Custody

Custody tracking ensures you always know who is responsible for each asset. Shelf logs every handover automatically, creating a complete accountability trail from check-out to return. See how Eastern Michigan University uses this at scale.

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Why Custody Matters

Without clear custody tracking, organizations face recurring problems:

• Responsibility gaps: When equipment changes hands, no one knows who's accountable.
• Unclear handovers: Transfers happen informally, leaving no record.
• Lost gear: Items disappear and no one can trace the last responsible person.
• Compliance issues: Audits require proof of who had what—and when.
• Incidents without history: When something breaks or goes missing, there's no trail to review.

Custody tracking solves these problems by logging responsibility at every step—automatically.

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How Shelf Handles Custody

Instant QR Transfers

Scan a QR code to transfer custody in seconds. No paperwork, no delays. The responsible person updates immediately, and the system logs the transaction.

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Automatic Assignment from Bookings

When a reservation begins, custody transfers automatically. When equipment is returned, the system updates instantly. Booking and custody work together in one unified workflow.

See: Bookings

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Full Accountability Trail

Every asset has a timeline showing who had it and when. Review custody history at any time—for audits, incident investigation, or operational oversight.

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Departmental Control with Workspaces

Separate custody tracking by department, location, or team. Each workspace manages its own accountability while administrators retain visibility across the organization.

See: Workspaces

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Benefits of Custody Tracking

• Prevents loss by creating clear responsibility at every step
• Establishes accountability with automatic handover logging
• Reduces conflicts about who had equipment last
• Enables audits with complete custody history
• Supports high-volume operations without manual paperwork
• Speeds up incident resolution with fast timeline reviews
• Scales across teams with workspace separation

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Common Use Cases

• IT departments: Track who has laptops, chargers, and peripherals across employees and loaners.
• Education equipment rooms: Log student check-outs and returns with full accountability.
• Field teams: Transfer custody during shift changes, crew rotations, and site handoffs.
• Media production: Track cameras, audio gear, and lighting across shoots and crew members.

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Related Features

• Bookings
• Location Tracking
• Kits