Highlights

Features & Applications

Multi-Branch Pricing

Our Multi-Branch pricing system allows you to have a system for each of your locations, with one system being the Master that provides reporting for all locations. In addition to saving you time, this will also save you money.

Available Themes

The Matthews IMS offers you the widest selection of theme packs designed to meet any budget. Created by our team of award winning artists, the can provide your firm with the world class solutions that are representative of the same high quality and standard that are synonymous with your firm's reputation.

Book of Memories™

Never before has one company provided a full range of products and services that truly meets all of your needs. With the Book of Memories™ Program our award-winning designers help you provide world class memorialization products to the families and communities you serve in minutes. The easiest and most affordable all-encompassing program ever offered to funeral professionals. Best of all — it's all included for free with your Matthews IMS. No more exorbitant annual fees or support charges.

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IMS Store

The Matthews IMS Store is your one stop to acquiring products and services designed to help you enhance your Matthews IMS Solution. In most cases, you can use your Marketing Credits generated from your Memorial Candle Program to acquire these services, saving you even more money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Why is the Matthews IMS so affordably priced?

The Matthews IMS is a testament to Matthews and FrontRunner Professionals long term commitment to aid funeral professionals and our valued Matthews customers. Given the size, strength and resources of our two great companies, coupled with some very smart technology and memorial candle strategy, we are able to not only keep the cost of this solution affordable to any size firm, but provide inherent features that help you reduce the total cost of ownership down to nothing.

Let's face it; the death care profession has fallen prey to a large number of software companies who have no concept of funeral service other than they feel funeral directors have more money than God and haven't a clue what they should be paying. Many are here today and gone tomorrow with your hard earned cash and no support for the solution they sold you.

We see the Matthews IMS as more of a long term investment in our customers and a leadership responsibility. We will continue to turn out new products and solutions with the single focus of helping the profession excel in today's markets.

What does "IMS" stand for?

The IMS stands for Integrated Management Solution. Using its one-write logic, it can easily manage all of your arrangement processes, forms printing, contracts, personalization, live funeral and event casting, your marketing and advertising, your website and much more.

Is there any software that needs to be installed?

The Matthews IMS is web-based and requires no installation of software in order to use the functionality of the program. The system utilizes the 128 bit encryption security (the same as banks) and your data is automatically backed-up hourly. More importantly, being web-based, any support issues you may have can usually be fixed within minutes.

Can I use the Matthews IMS on my Mac computer?

The Matthews IMS program is not dependant on any computer platform. You can use either a Windows-based PC or the latest Mac Book to complete your daily tasks.

How is FrontRunner Professional connected with the Matthews IMS System?

Matthews turned to FrontRunner Professional to help them develop the revolutionary Matthews IMS System. FrontRunner Professional was already a leader in developing solutions for Death Care professionals and had in place several of the key components. Matthews acquired a 17% interest in FrontRunner Professional in October 2008 as part of our long term commitment to this strategic initiative to help our valued customers.

What if something happens to FrontRunner Professional as a company?

FrontRunner Professional is one of the profession's longest standing technology providers. They are also made up of some very insightful and talented funeral directors who, like Matthews, have a passion for the profession and are committed to aiding their profession with solutions to help them overcome the grip that other technology companies have historically had on many professionals. That said, given the ultimate strength and size of Matthews, both Matthews and FrontRunner Professional agreed to a "First right of Refusal" agreement whereby Matthews could acquire all remaining shares and assets of FrontRunner if it ever became necessary.

Further to this — Matthews and FrontRunner Professional have also entered into an agreement where a copy of all of the source code and client data is backed up daily and held in escrow with "Iron Mountain", the world's largest data security company, to help further secure the long term commitment.

How does this solution compare with others that are on the market?

Frankly, there is nothing on the market today that can compare with the comprehensiveness and sheer overall strategy of the Matthews IMS. This single system has been designed to replace any single applications that are on the market today, and will continue to evolve and exceed anything that enters the market tomorrow. All for one low cost.

Will the Matthews IMS have a personalization print program like Funeral One?

