Funeral home management software delivers significant ROI through one-time data entry, automated admin tasks, and time freed to build client relationships.
An all-in-one funeral home management platform with a single-entry system has the highest ROI for this type of software. A platform set up this way saves funeral directors significant time and money by automating administrative tasks and streamlining workflows.
In real world speak, this ROI comes because the software empowers deathcare professionals to:
Enter data once
A single entry system means case data flows automatically into contracts, accounting ledgers, state death certificate filings, and obituaries.
Automate time-consuming administrative tasks
Use case data, automation workflows, and AI to quickly and accurately generate reports, obituaries, and more. This can save more than 12 hours of administrative work per case.
Focus on serving families
Time that would otherwise go to redundant, repetitive tasks is freed up to focus on serving families, building trust, and growing your business.
Funeral home management software ROI examples with TDAW®
How does this ROI actually play out for funeral directors? Here are seven examples, specific to the capabilities of The Director’s Assistant® Web (TDAW®, now in its 6th generation, replacing The Smart Director®).
1. Customize data entry fields for each user
While having many fields for data entry is important, not every user needs to see every field all the time. This is where the UDESIGN®, TDAW®’s data entry customization feature, comes into play. Here’s how it works: log into TDAW®, go to Setup, click on UDESIGN® in the menu bar, and turn fields on or off. Hidden fields disappear from the data entry screen, and the other fields shift left so the view is clean with no gaps. It’s just as easy to turn fields back on. This feature is applied on a per-user basis, making TDAW® more scalable and personalized.
2. Use AI and case data to write an obituary
Although obituary writing can be time-consuming, using AI for this task risks inaccuracies and may damage your reputation. With Cai™, TDAW®’s native AI assistant, you get the best of both worlds: efficiency and accuracy. That’s because Cai™ uses case data already in TDAW®, so you avoid the possibility of hallucinations. It fits seamlessly into existing processes/workflows, and is included with every TDAW® license.
3. Accept digital signatures on legal documents
Native e-signature capabilities are a basic feature for modern funeral home businesses. TDAW® takes this one step further with Screen Sign, a digital signature feature included in every TDAW® license. Here’s how it works: During in-person meetings with family members, they can easily add digital signatures to forms on a laptop, phone, or table—using their finger or a mouse. The signed form is saved to the case in TDAW®, and family members automatically receive an email with a copy. That’s it; no more printing, signing, and scanning forms. So efficient!
4. Comply with chain-of-custody regulations
TDAtrak® is TDAW®’s QR-code-based system for tracking deceased remains every step of the way. It starts with printing a tracking tag–which includes a QR code and essential information about the deceased. That tag is placed on a wrist band attached to the body. Then, at each point in the chain of custody, the person responsible scans the QR code, records actions, and signs to validate the update. A separate phone app is not needed, and a report can be printed anytime that shows the tracking details.
5. Message securely and privately with clients
FamilyLink, a native TDAW® feature, allows the funeral director to create a personalized portal for each family member. From this portal, the client can make payments and upload and digitally sign documents. FamilyLink also includes a private messaging app built into TDAW® that allows the funeral director to text chat with clients anytime. No more giving out your personal contact information to stay reachable 24/7!
6. Get paid through dedicated crowdfunding
FundAFamily®, launched by Continental Computers in 2019, is a funeral home software crowdfunding tool designed specifically to help families pay for funerals and ensure that funeral homes get paid for their services. Here’s how it works: only a funeral home can put up an obituary on FundAFamily®, and you don’t need a TDAW® license to do so. When someone makes a donation, the funeral home gets 100% of the money; no third-party transaction fees. If you do have a TDAW® funeral home software license, the money is connected to the family’s contract for that case, and the system automatically enters the payment for you. FundAFamily® provides a community-focused method of financial assistance for people experiencing the loss of a loved one. Community members can donate money to families, no fees attached.
7. Manage online arrangements
ArrangeOnline®, a TDAW® feature, makes it easy to close the deal with customers who prefer an online approach. From within TDAW®, email the customer a link to get started. They can then start a case, view your General Price list, choose service type(s) and merchandise, and create a contract. This feature can also be used for preneed planning. It expands your reach and fits easily into existing workflows.
The Continental Computers Difference
ROI for TDAW® stands out through these benefits:
- One license for all features; no add-on costs, ever.
- All-in-one platform; eliminates the need for third-party tools.
- Dependability; over 40 years of continuous development.
- Unlimited, U.S.-based support; real human help with a stake in your success.
- Long-term value; independently-owned, private software company.
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This blog post is co-authored by Mae Kowalke and Wes Johnson.
Mae Kowalke
Digital Marketing Lead, Continental Computers
Mae grew up in rural Washington State and Vermont. In high school, she worked in public libraries and during college began her career in journalism before segueing into digital marketing. Mae holds a B.A. in Communications and has spent over two decades applying her writing superpower to help businesses communicate the value they bring to customers. Mae’s life experiences provide her with a broad and deep understanding of researching, organizing, and communicating meaningful information to both businesses and consumers.
Wes Johnson
President/CEO, Continental Computers
Wes grew up in the southern United States as an underprivileged child, and went on to serve active duty in the U.S. Army for a decade. Wes holds a B.S. in accounting and an MBA, and is a practicing licensed funeral director. These life experiences provide him with a unique perspective in the death-care industry. He understands the dynamics between the family and the funeral director, including the difficulty families face to pay for funerals. “Let’s solve problems together,” he says.
