Just like with most things in life, organization is key. And that certainly rings true in the funeral industry. That’s because one mistake, one misstep could compromise the proper care of a loved one. A minor human error could result in a decedent being lost, the wrong body being presented at a visitation, or even worse, a body being incorrectly buried or cremated.
And that is why maintaining an accurate chain of custody is of the utmost importance. In fact, many states, like recently Illinois with the Integrity in Death Care Act, are now adopting laws to ensure funeral homes have practices in place to make sure these mistakes don’t happen.
Luckily, these days, funeral homeowners and directors have options to help them guarantee the identity of a decedent throughout the process creating a consistent, complete record of chain of custody for decedents.
That’s where Halcyon by Batesville comes in. As a leading funeral home software solution, Halcyon provides you and your team the tools needed to provide the best possible care to the families you serve. One of those tools is the Body Tracking Feature, an optional add-on to its already robust software.
If you haven’t been convinced by now to adopt some sort of chain of custody system into your day-to-day business, we’re here to help. We’ll cover five reasons your funeral home should consider tracking software.
As the name would suggest, body tracking software provides funeral homes with the ability to keep track of bodies as they move through the physical process, maintaining infallible chain of custody records. Body tracking software provides a digital record of the decedent body location, from prep room to viewing and to burial or cremation or anywhere else.
For example, through Halcyon’s chain of custody body tracking, that is accomplished by utilizing QR codes (short for quick response) that users scan as cases move through their physical processes. Funeral home staff can use Apple or Android devices, including mobile phones or tablets, to scan the QR code or even a Bluetooth scanner connected to any device.
OK, now that we’ve covered the “What” … let’s move on to the “Why.”
As you know, in a funeral home, details matter. With multiple cases in progress at any time, manual tracking methods such as good old-fashioned pen and paper or Excel spreadsheets can quickly become unmanageable. And, of course, prone to human error. When your funeral home adopts body tracking software into day-to-day operations, it provides a centralized, digital record that ensures everything from first arrival at your facility to final disposition is logged in real time, keeping your operations organized and your staff on the same page.
Regulations around funeral home operations are changing and becoming increasingly stringent. Several states are now requiring detailed chain of custody records to prevent the mishandling of remains. Body tracking software helps funeral homes stay ahead of these legal requirements by providing a clear, time-stamped record of every step in the process. And with digital records that are easily accessible and securely stored, funeral directors can ensure compliance with current laws while staying prepared for any future legislative changes. Investing in the right software isn’t just about increasing efficiency, it’s also about protecting your business from possible legal risks.
In the funeral industry, you provide comfort to people in some of their lowest, most heartbroken moments. Of course, as a funeral professional, we don’t need to tell you that. But we understand that is why this profession is so important. Families place immense trust in their funeral homes to handle a loved one’s final arrangements. But if an unfortunate mistake is made, that can tarnish years of good will and reputation in a single moment. Body tracking software provides an additional layer of protection by ensuring every step of the process is documented and transparent. By maintaining proper chain of custody, you give families peace of mind and confidence knowing that their loved one is accounted for at all times.
Beyond compliance and organization, body tracking software can have a direct impact on your funeral home’s bottom line. By reducing errors, improving efficiency, and cutting down on manual tasks, your team can operate more effectively. Also, should a family member call in with questions or updates, all the information you need is right there to relay back to them. Body tracking software also minimizes the risk of costly mistakes, such as misplaced remains or documentation, or even cremating/burying the wrong body. With a system in place, you will be able to allocate resources more efficiently, provide better service and ultimately, improve your overall business performance.
Technology is great … until it isn’t. And implementing new technology shouldn’t be a headache that is more work than it’s worth. The good thing is, almost all modern body tracking software is designed to integrate seamlessly with the devices your team already uses, like smartphones, tablets, or dedicated scanners. By utilizing QR code-based tracking, your staff can quickly and easily log each step of the process without disrupting the workflow. With a simple setup and intuitive interface, adopting body tracking software doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a straightforward step toward a more efficient, compliant, and trustworthy operation.
We hope this blog provided valuable insight into body tracking software and why it’s a crucial investment for your funeral home. With Halcyon by Batesville, you not only have the option to add body tracking software but also gain access to a robust management platform designed to streamline overall operations and enhance the care you provide. Ready to see how Halcyon’s Body Tracking feature can support your business? Click below to learn more or schedule a demo.
