Rest Assured - Choosing What Software Modules to Purchase
Welcome to Rest Assured . . . the fourth in a series of Q & A articles designed to help you navigate the decision making process when evaluating your purchase of cemetery management software. Here we go!
Q. Can I pick the modules from cemetery software management programs I want, or do I have to buy them all? How easy is it to then add-on when needed?
Great question as not all cemeteries have the same management needs. There are many different types of cemetery management software available with various features that cemeteries can leverage to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their organization.
For example, high-performance enterprise software provides comprehensive, enterprise-wide access to information. Alternatively, other sized cemeteries only need a certain function from the software so you can certainly choose the modules that would be most impactful for your operation.
Many options come with various modules or add-ons that perform different functions so that the software can be customized depending on the size and needs of the cemetery organization. The modules and add-ons are typically fully integrated to avoid multiple entries and reduce data entry time and improve accuracy and efficiency.
Here are five considerations when purchasing cemetery software related to individual modules:
Functionality – What features do you want the cemetery software to have and what functions do you want it to perform currently and in the future?
Customization Needs – Does the cemetery software offer integrated add-ons to perform different functions so it can be customized to meet your needs today and tomorrow? Are you able to add or remove modules to adapt to your changing needs so you only pay for the features you use?
Budget Parameters – What is your budget for the cemetery software and what can you afford? Perhaps you can start with a core software and add-on modules/features over time.
Customer Friendly – Is the cemetery software add-ons user-friendly and intuitive and is training offered on how to use the software modules?
Compatibility and Integration – Do you want the cemetery software to be compatible with and/or integrate with software currently used in your organization (accounting, etc.)? If so, does the cemetery software offer this capability and is it compatible with the current software used in your organization or do you need to update your current software to integrate it?
That said, there is usually a “core” part of the platform that you need to start with and there are some modules that are inter-dependent depending on the functions. As you navigate the process of what’s possible, ask, ask, and ask more questions. For many firms, start small, and grow into the solution. Crawl, Walk, Run, and then Fly.
Rest assured, if I can be of help in providing any additional insight with this or other questions that you might have related to how cemetery software management could provide for a more efficient and effective tool for the betterment of your firm, do not hesitate for a minute to contact me. I’d be honored to have that conversation with you.
