Case Study: Converting to CIMS

The Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery, a 10-acre burial ground in Richfield, MN, recently transitioned to CIMS Platinum from a different cemetery management software. In this case study, we’ll walk through the process of their conversion, the challenges faced, and the reasons why CIMS proved to be the optimal solution for their needs.

Richfield, MN, is home to two Jewish cemeteries managed by the same individual. While United Hebrew Brotherhood has utilized CIMS since 2005, the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery was using a competitor’s software. By 2021, the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery Board recognized the need for a more cost-effective and efficient software solution, prompting their search for alternatives.

The Challenge

The Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery Board was at a crossroads. Their existing provider was mandating an expensive software upgrade. They could continue with the same software, paying for an upgrade that they did not want or need, they could develop a custom cemetery management program, or they could transition to a new cemetery software provider.

While creating a custom cemetery management program would be a long, complex, and expensive process, selecting a new cemetery software provider required assurances of a smooth data migration process and long-term value.

The Solution: Why They Chose CIMS

After evaluating several options, the board chose CIMS for the following reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: CIMS offered the lowest annual cost compared to other cemetery software companies they contacted.
2. Familiarity: The cemetery manager was already familiar with CIMS due to his experience managing United Hebrew Brotherhood.
3. Proven Track Record: CIMS demonstrated its ability to successfully convert data and cemetery maps from competing software platforms.
4. Board Consensus: While one board member advocated for developing a custom program, the majority recognized the long-term value and practicality of CIMS.

The Transition

On January 19, 2022, the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery went live with CIMS Platinum. The transition involved:

• Map Conversion: CIMS seamlessly converted the cemetery’s existing maps into the CIMS platform, using cemetery records and GIS smart maps.
• Data Migration: All data from the competitor’s software was successfully migrated, ensuring a smooth continuity of operations.

The Results

The Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery Board’s decision to transition to CIMS has resulted in several benefits:

• Cost Savings: By choosing CIMS, the cemetery avoided the significant fees associated with the competitor’s mandatory upgrade.
• Interactive Mapping: CIMS Platinum’s interactive smart map gives staff a real-time look at their cemetery grounds, and can be easily updated with new plot sales and burial information.
• Streamlined Operations: The intuitive design of CIMS Platinum has improved their cemetery management processes. Information is accessible on any device, and generating reports and deeds takes just a few clicks.
• Unified Management: With both cemeteries under the same software system, the manager now enjoys greater efficiency in overseeing both operations.

The successful conversion of the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery to CIMS Platinum underscores the value of choosing a proven, cost-effective cemetery management solution. By transitioning to CIMS, the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery Board has ensured efficient and reliable cemetery operations for years to come.

If your cemetery is exploring new management software options, contact us to learn how CIMS can provide tailored solutions for your needs.