05/02/2023

What are best practices for cemetery administrators?

Managing and administering a cemetery has been evolving for hundreds of years.  As technology is getting more advanced, it is important for cemeteries to change and adopt.  Here are some best practices cemetery administrators should consider to improve their operations:
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Organize Your Cemetery Records Keeping

Accurate and organized record-keeping is crucial in cemetery administration. Keep detailed records of burials, including the name of the deceased, date of burial, and location of the grave. These records should be easily accessible to cemetery staff and kept up to date.  Implementing a software that helps you organize and access your records is critical in an era when public accessibility is extremely important.
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Maintain Your Cemetery Grounds

The cemetery should be well-maintained, with clean and tidy grounds, and regular maintenance of grave markers, landscaping, and facilities. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify and address any maintenance needs.  Your software should help you request and manage all work orders, internally, and externally from your customers.  Tracking the progress from start to finish, including approvals and inspections should also be closely monitored.
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Monitor Cemetery Safety and Security

Ensure the safety and security of the cemetery by implementing appropriate safety measures, such as clear signage, barriers to prevent vehicle access, and regular checks of grave markers and monuments for stability.​​​
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Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Providing exceptional customer service is important in cemetery administration. Staff should be knowledgeable and helpful, providing assistance to visitors in locating graves and answering any questions they may have.  Quickly accessing customer profiles, plots, invoices, and records should be at the fingertips of your staff.  Make sure your software has functionality to search for all data related to any customer.
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Plan for Cemetery Growth

Cemetery administrators should have a long-term plan for the cemetery's development, including expansion plans and capital improvements. This should be done with the aim of providing a well-designed and functional space that meets the needs of the community.
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Do Community Outreach

Keep an open line of communication with the community and families of the deceased buried in the cemetery. Regular updates and newsletters can keep the public informed of any changes or developments in the cemetery, and provide a forum for feedback and suggestions.
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Consider Environmental Impact

Consider the environmental impact of cemetery operations, and strive to reduce any negative impact by implementing eco-friendly practices. This may include using sustainable materials for grave markers, implementing a recycling program, and reducing water usage for landscaping.

By following these best practices, cemetery administrators can ensure that the cemetery is well-managed, maintained, and accessible to the community, while providing a respectful and dignified final resting place for the deceased.  Using a best-of-breed cemetery management software like EverArk helps your staff achieve many of these goals while reducing workload and headaches.

Request a demo of EverArk today to see how you can better manage your cemetery.