Yes, but we would like to think ours will be much better on many critical fronts. First of all it will be included in the revolutionary Matthews IMS 4.0 at no additional cost and free to use from there. Secondly, the print program will conform to the logic and philosophy of everything we do — to help save our valued customers money — not to use it as a profit making venture. The designs and technology includes world class designs from our award winning designers. New themes will be added monthly.

Does the Matthews IMS come with Funeral Cast software?

Yes. The Matthews IMS System comes complete with live EventCast software, powered by SympathyNet, the nation's leader in Live Funeral Broadcasts. But the system does so much more than just funeral broadcast. Give us a call and we'll explain all the details.

Is it true that once I pay for the complete Matthews IMS, I will never be billed for upgrades again?

Yes. This is part of the Matthews commitment to help their valued customers. Once your system is paid for, all future advancements, other than third party applications, will automatically be uploaded to your system where you can activate them when you want.

Does the Matthews IMS allow for family interactivity?

Yes. The Matthews IMS was one of the first solutions on the market to allow the family to be provided with a user name and password, allowing them to choose from an ever-evolving list of features they can control within their loved ones Book of Memories™. In addition, funeral homes and cemeteries can also allow the family or executor to input information remotely from any distance and provide critical vital statistics information, before, during or after the funeral.

Virtual Showroom

Are the Matthews products pre-loaded?

Yes, the Matthews product lines are pre-loaded into the system for you to immediately begin to showcase, either through the Matthews IMS-powered web site or the Virtual Showroom module that is included with the Matthews IMS complete package.

Can I add other companies' product to my Matthews IMS System?

Yes, you may upload photos of other products. However, appreciating the tremendous investment that Matthews has put into the system, only Matthews Products will be featured in the advanced customization and personalization settings within the system. Once you see the advantages to these advanced product and services selection modes, we hope you'll take a second look at all we offer and all that we do for our valued Matthews customers.

Is there an offline version of the Virtual Showroom?

We are currently working on an offline version of the Virtual Showroom in your Matthews IMS. Please visit the website often for updates.

Websystem

How many designs are there to choose from?

There are 4 Levels of themes that you can choose from, each designed to meet anyone's needs. Much like the Matthews IMS System itself, we continue to add new themes and theme packs on an ongoing basis.

Can someone else select a design similar to mine if they are in the same community?

We make every effort to help ensure that no two firms within 100 miles of each other use the same design. In the rare case that this becomes an issue with the second firm, we will provide a custom design at no charge to the initial funeral home.

How difficult is it to administer the web site?

Our web site solutions allow for complete self administration of any section on the web pages. Not just certain areas, like other Funeral Home Web Sites provide. As long as you can use a Word Processor you can edit any page using our Content Management Program.

Can I add any new pages to the web site?

With our Web Site solution we include 255 pre-constructed pages to help you get started immediately. You can choose to hide any that you want and you can add an unlimited number of new pages from there.

What if I want to change the design of the web site later?

After the web site is initially setup, you can change your web site design at any time. You can select a new design from our different series of selections. Each time that you wish to change your web site design there will be a $200 conversion fee for any design within the same Theme Level selections, with the obvious exception of a new custom design.

Can I add pictures and additional pages to the web site?

Pictures and text can easily be added to any web page in our Web Site solution. You are in complete control and your changes are live in seconds, after you publish your web site, without having to pay any additional fees.

Do I pay a fee to make changes to my web site?

Unlike other web site solutions that charge a fee for each change, there are no fees for any changes you make in your website.

How long does it take to get a web site live?

After you have submitted an order form with your Matthews Sales Representative, your web site will begin to take formation immediately. We target your web site to go live within 7-10 business days, however it is possible to have a site live in minutes allowing you to add your first death notice immediately.

In that time frame, we will be providing training for your assigned web site administrator, creating the web site that you have selected from the Bronze selections. If you choose to have your funeral records (pictures, obituary and condolences) moved from your existing web site there will be 2-3 business days added to the timeline before your site will be ready to go live.

Can I see some examples of web sites?

We have created many web site designs, custom and templates, that our Funeral Professional customers have selected over the years. You can view a sample showcase of customers within this website, or request from your Matthews IMS representative a list of customers for you to review and perhaps contact for reference.

