There’s no denying that cemetery management is changing rapidly. More cemeteries, both large and small, are shifting away from traditional paper-based methods to modern software solutions. This transition helps protecting valuable records, improving customer service, and ensuring the longevity of cemeteries’ historical data. Digitizing cemetery records offers convenience and also provides a layer of protection against natural disasters, accidental damage, or even human error. As technology advances, cemeteries are now taking steps to implement technical tools to manage their operations, making it easier for staff to manage lots, interments, and aftercare services, all while giving families peace of mind.
But not all cemetery management software is created equal. Whether you’re running a small local cemetery or managing multiple properties, it’s important to choose software that aligns with your operational needs. Let’s dive into some essential features you should look for to get the most out of your investment.
Inventory Management
At the heart of any cemetery management software is a strong inventory management system. This feature ensures that all property types: graves, crypts, niches, and scattering gardens, are accounted for. Beyond lots, it should also track important details such as owner contact info, deceased records, and related documents. A well-designed system will allow you to quickly search and update any of this data, ensuring accuracy and saving your team time.
For many cemeteries, managing the inventory of plots can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple sections or older cemeteries. The right software will help you avoid issues like double-selling lots, ensuring each plot's availability and status is always up to date.
Mapping and Location Services
Mapping is a crucial tool in cemetery management. Your software should include a dynamic mapping feature that provides an easy way to locate lots and navigate the grounds. The best systems can even add layers like drone images for enhanced accuracy, providing families and staff a real-time, bird’s-eye view of the cemetery. Having an intuitive map helps staff, ground crews, and visitors easily find plots, improving both internal operations and the overall customer experience.
Sales and Payment Processing
Managing cemetery sales can get complicated, especially with pre-need arrangements, lot reservations, or services like interments and aftercare. The sales module in your software should not only handle complex transactions but also integrate with payment processors and accounting tools for a streamlined financial workflow.
Look for features like an interactive lot selector that’s available for families to browse and choose plots online, making the sales process more customer-friendly.
Detailed Reporting
Data is power, especially when it comes to financials, sales, and operations. A strong reporting feature should pull data from across your system to give you real-time, customizable reports. Whether you’re tracking sales trends, interment schedules, or revenue from aftercare services, the ability to export reports will help you keep everything organized and accessible. The right system will let you create and store reports for future use, allowing for historical comparison and analysis.
Work Order Management
Maintenance and upkeep are ongoing tasks in any cemetery, and keeping track of jobs can be a challenge without the right system. A work order management tool ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, cleaning up after a storm, or performing plot maintenance, this module lets you assign tasks, track their completion, and ensure all work meets quality standards. By integrating with a mobile app, ground staff can update job statuses and attach before-and-after photos from the field, ensuring accountability and transparency in the work being done.
Public Records Search Portal
Families and visitors often seek information about their loved ones buried at your cemetery. A records search portal allows them to access public information, like names, dates, veteran status, and even geographic coordinates of the burial site. The best systems also include an interactive map to guide visitors to the exact location of their loved one’s grave, and can even be customized to offer on-site kiosk functionality for easier navigation.
Aftercare Services
Many cemeteries now offer aftercare services, such as grave care, floral arrangements, or ongoing maintenance. Managing these services through your software enhances your ability to deliver consistent care. Look for a module that allows families to purchase and schedule aftercare services through a public-facing web portal or app. This can provide additional revenue streams while giving families peace of mind that their loved ones’ resting places are well cared for.
Mobile App
Your ground crew needs quick access to information on the go. A mobile app designed for field staff can be a game changer, providing instant access to lot data, owner details, and assigned work orders. Instead of running back and forth between the office and the cemetery grounds, staff can update work orders in real-time, attach photos, and even get directions to specific plots using GPS—all from their phone or tablet.
If you're looking for a reliable and comprehensive solution to manage your cemetery’s operations, consider AFS. Our cemetery management software is designed to handle everything—from inventory management and mapping to sales, interment arrangements, and aftercare services—all within one seamless platform. With tools like a public records search portal, mobile apps for field staff, and a customizable dashboard, AFS provides the innovation and support cemeteries need to stay ahead in the digital age.
Our team understands the unique challenges faced by cemeteries today. We offer personalized service, ongoing support, and regular updates to ensure you have everything you need to maintain your cemetery’s legacy for generations to come. Let us help you streamline your operations while giving families peace of mind that their loved ones’ records are safe, secure, and accessible.
Reach out to us today for a demo or more information on how AFS can transform your cemetery management.