Table of Contents

Introduction

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"How much does it cost to get our cemetery into Cemify?"

The honest answer is that it depends on the materials you already have and how much of the implementation work you'd like Cemify to handle.

While every cemetery receives the same software platform, no two cemeteries have the same records, maps, or historical documentation. Some organizations have clean digital files that are ready to import. Others are working from decades-old paper maps, handwritten burial books, or records spread across multiple systems.

Every cemetery's situation is unique, but most projects are built from the same core services and considerations. The guide below explains what we review, the implementation options available, and the factors that can affect project pricing.

What We Review

Before preparing a proposal, our implementation team reviews any materials you provide. This often includes:

  • Cemetery maps
    • Hand drawn
    • Surveyed drawings
    • CAD files
    • GIS or shapefiles
  • Records
    • Excel spreadsheets
    • Access databases
    • Paper materials (Burial books, lot cards, etc.)
  • Deeds, burial and ownership certificates
  • Existing cemetery software exports

The quality and completeness of these materials play a major role in determining project scope, timeline, and cost.

Common Implementation Services

Every project is built from one or more implementation services depending on the cemetery's needs.

Digital Mapping

Digital mapping involves converting existing cemetery maps into an interactive map within Cemify.

The complexity of mapping can vary significantly depending on the source materials provided.

For example:

  • A professionally surveyed map with clearly defined lots may require minimal interpretation.
  • A hand-drawn map with missing labels, handwritten notes, or inconsistent layouts may require significantly more review and reconstruction.

Digital mapping is intended to create a clear, organized, diagrammatic representation of the cemetery based on the materials provided. It is not survey-grade mapping and does not include field verification or engineering services.

Record Setup & Configuration

Some cemeteries prefer to enter records themselves.

In these situations, Cemify can configure record types, statuses, ownership fields, burial information, and other record structures so staff and volunteers can begin entering information directly into the system.

This option is often a good fit for smaller cemeteries or organizations that want to spread data entry over time.

Data Import

For cemeteries with existing digital records, Cemify can often import records directly into the system.

Common import sources include:

  • Excel spreadsheets
  • Access databases
  • CSV exports
  • Other cemetery software platforms

Import pricing depends on factors such as:

  • Number of records
  • Data consistency
  • Field structure
  • Required cleanup
  • Matching records to mapped plots

Importing data is often much faster than re-entering records manually, but it does not automatically eliminate the need for data review or organization.

Transcription

For cemeteries with paper-based records, Cemify can assist with transcription services.

Common sources include:

  • Burial books
  • Lot cards
  • Index cards
  • Printed record books
  • Handwritten ledgers
  • Maps and plot registers
  • Scanned documents

Transcription involves entering information from these materials into structured Cemify records. Depending on the project, transcription may be completed manually, with the assistance of AI tools, or through a combination of both approaches. Because transcription often requires significant time and labor, it is typically one of the most expensive components of an implementation project when a cemetery chooses to pursue this route.

File Import

Many cemeteries have valuable historical information stored in scanned documents, deeds, PDFs, photographs, and other digital files.

Cemify can assist with organizing and importing these files so they can be stored alongside cemetery records and accessed from a centralized location.

File imports are typically organized using existing plot references or record identifiers when available.

Template Setup

Many cemeteries use documents such as:

  • Burial rights certificates
  • Deeds
  • Purchase agreements
  • Reservation forms
  • Invoices

Cemify can configure templates that automatically populate information from cemetery records.

The complexity of template setup depends on the number of documents, formatting requirements, and the information being pulled into each form.

Public Website Setup

Every project can include a public-facing website hosted by Cemify.

Families can search records, view plot locations (when mapping is included), and access information online without contacting cemetery staff.

The website uses Cemify's standard structure and is designed specifically for cemetery information.

Training & Handoff

Every implementation includes a structured training session designed to help staff, volunteers, and board members feel comfortable using the system.

Training covers:

  • System basics
  • Record management
  • Map navigation
  • Day-to-day workflows
  • Questions and answers

Why Two Cemeteries Can Receive Different Quotes

One of the most common misconceptions is that pricing is based primarily on acreage.

While cemetery size certainly matters, the condition of the records and maps is often a much larger factor.

For example:

A 20-acre cemetery with clean GIS mapping and organized spreadsheets may require less implementation work than a 5-acre cemetery with handwritten maps, paper burial books, and incomplete records.

This is why we review actual materials before preparing a proposal rather than relying solely on acreage estimates.

Ways to Reduce Implementation Costs

Many cemeteries choose to reduce costs by handling portions of the project internally.

Common examples include:

  • Entering records directly into Cemify rather than paying for imports
  • Providing higher-quality map scans
  • Standardizing spreadsheets before import
  • Limiting the initial project to one section or cemetery

Because implementations are flexible, projects can often be completed in phases rather than all at once.

Every Cemetery Starts Somewhere

One thing we've learned after working with cemeteries of all sizes is that very few organizations have perfect records.

Some have modern GIS maps and organized spreadsheets. Others are working from paper records, handwritten maps, and information that has been passed down through generations of volunteers and caretakers.

Neither situation is unusual.

What matters most is simply getting started.

Many cemetery managers feel overwhelmed by the amount of work ahead of them, especially when entering records themselves. It's easy to look at thousands of records and feel like the project is too large to tackle.

That's why we often encourage cemeteries to focus on one section, one burial book, or one set of records at a time.

Every record entered today is one more than yesterday. Every completed section is progress. Over time, those small efforts add up to a clean, organized database that can be searched, maintained, and passed on to future caretakers.

In fact, entering records yourself can have an unexpected benefit: it creates an opportunity to review and audit information as you go. Many cemeteries discover inconsistencies, missing details, or opportunities for improvement that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Whether the process takes a few months or a few years, the important thing is moving forward. Each step brings the cemetery closer to a centralized system that preserves its history, supports day-to-day operations, and ensures that future generations won't have to start from scratch.

If you're curious what a project might look like for your cemetery, we're always happy to review your materials and provide a no obligation estimate.

How Cemify Estimates Cemetery Digitization Projects