Do I need to purchase a Domain Name?

If you do not currently own a domain, you will have to purchase one. All web sites should have at least one domain name that directs customers to your web site. You can purchase any number of domain names and have them all directed to your web site; this strategy is part of our Search Engine Optimization program.

If you already own a domain, we can handle all of the arrangements to get it transferred over to your new site.

Consumer Alert: Many web site providers have registered customer domain names in their own names instead of in the rightful company's name. This means that they own the domain name and can hold you hostage should they choose to do so. If you are unsure, contact us. At no charge we will review the record registration and provide you with free advice and help you set the record right. Click here to learn more valuable information about managing your domains.

What if I already have a web site? Do I start over?

There are many ways that we can use your existing web site content in your new Matthews IMS web site. We can transfer your content from your existing web site and fit it into your new site. If your existing site has Funeral Records (pictures, obituaries and condolences) we can transfer those as well to your new Matthews IMS web site for a fee.

If you have spent a great deal of money on your existing website design and would prefer to keep your own design, that is not a problem. We can transfer your existing site design, and have it work with your Matthews IMS web site solution.

Admin System

Is the Matthews IMS a web-based program?

Yes, you can access the Matthews IMS from any internet-enabled computer from your home, your office or even on vacation! Always stay connected with your business no matter where you are. And because it utilizes 128-bit security encryption (which is the same as banks use) safety will never be a concern.

What kind of back-up plans do you have in place?

The strength of the Matthews IMS is that there is multiple redundancy plans put in place in the case that there is an issue with your information being deleted, or if you experience a computer failure.

Matthews and FrontRunner Professional collectively have invested over $400,000 in server infrastructure and data backup procedures. We are full Sarbanes-Oxley compliant with disaster recovery procedures in place that mirrors data by the second at a secondary facility. Back up occurs in real time and we are also developing applications that allow automatic nightly back up on client side computers.

Because the software is web-based, how do I know my information is safe and secure from internet hackers?

At Matthews IMS we have implemented the strongest security certificates with our servers that exceed even those found with an online banking web site. Your data is encrypted as you type the information so that when it is being saved to our servers it is safe and secure from any possible hackers that may try to "listen" for the information.

We have also enabled numerous web traffic analysis tools to watch any online visitors and their activities. We have the capability of shutting down their Internet Service Provider quickly if we feel that an attempt is being made on any Matthews IMS customer.

Can I print Government forms?

Our forms printing program will give you the ability to print any form found in the Matthews IMS system, government or internal. More importantly, if you need to add a new form to the system, we have provided an easy to use form builder program that takes the original form and allows you to place fields where you want them and then save the form to your system. You can virtually build any number of forms that you need for your firm and have them pre-populate with any information entered into your system.

Can I use this software in front of families?

The Matthews IMS' rich graphical interfaces have been designed to allow you to use this system during the arrangement process with your families. It allows you to have the family interact with the arrangement process and allows you to present products, services and options in a way you never thought possible. Using the system with the family can significantly help in reducing errors, making the arrangement process far more efficient and precise.

Can I use the software on a laptop going to a family's home for arrangements?

Many Matthews IMS users are starting to use the program remotely when they go to a family's home during pre-arrangements or during at-need situations.

By using the Matthews IMS program, you can demonstrate products and services through the Interactive KIOSK module. This module allows the funeral director to customize the caskets in front of the family, allowing them to see what their personalization options will look like on the screen instead of trying to visualize through casket catalogs.

All you will need to achieve this is a laptop computer, the Matthews IMS and a wireless internet connection card by a cell phone carrier.

Marketing Center

What is meant by direct to consumer approaches?

Matthews has developed a long term strategy of ongoing market driver initiatives to capture and drive the public to the network of Matthews IMS customers. This will occur from a series of publically focused topical websites that will provide topical, convenient and timely subject matters direct to consumers, who in turn will be introduced to the growing network of Matthews IMS customers.

What are Market Drivers?

