used by your lab or organization. See: [**Forensic Software**](/monolith/using-monolith/lab-management/forensic-software.md) This information can support acquisition tracking, reporting, and lab management workflows. #### 12. Test your configuration Before beginning active casework, create a test case and evidence item using the settings your team configured. Confirm that: * Case and evidence numbering works as expected * Case and evidence options are available * Locations and labels behave as expected, if configured * Users have the access they need * Your basic workflow matches how your team plans to use Monolith Once your team is comfortable with the test workflow, you can begin using Monolith for active casework. ### Optional Setup Depending on your organization's workflow, you may also want to configure: * [**Custom Fields**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/custom-fields.md) * [**Editor Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/editor-templates.md) * [**Document Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/case-management/cases/case-reports.md) * [**Task Templates**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/task-templates.md) * [**Relay**](/monolith/relay-request-portal/relay-overview.md) * [**Single Sign-On**](/monolith/deployment-and-security/cloud-security/single-sign-on-sso.md) * [**Integrations**](/monolith/using-monolith/settings/integrations.md) * [**Monolith API**](/monolith/monolith-api-and-webhooks/api-access.md) These options can be added during implementation or introduced later as your team's Monolith workflow develops.