Switching cemetery software programs can feel overwhelming. Many cemetery managers worry about losing historical records, dealing with downtime, or overwhelming busy staff. It’s not uncommon for cemeteries to stay with outdated systems simply because the migration process feels too risky.

But cemetery software migration doesn’t need to be difficult, or disruptive. With the right preparation and the right software partner, switching systems can be a structured, manageable process that improves long‑term efficiency, data security, and confidence.

This post is designed for cemetery managers actively evaluating a new software solution. We’ll explore why cemeteries decide to switch providers, the key questions to ask before migrating, how long cemetery software migration typically takes, and how CIMS helps cemeteries move their data safely and successfully.

When cemetery leaders begin evaluating new software, security is often the first concern raised by board members and IT advisors. Cemetery records contain sensitive information, and decision makers want reassurance that modern software won’t put that data at risk.

At CIMS, we understand that security is not a one-time feature or a box to check. It’s an ongoing commitment. As threats evolve, so do our security practices. That’s why CIMS continuously monitors industry trends, updates infrastructure, and invests in new protections to safeguard cemetery data.

This post addresses common IT and board‑level concerns about cemetery software security and explains how CIMS directly addresses each one. From infrastructure and encryption to disaster recovery and access controls, CIMS approaches security as a living, evolving process, not a static promise.

Most cemetery software demos look impressive, until staff actually has to use them. That’s when common concerns surface: We don’t have time to train everyone. Our staff isn’t technical. If it’s hard to navigate, it won’t get used.

Navigation is one of the most overlooked factors in choosing cemetery software, yet it’s often the difference between a system that supports daily operations and one that creates frustration. When staff can’t find what they need quickly, work slows down, data suffers, and families feel the impact.

This post walks through five everyday tasks cemeteries perform constantly and shows how CIMS is designed to help users complete them quickly, confidently, and without digging through endless menus. If your software can’t do these five things easily, it’s probably not the right fit.

Implementing cemetery software is a major step toward improving efficiency, accuracy, and customer service, but what does it take to go live? From organizing decades of records to training staff and migrating data, cemetery software implementation involves more than just choosing a program. This roadmap breaks down the key phases of implementation, helping cemetery managers understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to set their teams up for long-term success.

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the women whose perseverance, intelligence, and leadership have shaped our world—often without the recognition they deserved at the time. One such pioneer is Dr. Gladys Mae West, a mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

Dr. West passed away in January 2026 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence countless industries. AtCIMS Cemetery Software, GPS technology plays a vital role in accurate cemetery mapping and recordkeeping—making Dr. West’s contributions especially meaningful to the work we do every day.

What Does Poor Cemetery Software Training Look Like?

Poor cemetery software training doesn’t always look dramatic. More often, it shows up in subtle, familiar ways.

Cemeteries are cultural landmarks that preserve the history of communities. Unfortunately, many of these sites are abandoned or neglected, making preservation a challenge. Mapping and documenting cemeteries is essential for safeguarding heritage, but these projects often require a significant investment.

The good news? Grants can make it possible. By leveraging federal, state, and private funding, organizations can implement advanced solutions, such as CIMS (Cemetery Information Management System), to digitize records, create interactive maps, and ensure long-term preservation.

CIMS has always been built around a simple mission: to give cemeteries the tools they need to manage their records, maps, and daily operations with confidence. On January 11th, we rolled out CIMS 4.5, a major update designed to make CIMS Cloud easier to navigate, more efficient to use, and more powerful than ever.

Whether you're a longtime CIMS user or just exploring cemetery management software for the first time, this release brings meaningful improvements that streamline workflows and enhance clarity across the platform.

CIMS has reached a significant milestone: 1,000 clients are now leveraging its cloud-based solutions to streamline cemetery operations and enhance record-keeping security. East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven, Connecticut, has worked with CIMS for the past two decades. They recently upgraded from CIMS Light Desktop to CIMS Light Cloud, becoming the latest in a long line of successful, cloud-based cemetery software implementations.

In 1922, Clemson University’s president, Walter Merritt Riggs, came up with the idea to develop a faculty cemetery to honor college staff for their years of service. The Board approved the idea two years later, and they chose a location for the cemetery next to the Calhoun family burial plots. Before it became the Clemson University campus, the site belonged to John C. Calhoun’s Fort Hill plantation. Calhoun’s daughter Anna Maria married Thomas Green Clemson, who founded the University in 1889.

In 2023, Clemson University decided to modernize Woodland Cemetery. This 15.5-acre burial ground has deep historical significance, with hundreds of unmarked graves likely belonging to formerly enslaved people. The project moved from initial inquiry through RFP and mapping to a live, searchable system in under two years, preserving this important history while improving operational management for current interments.