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BATESVILLE, Ind., July 28, 2025 – Batesville, a trusted leader in the North American deathcare industry, has announced the first inter-operational integration between its Halcyon deathcare management software solution and the state of Georgia’s Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). The integration eliminates the need for duplicate manual entry data, improving the speed to process. This helps funeral homes maintain more accurate death records and supports continued electronic death submissions in other states.

“At Batesville, we believe technology is a powerful tool to deliver value to our funeral home customers and help families navigate the end-of-life journey,” said Sara Gard, General Manager, Halcyon by Batesville. “This breakthrough integration with Georgia improves business efficiencies and processes as Georgia funeral home directors can now enter a decedent’s death certificate and information once, and it will seamlessly integrate from Halcyon directly to Georgia Vital Events Registration System (GAVERS). This saves the funeral home customer an average of 15-30 minutes per case.”

“The new integration saves my team significant time, increases death record accuracy, simplifies the process, and builds trust during a time of uncertainty,” Everett J. Huffman, Funeral Director & General Manager, Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory. “Families now have the peace of mind their loved one’s death records are being submitted without error, and we can focus on supporting them through the funeral process instead of spending time on paperwork.”

Batesville is a proud participant in a subgroup of the Center for Disease Control’s National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) Modernization Community of Practice. The purpose of this subgroup is to research and review how to modernize electronic death record submission, including improvements to funeral home death record data collection and management. Together, the team developed, tested, and implemented a system where funeral home management systems could exchange data electronically with a state’s death registry systems to improve the timeliness and quality of death data, create efficiencies for the funeral directors, and accelerate vital records technology adoption. This integration embraces new technology and approaches to death care management. Over the next few weeks Batesville will continue our phased roll out to all Halcyon users in Georgia.

Batesville has deep customer relationships and a diverse portfolio of solutions across Burial, Cremation, and Technology to meet the evolving needs of deathcare professionals and the families they serve. Our goal is to equip funeral professionals with the tools and resources to support their business and help position them for long-term success.

For more information, or if you are interested in implementing this in your business, please contact the Halcyon solutions team at 770.877.1158 or visit www.halcyondcms.com.

ABOUT BATESVILLE SERVICES, LLC

Batesville is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions, and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings.   For more than a century, Batesville has supported deathcare professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love^® and has recently been named one of Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America for the second consecutive year. A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a market leader.

Contact:

Media.Inquiries@Batesville.com
812.931.5084

The Top 5 Reasons Your Funeral Home Needs Body Tracking Software

Just like with most things in life, organization is key. And that certainly rings true in the funeral industry. That’s because one mistake, one misstep could compromise the proper care of a loved one. A minor human error could result in a decedent being lost, the wrong body being presented at a visitation, or even worse, a body being incorrectly buried or cremated.  

And that is why maintaining an accurate chain of custody is of the utmost importance. In fact, many states, like recently Illinois with the Integrity in Death Care Act, are now adopting laws to ensure funeral homes have practices in place to make sure these mistakes don’t happen.  

Luckily, these days, funeral homeowners and directors have options to help them guarantee the identity of a decedent throughout the process creating a consistent, complete record of chain of custody for decedents.   

That’s where Halcyon by Batesville comes in. As a leading funeral home software solution, Halcyon provides you and your team the tools needed to provide the best possible care to the families you serve. One of those tools is the Body Tracking Feature, an optional add-on to its already robust software.  

If you haven’t been convinced by now to adopt some sort of chain of custody system into your day-to-day business, we’re here to help. We’ll cover five reasons your funeral home should consider tracking software.  

What is Body Tracking Software? 

As the name would suggest, body tracking software provides funeral homes with the ability to keep track of bodies as they move through the physical process, maintaining infallible chain of custody records. Body tracking software provides a digital record of the decedent body location, from prep room to viewing and to burial or cremation or anywhere else.  

For example, through Halcyon’s chain of custody body tracking, that is accomplished by utilizing QR codes (short for quick response) that users scan as cases move through their physical processes. Funeral home staff can use Apple or Android devices, including mobile phones or tablets, to scan the QR code or even a Bluetooth scanner connected to any device.  

OK, now that we’ve covered the “What” … let’s move on to the “Why.” 

Reason 1: Body Tracking Software Keeps Everything Tracked, Organized, and Efficient  

As you know, in a funeral home, details matter. With multiple cases in progress at any time, manual tracking methods such as good old-fashioned pen and paper or Excel spreadsheets can quickly become unmanageable. And, of course, prone to human error. When your funeral home adopts body tracking software into day-to-day operations, it provides a centralized, digital record that ensures everything from first arrival at your facility to final disposition is logged in real time, keeping your operations organized and your staff on the same page.  

