How do you keep track of all the items that pass through your funeral home each day?

Do you use a clipboard and paper log? An Excel spreadsheet?

Regardless of your method, all funeral homes need a system to keep track of all the items and bodies that pass through their facility. And while methods like paper logs and Excel files can work sometimes, they can't provide 100% accuracy.

The first time someone forgets to update the paper log, you'll find yourself unsure of where a valuable family heirloom is, or worse, where a family's loved one is.

Fortunately, there is a more reliable way to track items and bodies: digital barcode tracking! 

Barcode tracking is efficient and easy and will help you maintain an accurate chain of custody, whether you serve 40 families in a year or 4,000.

But, with so many different tracking systems available for funeral homes, it can be overwhelming to find the right one.  

In this article, learn the main benefits of using a tracking system and 6 things to look for in a barcode tracking tool.

The benefits of barcode tracking

You may be wondering, "If my funeral home only serves one or two families per week, how can barcode tracking help me?"

But one main benefit of barcode tracking is that it's a method that can work for funeral homes of all sizes. 

The use case for a large volume of cases makes perfect sense. You have multiple staff members touching each case, and it's incredibly helpful to have a digital footprint to follow and access at any time if the family calls with a question.

For funeral homes with fewer staff members and a smaller caseload, tracking may seem like just one extra step. However, you might be surprised at the many ways that a barcode tracking system can benefit funeral homes with even the smallest caseloads.

1. Lower liability

2. Higher level of service to families

3. All your information in one place

4. Ability to track third-party transfers to and from your funeral home

To read more about the benefits of barcode tracking, visit this article. >>> 

Now that you know how important it is to have a tracking system in place for chain of custody, you'll want to know exactly what to look for in a tool. Here are 6 things to look for to help you find a tracking tool that best meets your needs.

6 things to look for in a barcode tracking tool

#1: All-in-one setup

The first thing to look for in a barcode tracking tool is an 'all-in-one' setup. What do we mean by that?

Find a tool that meets all your needs and works together with your other software.

For maximum use, your barcode tracking tool should seamlessly connect to your case management system and offer decedent tracking and item tracking. It doesn't do you a lot of good if your tool only does two out of three!

#2: Simple setup

Something else to consider is the setup of the barcode tracking tool.

All new systems require training to get started, but once you're up and running, it should make the tracking process easier, not more tedious. Find one that is easy to set up on the go with locations and barcode types.

#3: Scalability

As you look at different chain of custody tracking tools on the market, consider the scalability of your options.

How much is the cost of tracking each case? Are there any additional costs for using a specific type of tracker, such as a medallion or other special type of tag?

Systems like these can add costs to your operation that don't scale well.

#4: Ease of use

Next, consider how easy the system is to use day-to-day. Do you have to pre-print unique barcodes tied to a particular case, or can you use any barcode? Are the barcodes durable or paper-thin and prone to getting damaged as they are used?

If your system generates specific barcodes for cases that are unique to the system, you might have a logistical problem if you are nowhere near a printer when you need a barcode.

Instead, look for a tool that provides durable, cost-effective barcode technology so that you can always have them on hand to tie to any case.

#5: Accessibility of information

Next, consider how accessible the tracking information will be to everyone on your staff.

Keep in mind that a family may call at any time requesting information on the status of their loved one's cremation, burial, or the location of a specific item.

Having all that information integrated and up-to-date in your case management system will allow anyone from a receptionist to an on-call funeral director who answers the phone to be able to answer questions knowledgeably and professionally.

If the system you are considering is only accessible to a few staff members, the benefits of your tracking system will be limited.

#6: Cost

Finally, look at the overall cost of implementing a barcode tracking system. Is the cost an add-on for a service you currently have or is it included? Consolidate your costs when you find a tool that's included in your case management software.

Ultimately, whether you get an all-in-one tool or not, you'll likely have to pay for codes or bands to track your items. But either way, the cost of implementing barcode tracking will always be less than the costs that can come with losing or damaging items or bodies in your funeral home.