Phone photos feel like proof — until a dispute reveals they are not. See exactly where manual photos fail and why SHA-512 certified evidence changes the outcome.
The differences between manual photos and certified evidence are not subtle. Here is how they compare on the factors that matter in disputes.
| Feature | PackProof | Manual Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Timestamp verification | Server-generated, cryptographically locked | EXIF data — editable with free software |
| Tamper detection | SHA-512 hash detects any modification | No tamper detection — files freely editable |
| Chain of custody | Full audit trail from capture to submission | No chain of custody — unknown provenance |
| Capture consistency | Guided process — same steps every time | Varies by packer — angles, items, quality |
| Evidence retrieval | Search by order number in seconds | Scattered across phones, emails, drives |
| Dispute acceptance | Accepted as verified proof | Treated as unverified claim |
| Staff dependency | Process-driven — works regardless of who packs | Person-dependent — quality varies wildly |
Most businesses assume phone photos are good enough — until a dispute reveals the gaps that cost them the claim.
Phone photos have no cryptographic proof they were taken when or where claimed. EXIF data is trivially editable with free apps, making timestamps and location data unreliable in disputes.
Photos can be cropped, retouched, or taken of a different shipment entirely. Without a verifiable chain of custody, the opposing party can challenge any manual photo as unreliable.
Staff take different angles, miss items, or skip photos entirely when busy. There is no enforced process — some shipments get 10 photos, others get none.
Manual photos end up scattered across phones, email threads, and shared drives. Finding the right photos for a specific order weeks later is a time-consuming guessing game.
PackProof replaces manual photos with evidence that is cryptographically certified, consistently captured, and instantly retrievable.
Every PackProof capture receives a cryptographic fingerprint the moment it is recorded. This hash is immutable — any modification to the file changes the hash, instantly revealing tampering.
Timestamps are server-generated and cryptographically bound to the evidence file. Unlike EXIF data, these cannot be edited after the fact — they are locked at capture.
PackProof walks packers through a consistent, step-by-step recording process. Every shipment follows the same flow — no missed items, no incomplete evidence, regardless of who is packing.
Evidence is automatically linked to the order number and stored centrally. When a dispute arrives, pull the certified evidence in seconds — no searching through camera rolls or email threads.
The packer opens PackProof on any smartphone or tablet at the packing station. No special hardware required.
The guided capture process records each item being placed in the package. The system ensures nothing is skipped.
The moment recording ends, PackProof generates a SHA-512 hash and locks the timestamp, location, and evidence file together.
When a dispute arrives, search by order number and download the certified evidence package — ready for submission to payment processors or insurers.
Replace manual photos with SHA-512 certified evidence that payment processors and insurers accept as proof. Free 14-day trial — no credit card required.