Reason 2: Stay Compliant with an Evolving Legal Landscape 

Regulations around funeral home operations are changing and becoming increasingly stringent. Several states are now requiring detailed chain of custody records to prevent the mishandling of remains. Body tracking software helps funeral homes stay ahead of these legal requirements by providing a clear, time-stamped record of every step in the process. And with digital records that are easily accessible and securely stored, funeral directors can ensure compliance with current laws while staying prepared for any future legislative changes. Investing in the right software isn’t just about increasing efficiency, it’s also about protecting your business from possible legal risks.  

Reason 3: Ensure Trust and Peace of Mind with Families 

In the funeral industry, you provide comfort to people in some of their lowest, most heartbroken moments. Of course, as a funeral professional, we don’t need to tell you that. But we understand that is why this profession is so important. Families place immense trust in their funeral homes to handle a loved one’s final arrangements. But if an unfortunate mistake is made, that can tarnish years of good will and reputation in a single moment. Body tracking software provides an additional layer of protection by ensuring every step of the process is documented and transparent. By maintaining proper chain of custody, you give families peace of mind and confidence knowing that their loved one is accounted for at all times.  

Reason 4: Boost Business Performance  

Beyond compliance and organization, body tracking software can have a direct impact on your funeral home’s bottom line. By reducing errors, improving efficiency, and cutting down on manual tasks, your team can operate more effectively. Also, should a family member call in with questions or updates, all the information you need is right there to relay back to them. Body tracking software also minimizes the risk of costly mistakes, such as misplaced remains or documentation, or even cremating/burying the wrong body. With a system in place, you will be able to allocate resources more efficiently, provide better service and ultimately, improve your overall business performance.  

Reason 5: Integrations with Devices and Ease of Setup 

Technology is great … until it isn’t. And implementing new technology shouldn’t be a headache that is more work than it’s worth. The good thing is, almost all modern body tracking software is designed to integrate seamlessly with the devices your team already uses, like smartphones, tablets, or dedicated scanners. By utilizing QR code-based tracking, your staff can quickly and easily log each step of the process without disrupting the workflow. With a simple setup and intuitive interface, adopting body tracking software doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a straightforward step toward a more efficient, compliant, and trustworthy operation. 

Ready to Invest in Funeral Home Body Tracking Software? 

We hope this blog provided valuable insight into body tracking software and why it’s a crucial investment for your funeral home. With Halcyon by Batesville, you not only have the option to add body tracking software but also gain access to a robust management platform designed to streamline overall operations and enhance the care you provide. Ready to see how Halcyon’s Body Tracking feature can support your business? Click below to learn more or schedule a demo.  

Halcyon’s October Newsletter discusses our new envelope generating tool and new contract discount automations and options. We’ll be at the National Funeral Director’s Association Convention in New Orleans later this month! Read the newsletter here.

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Chain of Custody and the Illinois Integrity in Death Care Act 

On August 9, 2024, a new bill was passed in Illinois called the Integrity in Death Care Act. It amends the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, adding new requirements that could significantly impact our industry—especially if you don’t already have policies or procedures in place that comply. 

Among these requirements is a chain of custody paired with unique identifiers. The goal of these changes is to ensure that all human remains are treated with dignity and respect by tracking their journey to final disposition. 

In this article, we hope to clarify any questions you may have about the Integrity in Death Care Act, chain of custody and how to select an experienced and capable partner to provide you with the tools to comply by January 2025. 

What is the Integrity in Death Care Act? 

The Integrity in Death Care Act or IL SB2643 is an Illinois law introduced in November 2023 by Illinois Senator Doris Turner.  

Turner is quoted saying, “After months of discussions regarding the death care industry, it was clear the status quo wasn’t working. Families who lost loved ones experienced what no one ever thought was possible—receiving the wrong remains. It’s past time that we hold bad actors accountable.” 

The law received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker on August 9, 2024. It goes into full effect on January 1, 2025. 

What Changes Does the Integrity in Death Care Act Make? 

Funeral establishments and crematory authorities will be required to maintain detailed chain of custody records linked to a decedent’s unique identifier. 

The goal is to ensure that all remains are tracked with care and consistency, giving families peace of mind and preventing the inexcusable mishaps we’ve seen from the bad actors Turner mentions. 

If a complaint is lodged against a licensee, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is required to inspect the premises within 10 days of receiving the complaint. 

What is the Chain of Custody? 

“Chain of custody” is a term used across many industries. Essentially, it is the process of following a material through the entire supply chain—from beginning to end. Definitions like these can feel somewhat crude in our industry, where the situation is much more tender. 

In death care, the chain of custody is even more sensitive. It follows the decedent from the moment the funeral service provider collects the body through final disposition.  

The goal of a chain of custody is to prevent the misidentification or misplacement of human remains. 

How Should Funeral Professionals Handle These Changes? 

