For many cemeteries, going paperless can feel like a daunting task. Decades’ worth of paper records, handwritten ledgers, and physical maps may feel like they’ll never make it into a digital system. With CIMS, transitioning to a paperless workflow is easy, and all your records and documents are accessible at any time, from any device with an internet connection.
CIMS (Cemetery Information Management System) was created in 1998 with a simple goal: to help cemeteries manage their records and maps more efficiently. The idea originated when Ramaker, a 25-person engineering firm at the time, responded to a request for proposal from the City of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. That project revealed a broader need for intuitive, digital cemetery management solutions—and CIMS was born.
Managing cemetery records often involves working with stacks of old paper documents, maps, and handwritten notes. Transitioning from physical records to a digital system can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, it becomes a seamless process. One of the most effective tools for this transition is a document camera—a device that makes it easy to digitize records and integrate them directly into CIMS Cloud.
When investing in CIMS cemetery software, you receive a comprehensive annual maintenance plan designed to keep your cemetery records secure, up-to-date, and easily accessible. We know that budget considerations are important. That’s why we strive to keep our maintenance plan costs reasonable while delivering high-quality support and services that help cemeteries operate smoothly and efficiently. Here’s what’s included in your CIMS support plan:
Not all cemetery maps are created equal. Many cemetery management platforms offer basic mapping capabilities, but CIMS Platinum takes it to the next level with its advanced GIS-powered maps. Unlike other software programs, CIMS Platinum doesn’t just mark grave locations—it builds a true-to-life model of the cemetery, incorporating burial shapes, custom markers, and real-time updates.
Software is only as good as its support. That’s why at CIMS, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
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.
The CIMS team is excited to introduce the latest update to our cemetery management software, CIMS 4.3! This update was released to all users on December 15th. This release brings a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance your user experience and streamline cemetery operations. There is a video that walks through all the new features that you can watch here. Below is an overview of the key updates and how they can benefit your team:
Cemeteries serve as sacred spaces for communities, providing places for reflection, remembrance, and reverence. For dioceses—regional administrative divisions of the Catholic Church—managing multiple cemeteries can be a complex task. A diocese oversees the spiritual and operational needs of numerous parishes and cemeteries, often spread across a large geographical area. This can involve everything from maintaining burial records to ensuring cemetery maps are up to date.
At CIMS, we understand these unique challenges and offer tailored cemetery management solutions to meet the needs of dioceses, whether they oversee cemeteries centrally or operate independently. Below, we’re excited to highlight a few diocesan case studies showcasing how our software has empowered clients across the country to efficiently manage their cemeteries.
Planning a cemetery addition is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration, strategic planning, and meticulous execution. Whether you're expanding an existing cemetery or establishing a new section, master planning is essential to ensure the project meets current needs and anticipates future requirements. Though every cemetery and master planning process is different, approaching your planning process with efficient guidance will help make your cemetery visions come true. This guide will walk you through the typical steps in master planning your cemetery addition, helping you create a space that honors the deceased and serves the living.