The Age of Funeral Home Software

Let’s face it: Covid-19 has reshaped the landscape of how we do business. Funeral home software is no longer a convenience as much as it is a necessity. The days of paper ledgers and rolodexes are a distant memory for most industries. Funeral homes can no longer operate under conventional, in-person business practices. The funeral industry is likely to follow global trends. Most industries have integrated software into their processes. Adopting digital processes into meeting rooms, classrooms and commerce has a competitive advantage. This is especially true in light of Covid-19. As we move into the heart of the 21st century, it’s unlikely funeral home software will be anything other than business critical. 

Why funeral home software helps you succeed

Over the past decade, software designed for the funeral industry has taken off. There are accounting firms, marketing agencies, law firms, web services and many more—just for funerals. These niche companies offer software for the unique business needs of funeral homes. Technology has enabled industry in general to automate processes. Additionally, the internet has globalized the way we do business. Walk-ins and drive-bys are just as much bygones as the local phonebook. 

Customers are casting a wider net by the touch of their fingertips. In doing so, funeral homes are seeing more leads than ever before. The need for process automation was here long before Covid-19.  

Early adopters of funeral home software have seen a competitive advantage in light of Covid-19. They were already capable of operating near-virtually long before the first stay-at-home orders. 

Funeral home software enables you to:

• Manage your business from anywhere.
• Help more customers at the same time.
• Conveniently access professional business services included with the software.
• Serve families who cannot travel due to illness or financial reasons.
• Expand your community and customer base. 

6 Best Funeral Home Software Solutions of 2020 

Are you wondering what types of funeral home software are available? We’ve compiled a list of 6 best funeral home software solutions on the market today. 

1. Cloud based customer management system (CMS)

Cloud based customer management systems allow you to access your client database from anywhere. This is useful while on-the-job because it allows you to work from anywhere. Obit automates publishing death notifications. It also integrates with schedules, reports, finance and a range of other business processes. Learn more about Obit. 

2. Web design services for funeral homes

Today’s consumer expects a quality online experience. The funeral industry is no different. Your website may very well be the first (and only) interaction someone has with your funeral home. A modern website with an intuitive, user-friendly interface is essential for success. Web design services for funeral homes, like FrontRunner Professional, know the intricacies of running a funeral home. Learn more about funeral home websites from FrontRunner.

3. Funeral home marketing agencies

How customers learn about businesses—any business—is different now than it was just ten years ago. Consumers spend more time online than ever before. Clients are not searching for your funeral home via phone books, magazine ads and flyers. Digital marketing reaches clients where they are spending their time: online. It’s an excellent investment for any business. Funeral homes have a unique target market and customer base. Funeral home marketing agencies, like Funeral Innovations, understand this. Learn more about Funeral Innovations. 

4. Obituary templates and design services

A beautiful and meaningful obituary is incredibly important. Obituaries are often written by the family with guidance from the funeral director. Display them as printed stationary at the funeral service as well as submitting them to news outlets. It’s ideal to find a design service familiar with the funeral industry. Services like OBITUAREe offer professional templates and writing guidelines for obituaries. Learn more about OBITUARe.

5. Bookkeeping and payment processing for funeral homes

Funeral homes are like any other business. They need accounting and payment processing solutions. Although there are many bookkeeping software options, the funeral industry has unique needs. It’s important to select a payment software that can support your funeral home’s financial processes. Osiris Software is designed by funeral directors in collaboration with professional accountants. The software addresses funeral-specific financial needs. The software includes payment processing, contact management and Quickbooks integration. Learn more about Osiris Software for funeral homes. 

6. Video livestreaming service for funerals

The Kennedy funeral during the Covid-19 crisis was one of the first publicized virtual funerals. They used Zoom to host over 3000 virtual attendees. The event was a success. They coordinated with Zoom to make sure they had the right type of license for their capacity. Zoom has proven reliable in hosting virtual events around the world. The size of your funeral will impact the type of Zoom licensing you need to webcast your funeral. Learn more about Zoom pricing and plans.

