How to setup Install Base to only create/update Item instance ONLY when Item is returned for or ship

We are implementing Depot Repair and do not currently use Install Base, due to the nature of our business. We sell almost exclusively to resellers who then sell to other resellers or end users, so tracking Install Base instances when we originally ship a unit does nothing for us. We want to use Install Base, if possible, to track all returns for Repair and the subsequent SO Shipment from a repair, exclusively. We had a conversation with the Director of Software Development for Depot Repair and he said this was possible, but I do not find any specifics in the