‘I have been in the funeral profession all my life,’ says Rodney Beaney at J. Markfield, Loughton in Essex. ‘We as a company try to uphold the traditions, sympathy and respect for the whole funeral and the aftercare of the families. We have found Eulogica does everything we need and more. Eulogica is now an integral part of our company.’
The company J. Markfield of Loughton in Essex is still a fledgling concern compared with the history and backgrounds of many funeral directors throughout the country. During the early 1990’s, with the growth of overseas based companies buying out funeral directors, Rodney Beaney, of J. Markfield felt that a company based and run primarily within the community served was needed.
‘Whilst the company is relatively new, I have been in the funeral profession all my life,’ says Rodney. ‘ We as a company try to uphold the traditions, sympathy and respect for the whole funeral and the aftercare of the families. However, I felt that behind the scenes administration could be improved and so for a number of years I considered some form of software to help primarily with the accounting of the company. Having looked at funeral software on offer over a number of years, Eulogica fitted our criteria best. With updates, personal support, help and training from people who have worked in the profession the service could not be faulted.’
The initial stage of analysing Rodney’s needs to allow for tailoring of the software was followed shortly after by the installation of the software. Rodney was then trained how to use the system and was soon up and running. Eulogica now produces the day to day documents required when arranging a funeral, including client confirmation letters, estimates, confirmation letters to ministers as well as the final invoice and covering letters.
The ability to easily track which funerals have been invoiced and which accounts are outstanding at the touch of a button is also a great benefit for Rodney. Reminder letters can also be generated from Eulogica to those accounts which are outstanding.
‘We have found Eulogica does everything we need and more. Eulogica is now an integral part of our company.’ comments Rodney Beaney, J. Markfield of Loughton in Essex
‘We have found Eulogica does everything we need and more. Eulogica is now an integral part of our company.’ comments Rodney.
The way Eulogica Ltd works with Funeral Directors is as follows:
Initial informal meeting which includes a general discussion about the business and needs, and a demonstration of what the software can typically do. Eulogica Ltd will also look at things like family confirmation letters and estimate/invoice layout. This will enable Eulogica Ltd to find out if any special tailoring will be required on top of our basic package. Training requirements are also discussed.
Offer. An estimate of costs and timeframes is provided. If a client then wishes to take the relationship further, the next steps would be:
Contract. Eulogica Ltd will offer a contract to consider which will include details of terms and conditions, licence agreement, price, payment details, etc. The client may or may not choose to enter into this contract and shall be under no obligation until this point.
Analysis day. If our tailoring service is desired, whereby the software can be changed any way, the premises are visited again to discuss the business in full detail, with an emphasis on the products and prices you offer, as well as forms and letters that are in use. This step is not needed if after the first meeting the client feels they can use the software in its standard configuration.
Installation and configuration. Eulogica Ltd will install and configure the software according to needs on an agreed date. Several days may be required if you it is neccessary to make many changes to the system. Some of this work can usually be done remotely. Obviously any new hardware should be in place by this time. Final adjustments to the software can be made and Eulogica Ltd will ensure the system is working fully.
Training. Eulogica Ltd know from experience that correct training of staff is a critical success factor in making the most of any software. According to what has been agreed, Eulogica Ltd will spend time with the staff to train them on the new system.
Continuous Support and Maintenance. Eulogica Ltd sees Eulogica as a partnership for the lifetime of the product, being on call with help, advice and access to the latest developments. Eulogica develops continuously, reflecting new statutory requirements, developments in professional practice or ideas for improvements communicated by Funeral Directors. These regular developments are shared with clients through software updates. Staff can also reach Eulogica Ltd by telephone, e-mail or facsimile to make any enquiry related to Eulogica
Additions and changes. Of course a client may wish to alter or extend the system later, as the business grows. Eulogica Ltd are always happy to come back and develop the system further.
Such bespoke software has always been available from IT consultants, but the costs have usually been prohibitive for all but the largest companies. Eulogica Ltd have created Eulogica as a framework for bespoke funeral management software for the 21st century, coupled with high levels of flexibility. This enables the option of an infinite variety of software solutions according to local and business requirements – combining the benefits of individual attention to detail with overall competitive cost.