Listen to this articleCemSites is an innovative, leading, cemetery software company based near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Below is our recent interview with Scott McAfee, CEO, and Co-founder of CemSites:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to CemSites?
A: As founders, Sean Johnson and I started a company with a focus and mission on improving industries through technology. The idea was to bundle as many specific process improvements and robust marketing and sales features into a complete online software package as possible. This would allow these companies to take advantage of super-powerful software, previously only available to large corporations via expensive custom-built solutions.
We started with three industries: churches, first responders, and cemeteries. We observed that the cemetery industry was extremely far behind in technology, and lacked in organization and efficiency. This is due to their manual recordkeeping. Cemeteries need to keep records in perpetuity, and the old-school way of running their businesses, with processes that were developed over 50 years ago, is not serving them in today’s modern world. This inspired us to set our sights on devising a software solution that hugely enhanced day-to-day workload and accountability for every cemetery using the software. We worked hand-in-hand with cemeteries all over the country for many years and created custom solutions for individual cemeteries. This led to the development of an unprecedented, customer-centric software platform that is known today as CemSites. We remain the authority on cemetery software and continue to set the industry standard.
Our software solution gives cemeteries the opportunity to modernize and digitize their organizations like never before. With features such as digital record keeping, GPS mapping, and 24/7 partner support, we have revolutionized the industry. We take pride in the fact that, unlike other companies, every part of CemSites is crafted in the USA, so nothing is ever outsourced.
Since our humble beginnings in 2012, we have expanded exponentially, now serving cemeteries in over 45 states as well as parts of Canada. Today, cemeteries implementing CemSites can expect to have every part of their workflow automated from A to Z, via this powerful cloud software.
Q: What are the benefits of using cloud software for cemeteries?
A: Cloud software offers countless benefits for any business, and cemeteries are no different. The efficiency and security of cloud software cannot be beaten. CemSites cloud software backs up and updates automatically, so in the event of a disaster, records always remain safe. Another advantage of cloud software is that it is accessible from any device, anywhere. Users don’t have to be at the cemetery or on their computer to use CemSites software. Lastly, and most importantly, our cemetery software is completely secure. Records are backed-up numerous times throughout the day using multiple data center locations staffed by armed guards.
Q: Can you give us insights into your features?
A: CemSites cemetery software includes many features and modules designed to save users significant time and money. We recommend a phased approach to cemetery software, allowing cemeteries to only pay for what they need. The flexible and adaptable nature of the software allows users to easily add or remove modules at their own discretion. New users can start off with our Core Bundle and add more modules over time as they see fit. This approach allows them to grow with the software gradually over time as they adopt it.
Key features and modules:
System Setup and Data
We customize every aspect of our software to fit your unique methodologies, workflow, and needs. We do this by conducting three primary phases while developing your solution: discovery, development, and implementation. CemSites also provides unparalleled support during on-boarding, adaption, and training. We are also the leading-authority in cemetery data migration. Data is your most valuable asset – and we treat it that way.
Data Migration
Rest assured, you’re in good hands. We are data experts and have migrated over 70 million records for our clients. We know this process inside and out and make the transition smooth and simple. Your data is king to us, and the most important aspect of maintaining your historical legacy. Your data always belongs to you. No matter the type of data you have, we will clean it, house it, store it, and back it up securely in perpetuity. It has to last forever. We pride ourselves on being a data-centric company. You’ll also be able to access robust auditing tools and save time with mass data reconciliation.
Secure CRM
Our web-based cemetery record management software is built on FlexCore Framework. This user-friendly and intuitive program features robust computing, searching and plotting options to help users effectively manage data. All cemetery data stored in Secure CRM on FlexCore Framework is protected by the same security standards used by the world’s top government organizations and financial institutions.
Crematory Module
Manages cremation records, tracks inventory status, features one-click reporting. Generates auto-populated documents including: letters, certificates, receipts, and more.
Multi-location Module
Allows users to view and compare the performance of multiple cemetery locations to make well-informed business decisions.
Doc-automation Module
Prints auto-populated templates for deed transfers, interments and obituaries.
