> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verifone.com/verifone-central-getting-started/verifone-central/verifone-central-device-manager/asset-tracking/chain-of-custody.md).

# Chain of custody

Understand how devices move through shipment, custody handoffs, inspections, and deployment.

Use **Chain of custody** to track a device from shipment to deployment.

It records who handled the device, where it moved, and what inspection data was captured along the way.

### When to use this page

Use chain of custody when you need to:

* confirm where a shipped device is now
* identify the last custodian or location
* review inspection history before deployment
* understand which users can update custody records

### Before you start

Confirm that you know:

* the device **Serial Number**, shipment record, or other search criteria
* whether you need to review a record, update a record, or manage locations
* which custody stage or exception you expect to see

Prepare these details when available:

* current custodian
* current location
* expected device status
* any inspection or incident notes you need to verify

### How chain of custody works

The workflow usually follows this path:

1. The device is prepared in the Verifone store.
2. The device record becomes visible in **Device Management**.
3. Shipment updates the device to **In-Transit**.
4. Each custodian updates location, status, and inspection details.
5. The device is deployed, repaired, retired, or otherwise resolved.

Some merchant flows include multiple logistical stops before the device reaches the merchant site.

### Protect record integrity

Match the device serial number to the physical device before recording a handoff or inspection.

Record the observed custody state. Do not infer a status from an expected shipment plan.

Stop and investigate when the recorded custodian, location, or status conflicts with physical evidence.

### What chain of custody records

Chain of custody can include:

* shipment and handoff events
* current and prior custodians
* current and prior locations
* inspection findings and evidence
* deployment or incident status

Use these records to verify that the physical device state matches the recorded workflow stage.

### Choose the right task

Use the task that matches the action you need:

* use [View device status in Chain of Custody](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/view-device-status-in-chain-of-custody) to review one shipped device or search the current custody list
* use [Updating the File Chain of Custody](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/updating-the-file-chain-of-custody) to record a handoff, status change, inspection, or incident
* use [Configure locations](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/configure-locations) to maintain the location values used in custody workflows
* use [Active Lifecycle](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/active-lifecycle) to review one device's progress through the custody stages

### Permissions by workflow area

#### Shipment receipt and change of custodian

These roles have **Create**, **Read**, **Update**, and **Delete** access:

* **Field Service Supervisor**
* **Field Service User**
* **Merchant Solution Owner**
* **Merchant Supervisor**
* **Merchant User**
* **Reseller Manager**
* **Verifone Admin**

These roles have **Read** access:

* **Partner HelpDesk**
* **Verifone HelpDesk**

#### Device inspections

These roles have **Create**, **Read**, **Update**, and **Delete** access:

* **Merchant Supervisor**
* **Merchant User**
* **Verifone Admin**

These roles have **Read** access:

* **Field Service Supervisor**
* **Field Service User**
* **Merchant Solution Owner**
* **Partner HelpDesk**
* **Reseller Manager**
* **Verifone HelpDesk**

#### Locations

These roles have **Create**, **Read**, **Update**, and **Delete** access:

* **Merchant Solution Owner**
* **Partner HelpDesk**
* **Verifone Admin**
* **Verifone HelpDesk**

These roles have **Read** access:

* **Field Service Supervisor**
* **Field Service User**
* **Merchant Supervisor**
* **Merchant User**
* **Reseller Manager**

#### Asset tracking reports

All listed roles have **Read** access to asset tracking reports.

### Verify the result

After you review or update custody data, confirm that:

* the current custodian matches the latest handoff
* the location matches the physical device position
* the recorded status matches the actual shipment, storage, deployment, or exception state
* the next action is clear: continue tracking, update the record, deploy the device, or register it

For a custody update, reopen the record and confirm the event appears against the correct device.

### Result

You can use chain of custody to understand where a device moved, who handled it, and whether the recorded workflow matches the physical device state.

### Related tasks

* [View device status in Chain of Custody](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/view-device-status-in-chain-of-custody) — review shipped device records
* [Updating the File Chain of Custody](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/updating-the-file-chain-of-custody) — update one device's custody details
* [Configure locations](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/configure-locations) — maintain location values used in custody workflows
* [Active Lifecycle](https://verifone.gitbook.io/us-core-help-center/verifone-central/verifone-central/asset-tracking/active-lifecycle) — review one device's progress through the custody flow


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