Closing thoughts

Covid-19 shined a spotlight on how we conduct business in the funeral industry. We have needed to virtualize everything. In doing so, funeral home software provides a competitive advantage. It is quicker and more efficient. It meets the demands of today’s consumer landscape. There is no reason to believe that digital services will stop with Covid-19. Expect the funeral industry to regard automation as a business critical. The future is here. 

Funerals are unique in their needs especially with privacy, logistics and licensing. Our service is specifically designed to support funeral homes and guests. You can host a funeral 100% virtually, or livestream an in-person event. Memoriam.Care uses the Zoom API to help families and friends grieve together. We are launching soon. Join our mailing list to learn more!

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Funeral Restrictions? Here’s how to Honor a Loved one During Covid-19

Covid-19 has shaken a lot of industries. We’ve been forced to rethink how we conduct business, sometimes in ways that have not changed in decades. The funeral industry is no different. In just weeks, the norm of hundreds of people gathering together to celebrate the life of a loved one seems like a distant memory. Grieving is an important part of being human. In many ways it keeps us connected with our communities. Here’s how to navigate the loss of a loved one during these uncertain times.

Virtual funerals during Covid-19: your complete guide.

• Can I host or attend a funeral during Covid-19?
• 7 essentials for planning a virtual funeral service

Some states have banned funerals. Others have placed steep limitations.

Generally, you can still host a funeral during Covid-19. Expect limitations on attendance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have placed official limitations on gatherings. Some states and municipalities have tighter constraints. Always check your local health department first. Funerals to five or less people in some states, while others have completely banned them during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Limits to graveside visitors

Some places are limiting graveside visitors. This has been the case especially for areas under strict stay at home guidance. If your funeral includes a burial ceremony, keep this in mind.

Non-essential travel restrictions

If nothing else, now may not be the best time to host a funeral given travel restrictions. Pay attention to mandatory quarantine periods and travel bans. Travelling for a funeral during Covid-19 may cause financial hardship on your guests. This is an evolving situation so please check with your local department of health first.

Can I host or attend a funeral during Covid-19?

Yes, you can still host funerals, memorial services and celebrations of life. You just need to reframe what it means to attend a funeral during social distancing.

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Delayed memorial services

Your local funeral home may be offering delayed services. This may be a possibility if you’re doing a cremation or closed casket ceremony. Contact your local funeral home to see if you can schedule a conventional service for a future date. Remember that because this is an evolving situation, it is hard to plan for a future date.

Video conferencing for memorial services

Video conferencing services like YouTube, Facebook Live and Zoom are popular in light of Covid-19. This technology isn’t without it’s problems. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed issues with copyright and anti-piracy laws. Facebook doesn’t have music licensing coverage. Funeral livestreams have triggered automated bots to cut off audio on YouTube. 

Some families are using video conferencing after the funeral as an informal reception. Families can connect in a meaningful way with the option to record the meeting as a keepsake. Some funeral homes prefer using traditional video recording methods over livestreaming. Coordinate with your funeral home or church whether they allow video conferencing during the funeral ceremony.

Avoid problems by ensuring any copyright guidelines are met. An NFDA Music License allows you to legally livestream a funeral with copyrighted music. Host video calls privately instead of on social media to avoid triggering censorship bots. Music licensing isn’t exactly what we have in mind when selecting music for a funeral service. Still, the need for virtual funerals is important now more than ever.

The need for virtual funerals is important now more than ever.

Memoriam.care uses the Zoom API to help families and friends grieve together. A virtual funeral allows loved ones to reflect on their shared experiences, connection, and enduring love. Our company was founded to reduce isolation for those who have lost loved ones while social distancing policies slow the spread of Covid-19. 

Rethink how we gather for funerals now, and in the future. 

Virtual funerals are important now, and in the future. Covid-19 has brought accessibility barriers into the mainstream. These barriers existed before the coronavirus outbreak. Unexpected travel to funerals was still a financial burden for many. Social gatherings still posed a risk to vulnerable people. These problems won’t disappear with a coronavirus cure.   