The Bill does not prescribe exactly how funeral professionals should implement the chain of custody and new unique identifiers. However, at Halcyon, we have two suggestions built on years of experience in the field doing this work. 

1. Choose an established, experienced partner. 

When industry disruptions occur, you’re likely to see opportunistic businesses crop up in response to these changes, especially if they provide similar services to other industries. 

When you select a partner, we strongly encourage you to choose a business that has experience with death care. Our industry has nuances and cultural standards that can’t be learned in a day. Select a partner that understands your business and your needs. 

2. Opt for QR-code tracking. 

Many barcode-based systems require costly scanning guns and other equipment to support them. QR-based tracking is much more robust, offering improved scannability, durability, security, and storage capacity. QR codes are overall easier to use and manage—and they can be used with a tablet or smartphone. 

Choose Halcyon Body Tracking Software 

In a constantly changing regulatory landscape, you need a partner that can support your growing needs and ensure you comply with ever-changing regulations. Halcyon’s body tracking software meets Illinois’ new requirements for chain of custody, ensuring you stay compliant without major headaches or unwieldy manual processes. 

Over the years, Halcyon has worked extensively to refine our body-tracking processes, delivering incredible efficiency to partners across the country. We’ve successfully used QR-driven body tracking since 2017—much longer than any other partner you could choose. That’s experience you can count on. 

Halcyon is more than a chain of custody tracking service. We’re the company that can bring all your services and management needs together in one place. Imagine us as the hub for all your business needs—connecting, supporting and integrating all the tools you use. 

Our comprehensive onboarding process makes getting started seamless. For most businesses, you can be set up and ready to go in less than 48 hours. And our in-house customer service team is there throughout the process for onboarding and ongoing training. 

Don’t wait until January to get started. Schedule a demo today to see why Halcyon is the partner you need to support you through the Integrity in Death Care Act and beyond. 

This month we talk about custom forms, an upcoming change to Illinois laws around body tracking in death care, as well as conferences we will be attending this month. Here’s where you can find more details.

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Our August 2024 newsletter announces the Halcyon android google play application, and details how to expand the timeframe shown in the cases menu. Read the newsletter here.

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Halcyon’s July 2024 Newsletter discusses how a general (non-admin) user can unlock their password. Additionally we cover the power of custom case statuses. We’ll also be at the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association annual convention in Maryland August 3rd – 7th.

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In Halcyon’s June newsletter we cover two crucial “Did You Know?” features: electronic whiteboard and adding photos to a case. We also announced an upcoming feature for our pet cremation customers called direct pet. To learn more, read June’s newsletter here.

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These days it seems like more and more frequently we are hearing negative news about deathcare. At the beginning of the year, news broke of a Colorado Funeral Home abandoning hundreds of bodies in a building. In 2023 Harvard Medical School, which is currently the #1 Best Medical School for Research (ranked by U.S. News), was in the headlines when a man was charged with the theft and sale of human body parts from the medical school’s morgue. At a University with a reputation as prestigious as theirs, you would think an oversight this horrific wouldn’t get so far. It goes to show that there are inspection and regulation concerns that extend to all areas of deathcare. 
There is an easy solution for funeral homes, crematories, and businesses that handle any aspect of body management – Halcyon. With Halcyon’s body tracking tool, staff utilize QR codes to track the movement of bodies under your care. At any point for any given decedent, Halcyon can generate a Cremation Tracking Report to provide verified details of any movement. The report includes details like the gps coordinates, the time, and the operator that facilitate the move. Implementing Halcyon’s state of the art body tracking tool with your deathcare business practices will give you and your families more confidence and peace of mind.

Sources:

NPR https://www.npr.org/2024/01/12/1224371053/colorado-funeral-home-bodies-maggots-fluids 

Caitlin Doughty “Harvard’s in Trouble for Stealing Body Parts” https://youtu.be/bZbl2t4hATc?si=MIEotHiqFphR9UKs

NBC Boston https://www.nbcboston.com/investigations/harvards-morgue-scandal-is-part-of-a-much-larger-story-in-trading-human-remains/3136374/

May’s newsletter covered the sunsetting of Bass-Mollett’s Director’s Print Suite and how to switch to Messenger’s Make It Personal. We also covered best support ticket practices for the fastest and most accurate response and highlighted our new website design.

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This month’s newsletter contains details an announcement regarding Halcyon and our exciting future. Additionally, we expect to launch our new website design soon. You can expect to see us at the Ohio Funeral Director Association’s Convention & Expo on April 23rd, 24th and 25th!

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Learn about our new Artificial Intelligence tools in this month’s newsletter. The first is an AI charitable organization suggestion tool, and the second an AI obituary writer tool. We also highlight the power behind Halcyon’s magnifying glass icon. 

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