Digital grave mapping
Plots and displays the location of graves. With ground-breaking Walk-to-Site mobile navigation technology, visitors and staff can easily find graves and explore the grounds.
Map Printing Module
It allows users to search and print cemetery maps by section or lot to use as a reference tool for both visitors and grounds crew.
Visual lot viewer
Gives a digital visual layout of the entire cemetery, connecting burial, grave, owner, and marker information with its physical location. This allows visitors and groundskeepers to find graves directly from the lot.
Mausoleum Viewer Module
Creates custom layouts so users can visualize mausoleums, add and edit records, and rearrange property with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
Marker Manager
Saves time by viewing the markers that exist in a lot in a simple, organized view. Plus, create great upselling opportunities by running reports on graves without markers.
Obstruction Manager
Creates layered maps to mark the locations of trees, benches, buildings, rocks and other obstructions in relation to graves.
CemCare
Sets the industry-standard for partner support. Our customer support program gives users unparalleled access to a dedicated client advocate and a 24/7/365 emergency hotline. We assign a client advocate to every cemetery we serve to perform preemptive check-ups, quarterly evaluations, maintenance, software training, and adoption. This comprehensive level of customer service is a CemSites trademark and is unmatched by any other software as a service (SaaS) company.
AR Finance Module
Works in conjunction with our Sales Module to streamline each cemetery’s entire receivables process and export data to other financial software. Automating accounting and bookkeeping tasks is not only a time-saver, but a money saver as well. With this extensive financial information available, users can make more accurate business decisions, creating an even higher return on their investment (ROI). Also, our AR module is compatible with accounting software, such as Quickbooks and Intuit.
Website Integration
Integrates CemSites technology into existing cemetery websites. Enhances capabilities, engagement and functionality. The integration enables data to auto-populate from our Secure CRM. This gives users the ability to sell products and services, publish records, announce arrangements and more.
Merchant Services
Easily accept payments online and have payment transactions automatically post to your account. It’s simple with CemSites! We can integrate our software with your vendor of choice.
Sales Module
The industry’s only sales software built specifically for cemeteries. Our activity-based CRM makes it easy to schedule events, assign tasks, and monitor all user activity. Easily set commissions, track prospects, leads, and sales. Rapidly identify the right people to call “right now,” and generate actionable leads.
Community Impact
CemSites allows cemeteries to have better engagement with the communities they serve. Users can look up graves and share memorial pages entirely on their own.
Website Development
No website? No problem! We can build websites from scratch for our partners. From design to development and deployment, we’ve got it covered.
Revenue Plus
Sells any product or service directly from the company’s website and expands opportunities with a built-in drip marketing tool.
Keepsafe Memorials
Preserves family legacy by selling online pages to which clients can add information about both living and deceased loved ones.
Q: What does it mean that Secure CRM is “web-based”? Is it really better than local-based solutions?
A: The term “web-based” refers to the fact that our software works through the internet. This is preferable to a local-based solution in that it updates automatically, backs up automatically, and is accessible from any device, anywhere. This gives cemeterians the freedom to work from anywhere on any device, and they can have peace of mind knowing their data is always secure.
Q: What kind of return on investment can CemSites partners expect?
A: CemSites partners can expect a significant return on their investment. On average, our partners saved $16,850 and 710 work hours in their first year. Savings continue to increase through subsequent years as clients’ adoption and knowledge of software increases. CemSites also creates new revenue streams with the Revenue Plus module by assisting users with marketing and merchandising. With centralized data, automated tasks, and error reduction, CemSites can save partners a bundle of time and money. We believe that our software pays for itself in a short time frame.
Q: What are the company’s plans and goals for the future?
A: At CemSites, our main goal is always to aid cemeteries, both large and small, in helping their communities. To that end, we even founded the Cemetery Technology Council, a non-profit organization created to give back to the community by educating cemeteries about the benefits of technology. We strive to continue to set the industry standard for cemetery software and partner support, and we plan to continue to evolve our cemetery software to accommodate the unique needs of cemeteries and protect their legacies for generations to come.
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