Ever feel like you’re paying for the same funeral home software month after month and never getting closer to owning it? If MiMS has you stuck in the rent loop, you’re not alone. Most owners I talk to want it all: reliable case management, smooth document workflows, and the freedom to make their system fit their business, not the other way around. But the moment you need something outside the standard package, the meter starts running, per-user, per-feature, per-year. It adds up fast.
Today, the market is overflowing with MiMS alternatives, but here’s the truth: nearly all of them are just different flavors of rental. Osiris is upfront about its pricing, FrontRunner Professional has a polished suite, and CRaKN’s workflow tools are solid. But none let you keep the code you’re paying for. That’s where Devaims changes the equation: you get a platform built for your shop, and you own it outright. If you’re tired of writing checks forever, read on. The five-year math might surprise you.
Why funeral homes look for MiMS alternatives
Recurring subscription drain: Monthly or yearly fees stack up, especially as your case volume grows or you add more staff. Many owners find themselves paying well over $500 per month by the third year. These fees are often based on a combination of user seats, devices, and feature sets, so the more your business grows, the more you pay. Over five years, it’s not unusual to see total expenditures rival the cost of an entirely custom solution.
Locked features and paywalls: Core reports, integrations, or document tools are often locked to higher tiers or sold as expensive add-ons. Want to integrate with your accounting software, or automate certificate filing? That might mean moving to a premium plan or paying for additional modules. For example, some platforms restrict access to export features, custom forms, or advanced reporting unless you pay more, making it hard to budget or scale smoothly.
Contract lock-in: Switching isn’t easy. Most vendors tie you up in annual contracts, with penalties for leaving early or exporting your data. Some even charge extraction or migration fees if you want your data in a usable format. This lock-in discourages innovation and flexibility, and can trap you in a system that no longer fits your needs.
Limited customization: SaaS tools set the rules. Whether it’s a workflow quirk, a local regulatory need, or a unique service offering, you’re usually stuck with someone else’s way of working. Even “customizable” platforms often limit you to pre-approved templates or minor tweaks. For businesses with unique requirements, multi-location, hybrid cemetery/funeral operations, or specialized paperwork, this can be a dealbreaker.
Unpredictable price hikes: Providers can (and do) raise prices annually, citing new features or “market adjustments.” Owning your system means you’re never at someone else’s mercy. That’s why MiMS alternatives are getting attention. Owners want more control and fewer surprises. In recent years, many SaaS vendors in the funeral tech space have increased rates by 10 to 20% annually, often with little warning.
Quick comparison of the best MiMS alternatives
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | You own it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| FrontRunner Professional | Integrated website, management | Not listed | No |
| PassageQuest | Cloud-based simplicity | Not listed | No |
| CRaKN | Workflow automation | Upon request | No |
| FDMS | Traditional management | Not listed | No |
| Tribute Management | Memorials and tributes | Not listed | No |
| Osiris | Transparent pricing | $135/mo | No |
| Aurora Funeral Solutions | Pre-need and at-need tracking | Not listed | No |
| FuneralTech | Digital paperwork | Not listed | No |
| Devaims (custom build) | Owning your platform | One-time build, you own it | Yes |
Always confirm current pricing and contract terms before you decide. Vendors update plans frequently and the details can shift, especially for bundled products or when new features are released.
The 9 best MiMS alternatives
1. FrontRunner Professional (Integrated website, management)
FrontRunner Professional is a comprehensive platform that merges funeral home management, website hosting, and marketing tools into a single ecosystem. This makes it especially attractive for firms looking to maintain a cohesive public presence and streamline internal processes. The platform includes case management, obituary publishing, digital guestbooks, tribute videos, and online payment integration. It’s widely adopted by mid- to large-size funeral homes and is now part of the Tribute Technology group, which has standardized much of its feature set across its portfolio.
Pricing: Not listed. Usually bundled with website services and requires a quote.
- Unified website and case management
- Strong digital memorial and tribute tools
- Marketing and lead generation add-ons
- Standardized workflows limit customization
- Pricing is opaque and bundled
- Locked into Tribute ecosystem for full features
On a custom build, you’d have the freedom to tailor both the public site and case management to your exact needs. No more waiting for feature rollouts or navigating bundled contracts.
