# Location Tracking (LIMS)

Veeva LIMS Location Tracking provides a framework for users to trace the movements of a sample from place to place within the lab or even to an external organization via a courier.

## How LIMS Location Tracking Works

Lab Managers can establish trackable *Lab Locations* of any granularity, down to a specific container on a shelf. *Lab Samples* then reference the *Lab Location* record, establishing that the sample is in that particular location. Lab Managers and Analysts can determine every sample stored in a given *Lab Location* simply by viewing the record.

## Locating a Sample

You can begin tracking a sample by selecting a *Lab Location* value in its *Current Location* field.

## Defining Lab Locations

To create locations that you wish to track as a hierarchy of *Lab Location* records:

1. Navigate to the *Lab Locations* tab.
2. Click **Create**.
3. Select a type from the drop-down: **Lab**, **Lab Storage**, or **Shipment**.
4. Enter the required details.
5. Optional: If this location is a sublocation of another, select a **Lab Location Parent**. For example, if you are creating a *Lab Location* for a shelf in a refrigerator, you might select the refrigerator's *Lab Location* as its parent.
6. Optional: Enter **Storage Conditions** at the location.
7. Click **Save**.

## **Deleting Lab Locations**

You can only delete *Lab Location* records if they meet all of the following conditions:

* The *Lab Location* has never been assigned to an *Asset*, *Consumable*, or *Lab Sample*.
* The *Lab Location*'s parent record has not been changed since initial creation.
* If the *Lab Location* has child records, they also meet the above conditions.

If you attempt to delete a *Lab Location* record that does not meet these conditions, you will receive an error message detailing which condition is not met. 

To delete a *Lab Location* record:

1. Navigate to the record's *Record Details* page.
2. Select **Actions > Delete** (or **Delete Lab Location and Sub Locations**).
3. Click **Continue**.