How do you keep track of every loved one that passes through your funeral home each day?

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

Every funeral home needs a reliable system to keep track of all the bodies that pass through its facility. While methods like paper logs and Excel files can sometimes work, they can't provide 100% accuracy.

All it takes is one time for someone to forget to update the location of a loved one for you to realize you need a better tracking system.

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 or 4,000 families a year.

>>>>>>Get more barcode tracking benefits here.

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

Here are 5 features that matter most when choosing a tracking tool for your funeral home. 👇

#1. Connects with your software

A great barcode tracking tool doesn’t just keep you updated on those in your care.

It also needs to work with your current funeral home software.

For the best experience, your barcode tracking tool should seamlessly connect to your case management system. That way, you’re not retyping information (risking errors) or juggling multiple platforms.

When your tracking tool integrates with your software, your data is all in one place. This makes it easier to keep information accurate and up to date.

#2. Keep track of everything

A good tracking tool should obviously follow the movements of decedents. But it should account for their personal items, too!

Families often ask about things like jewelry, clothing, or keepsakes, and you need to be able to quickly confirm where those items are to build trust.

When you can scan and log the person and their belongings, it helps avoid mix-ups and makes sure everything gets where it needs to go. It also gives your staff a clear record of what was transferred, when, and by whom.

Tracking personal items alongside the decedent adds an extra layer of care and accountability that families will notice and appreciate.

#3. Real-time updates

When a family calls asking about the status of a cremation or the location of a personal item, your staff needs answers. That’s where real-time tracking shines.

With a barcode or QR-based system that updates instantly, your funeral home will have every detail available in your case management software the moment a decedent or item is scanned.. The information is right there, whether the body is in the prep room, viewing area, or on the way to a crematory.

Real-time tracking works even better if you can use it on your phone. With a mobile feature, staff can scan and update cases from anywhere. Whether they’re on the road or working after hours, mobile access makes sure your team stays connected and in the know.

#4. User-friendly tool

Next, consider how easy the tool is to use day to day by asking:

• Do you have to pre-print unique barcodes tied to a particular case?

• Can you use any barcode?

• Are the barcodes durable or prone to damage as they are used?

If your system creates specific barcodes for each case, you could run into trouble if you need one and don’t have a printer nearby.

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

#5. Overall cost

Before committing to a tracking tool, look at the overall cost.

Is it already included in your case management software, or is it an extra add-on? If it’s bundled in, that’s a win because you’ll save time and money by keeping everything in one place.

Even with an all-in-one system, you’ll probably still need to buy barcodes or wristbands to track items.

But compared to the cost of losing a personal item, or worse, misidentifying a body, the price of a tracking system is a small investment that can save you big headaches down the road.

It might go without saying, but you can’t put a price tag on the trust families place in you. Of course, you run a business, and cost matters, but giving families peace of mind is priceless.