Market Drivers are a series of ever evolving direct to consumer initiatives consisting of ads, consumer focused websites and other strategic initiatives designed to re-direct consumers to the growing network of Matthews IMS users. Building on the advanced integrated core logic of the system, these Market Drivers not only contain information rich features but also open the door to real conveniences and time saving efficiencies to you and your communities like you never thought possible.

Has the Matthews IMS been featured on TV and Radio shows?

No. You won't find the Matthews IMS featured on the Howard Stern or Gene Simmons show. The reality is these types of shows are "pay for" advertising used by marketers to dupe you into believing that their products are somehow sweeping the country. We take a more professional approach by being honest and upfront about our claims and use traditional forms of marketing to help you be aware of the products and services we offer.

How do Memorial Candle Credits work?

Memorial Candle Credits are a key component of your Matthews IMS System. Not only does the memorial candle program allow family and friends an opportunity to offer a gesture of sympathy and support, but it also provides the inherent revenue to offset the ongoing cost of development and advancement of the Matthews IMS — at no charge to you.

Furthermore, with each candle lit, it provides you with marketing credits that can be used to further enhance and promote your image through a wide variety of world class marketing and design services we offer as well as a growing list of other cost saving services. . These marketing credits can be used for a variety of product and service offerings listed in the IMS Store. Just one more way your system helps save you money and helps you to raise the bar at the same time.

Are the Agency Quality Ads free to use?

Yes, you may use any of the ads as long as you are an authorized user of the Matthews IMS and pay the monthly licensing and access fee. There are over 26 categories of ready-made ad mats at your fingertips. With over 190+ and growing individual ad mats to choose from, your investment in the Matthews IMS will be greatly enhanced as you utilize these ads. But also, as the Ad library continues to grow... so does your investment. Best of all — all of these ads have been designed for multiple output. You can select a size to forward to your local newspaper, or choose from standard 8.5" x 11" / 11" x 17" or full 30" poster size and display these ads in various high traffic areas around your facility.

How often do new Ads get added to the library?

The Ad Library is constantly updated with new ad mats that have been recommended by our customers. While there is no set number of new ads, we can say that the Ad Library alone is worth the price of purchasing the Matthews IMS. Some Funeral Professionals will pay up to $3500/month for unlimited use of other marketing companies' ad libraries. Our library is included at no cost with the Complete Matthews IMS package.

Is there a limit of Community Church web sites that we can donate?

There is no limit to the number of Community Church web sites that can be donated by your funeral establishment. It is based on a first-come first-served basis in areas where there are multiple Matthews IMS users.

Who trains the church that we donate a site to?

When you donate a web site to your community church, it is the responsibility of the Funeral Professional to provide training to the church on how to update the web site. It works the exact same way as your current solution. This program has been designed to provide you an opportunity to work closer with the churches in your community, not just at the time of a funeral.

Can I see some examples of custom logos you've created?

We are very proud to have the profession's most talented and experienced creative director on our full time staff. Paul Orlando has been a Creative Director for a couple of the major marketing companies that specialize in the Funeral Industry. Paul joined our team in December 2005. He has created many brand logos for funeral homes over the past 25 years. Click here to review a sample of logos Paul has produced for our customers.

Do you provide other graphic and marketing services?

Absolutely. We have one of the largest, award-winning teams of creative talent on the market. Providing you access to this talent is all a part of the strategy behind the all-encompassing Matthews IMS. Give us a call if you have specific needs or visit the IMS Store for a more detailed listing of our services that are exclusive to Matthews IMS valued customers.

Additional FAQs

What if we decide to stop using the Matthews IMS?

Should you decide that you want to cancel your Matthews IMS System, just call us. We will package all of the content and record information that you have entered and electronically send it to you. Your website will no longer be active, as the software that drives the website is an integral component of the Matthews IMS core system. Your firm will be removed from all instances of ancillary market drivers as well as from any trade service listings.

What if I stop buying Matthews product?

Should you decide to stop supporting or buying Matthews core products, you can still use your Matthews IMS. However, a number of key features such as the advanced products and services custom selector and Market Driver initiatives will be suspended. In addition, respecting the tremendous going investment Matthews is making to subsidize advancements of the Matthews IMS for their customers, some of these new strategic advancements may no longer be available to you.