Before the coronavirus pandemic, livestreaming was present at events like weddings and graduation ceremonies. Livestreaming is a way to connect with people who otherwise would not be able to be there. Virtual meeting software offers the opportunity to join in events beyond just watching them. Participation is incredibly important for virtual funerals. 

7 essentials for planning a virtual funeral service

You will need to make sure you have the proper setup at your venue ahead of time. Check the venue a week or more in advance or go with a venue that is known to support virtual funeral services. Ask your funeral home if they can recommend a venue with adequate tech setup. Coordinate with your conferencing service ahead of time to verify you have the proper setup and license. The recent Kennedy funeral had over 3000 virtual attendees. They coordinated with Zoom ahead of time to make sure they had the right type of license and capacity. 

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1. Check your internet / WiFi connection

You will need reliable internet access while streaming a virtual funeral service. Connect a cable directly into ethernet if you can. If you’re using WiFi, make sure the connection is strong. Place your computer near the router if you can. Mobile hotspots are not reliable. Create a video conference room as a test, and have someone connect from another location. 

2. Use a high quality camera

The camera on your laptop or iPad is unlikely going to be able to show the whole room clearly. The venue may have audio and video equipment. If not, make sure you have at least the basics: a camera, a tripod, and a microphone. Webcams may not be as clear. It is possible to use more than one camera in the meeting room. Check your video and audio with a test meeting. 

3. Check the lighting and ambient noise

A typical venue will most likely have appropriate lighting and noise control. It’s always good to check the sound quality on a test call. Don’t put microphones near speakers as it will cause feedback and echo. Check how the lighting looks in the meeting room. You don’t need professional lighting. Make sure there is ample lighting in front of the presenters, not behind them. Hire a professional videographer if you can.

4. Verify attendance and time limitations

If there is a limitation to total in-person headcount, plan for that. You may need to stagger attendance. Count your videographer toward the total in-person headcount allowed at your venue. Ask if they can control sound and video from a different room. Verify that your conferencing software supports the total number of expected virtual attendees. You may need to purchase a subscription. For example, Zoom allows free accounts up to 100 people for up to 40 minutes of broadcast.

5. Check music licensing requirements

Livestreaming changes the type of copyright licensing required for playing music at a funeral. This includes live performances of music. The National Funeral Directors Association has collaborated with music broadcasting organizations to offer a license specifically for funerals. Purchasing the NFDA Music License allows you to legally livestream a funeral with copyrighted music. 

6. Plan for virtual guest speaking opportunities

Just like any funeral, a virtual guest may want to say a few words in honor of the deceased. It is important to plan for this. Part of it is ensuring there is an agenda for the funeral that includes guest speaking time. Memoriam.Care supports integrating an agenda into your conference. Alternatively, you can create a traditional agenda in PDF format so guests know when they can speak. If there are in-person attendees, you may want to have a speaker attached to your conferencing device. Designate someone to check for and facilitate guest speakers on the webcast. Make sure they are familiar with host controls, such as muting. 

7. Create a space for virtual sympathy messages

Your guestbook is going to look different for a virtual funeral. Many online obituary services offer a digital guestbook. Some families create a social media page where loved ones can leave comments. Consider how you want to save your guest book for the future. Perhaps you want something more formal to print. If there are in-person guests, you may have a combination of digital and handwritten sympathies. You may ask digital attendees to handwrite a letter and mail it to you (or photocopy). Then, collate everything together into a bounded book. 

Takeaways

The funeral industry has changed more in weeks than it has in decades. Mourning the loss of a loved one during these uncertain times means finding new and meaningful ways to connect. In doing so, we must plan for new logistics and challenges.

Memoriam.care uses the Zoom API to help families and friends grieve together. We are launching soon. Join our mailing list to learn more about! 

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Here’s how @zoom_us and #covid19 have changed what it means to attend a funeral during #socialdistancing

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