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
FuneralHQ treats your data as yours: you can export it at any time, and migration support is included when you come in. You will never be locked in, which is exactly the position you want to be in before and after a switch. See the migration guide.
Related resources
Read what to ask vendors about data ownership and funeral home software migration: what data to bring over.