The first step in any software change is not signing up for the new system. It is getting a complete copy of your data out of the old one. A full export protects you if the migration hits a snag, gives you the source to import from, and settles the most important question up front: the data is yours, and you have it in hand.
What to export
- Case records, including decedent and family details and history.
- Customer and family records.
- Signed documents and their files, not just a list.
- Preneed contracts with funding details.
- Financial history: invoices, payments, and balances.
What formats to ask for
| Data | Format to request |
|---|---|
| Records and tables | CSV or another open, readable format |
| Documents | The original PDF files |
| Financials | CSV that maps to your accounting |
| Everything | A complete archive you can store safely |
If a vendor makes export hard
Difficulty exporting is itself useful information. A system that does not let you take your own data out cleanly is one you will struggle to leave, which is worth knowing before you commit further. When evaluating any new system, confirm its export capability up front, so you never find yourself locked in again.
What to ask software vendors
- Can I export all my data, including documents, on demand?
- What formats does the export use?
- Is the export complete, or only some records?
- What does it cost, and how long does it take?
How FuneralHQ handles this
Export your records while your FuneralHQ account is active, or ask our team to arrange the export. Agree on the record types, signed documents, formats and delivery method, then check a sample outside the system. If account access has ended, request your export from the team during the 90-day data-retention period in the Terms of Use. The security page explains the no-fee export process. Account access and data retention are separate, so collect and verify your files before cancelling when possible.
For a move into FuneralHQ case management, use the migration guide to agree on the source files, mapping, review and any separately scoped work. Keep the original export and reconcile the records you bring over before relying on the new system.
Related resources
Read what to ask vendors about data ownership and funeral home software migration: what data to bring over.
The FuneralHQ advantage
Control the record without adding more clerical work
FuneralHQ keeps permissions, activity history, documents, and case data together so good recordkeeping follows the work instead of becoming a second process after it.
We will work through a real example with you, from the first details to the finished record.
See it on one of your casesAbout the FuneralHQ Editorial Team
This guide was written by the FuneralHQ Editorial Team, the in-house team behind funeral home software used by independent firms to run cases, documents, payments, and QuickBooks sync in one record. Our editorial standards explain how we review product claims, outside sources, automation, updates, and corrections.