At CIMS, we offer three distinct levels of cemetery software: CIMS Core, Plus, and Professional. Selecting the right tier for your cemetery involves considering various factors to meet your specific needs. In this blog, we will explore the differences and advantages of CIMS Plus and CIMS Professional, guide you on upgrading from CIMS Plus to CIMS Professional, and present a case study from Comstock Township, MI, illustrating a successful upgrade.
CIMS Software Levels
CIMS Core:
CIMS Core is our least expensive option, providing live access and editing of your cemetery data online through your web browser. Although this tier does not feature computerized "Smart Maps," it utilizes the same software and database as CIMS Plus and Professional . This allows you to computerize your cemetery records and easily upgrade to CIMS Plus or Professional later if needed. Key benefits of CIMS Core include:
- Data Stored in the Cloud: Access anytime, anywhere. No updates needed.
- Device Accessibility: Available on any device, including smartphones.
- Multi-user Capabilities: Our software allows multiple users to enter and look up information at the same time.
CIMS Plus:
CIMS Plus represents our mid-tier option. It provides a simplified real-time map of your cemetery while maintaining a cost-effective approach. Key benefits of CIMS Plus include:
- User-Generated Mapping: Allows you to edit a visual representation of grave spaces to match your cemetery records. By having the cemetery staff create the map of the cemetery in CIMS, external mapping costs are minimized.
- Cloud-Based Data Storage: Access your data anytime, anywhere, without the need for updates.
- Device Accessibility: Compatible with any device, including smartphones.
CIMS Professional:
CIMS Professional is our top-tier, most advanced service. This web-based application links your cemetery data to CIMS computerized GIS smart maps, making cemetery management and record updates as simple as browsing the internet. These maps are created by the CIMS Team, and represent an accurate model of your cemetery. It is accessible on PCs, laptops, tablets, and newer smartphones. Key benefits of CIMS Professional include:
- Interactive Smart Maps: Database information is linked to a specific space in your cemetery.
- Cloud-Based Data Storage: Access your data anytime, anywhere, without the need for updates.
- Device Accessibility: Compatible with any device, including smartphones.
- Multi-User Capabilities: Multiple users can enter information simultaneously.
Upgrading to CIMS Professional from CIMS Plus
CIMS offers flexibility, allowing you to start with a lower tier and upgrade later as needed. Many cemeteries, such as Comstock Township, MI, have begun with CIMS Plus and subsequently upgraded to CIMS Professional. This tiered approach enables you to enjoy the benefits of CIMS without immediately committing to the premium tier and pricing. Starting with a smaller tier also helps you understand how CIMS can enhance your cemetery management.
Success Story: Comstock Township, MI
Comstock Township's user-generated map, created using CIMS Plus.
Comstock Township, MI, manages two cemeteries totaling over 14 acres. They initially reached out to CIMS at the beginning of 2023 with a plan to implement CIMS Plus, with the eventual goal of upgrading to CIMS Professional. Our team responded promptly, and they went live in March 2023. The CIMS Team migrated their data from their previous program to the CIMS Database. This approach allowed Comstock Township to effectively test our software before committing to our highest tier, Professional.
Comstock Township's new, more advanced cemetery map using CIMS Professional.
The township was extremely pleased with their experience using CIMS Plus, and in July 2024, we successfully launched CIMS Professional for this cemetery. Now, Comstock Township is able to reap all the benefits of a CIMS Professional membership. In just over a year, the township implemented and used our Plus tier and has now transitioned to our Professional tier.
Is your cemetery looking to upgrade to a higher CIMS tier or interested in learning more? Request more information to explore the dynamic possibilities of CIMS software.
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