2. PassageQuest (Cloud-based simplicity)
PassageQuest is a modern, cloud-native solution that focuses on simplicity and accessibility. It’s designed for funeral homes that want to get up and running quickly without a steep learning curve. The interface is clean and mobile-friendly, allowing staff to access cases, schedules, and documents from anywhere. It offers basic case management, scheduling, and document storage, but advanced features (like integrations or custom reporting) are mostly reserved for premium plans.
Pricing: Not listed. Requires a quote for advanced features.
- Quick setup and easy onboarding
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Automatic updates and backups
- Limited customization and advanced features
- No offline mode, internet required
- Data exports may require paid add-ons
3. CRaKN (Workflow automation)
CRaKN is engineered for process-driven funeral homes. It emphasizes workflow automation, task tracking, and multi-location management. The platform stands out for its visual workflow builder, allowing you to automate routine processes, such as document approvals, reminders for follow-ups, and inter-department handoffs. CRaKN also offers compliance tracking and audit trails, which are valuable for larger firms or those in highly regulated markets.
Pricing: Upon request. Requires a sales call for details.
- Powerful workflow automation
- Multi-location dashboard and analytics
- Compliance and audit tracking
- Features locked behind premium tiers
- Customization incurs extra fees
- Workflow builder can be complex for small teams
With an owned platform, those handoff workflows could be built exactly to your specs, not just “close enough.”
4. FDMS (Traditional management)
FDMS (Funeral Director's Management System) is a legacy solution that’s been serving funeral homes for decades. Its main strengths are reliability, comprehensive recordkeeping, and stable performance. The platform covers all the basics: case management, contract tracking, financials, and document production. However, the interface is dated, and navigation can be unintuitive compared to modern systems. Feature updates are infrequent, and the platform tends to lag behind competitors in mobile access and integrations.
Pricing: Not listed. Requires a quote.
- Reliable and stable performance
- Comprehensive recordkeeping
- Trusted by established firms
- Outdated interface and slow updates
- Minimal customization
- Limited mobile access
5. Tribute Management (Memorials and tributes)
Tribute Management is a specialized platform focused on memorials, tribute pages, and donation processing. It provides tools for publishing and managing online guestbooks, building tribute videos, and facilitating donations in memory of the deceased. While it offers some case management features, its core strength lies in digital memorialization. Many funeral homes run Tribute Management in parallel with MiMS or another management platform, using it primarily for its guest-facing features.
Pricing: Not listed. Often bundled with other Tribute products.
- Excellent digital memorial and donation tools
- Guestbook moderation and messaging
- Automated thank-you notes
- Limited core case management
- Recurring costs for each memorial hosted
- Some features require full Tribute suite
On your own platform, tribute management could be as simple or as bespoke as you want, without worrying about per-tribute fees.
6. Osiris (Transparent pricing)
Osiris is notable for its clear and predictable pricing model: $135 per month for unlimited cases and four computers, with $9.95 for each extra computer. The platform covers the essentials, such as case management, document generation, and reporting. It is designed for funeral homes seeking transparency and straightforward budgeting.
Pricing: $135/month for up to 4 computers, $9.95 per extra computer.
- Transparent, predictable pricing
- Unlimited case management on base plan
- Document templates and e-signature support
- Extra fees for additional devices
- Limited customization and integrations
- Exporting data can be cumbersome
With a Devaims build, you’d never pay per workstation again. Every device is included because it’s your system.
7. Aurora Funeral Solutions (Pre-need and at-need tracking)
Aurora Funeral Solutions is tailored for funeral homes that manage significant pre-need and at-need business. It offers detailed tracking for pre-arrangements, contracts, and regulatory compliance. The platform also includes tools for insurance assignments and trust management, which can be critical for firms with long-term planning needs.
Pricing: Not listed. Custom quote required.
- Detailed pre-need and at-need tracking
- Compliance tools for regulations
- Insurance and trust management
- Lack of pricing transparency
- Customizations billed separately
- Annual contracts standard
8. FuneralTech (Digital paperwork)
FuneralTech is a platform focused on digitizing funeral home paperwork and automating document workflows. It offers a library of state-specific forms, digital signature support, and automated document generation. While it does include some case management features, its core value is reducing paperwork time and increasing accuracy.
Pricing: Not listed. Requires a quote for full features.
- Extensive digital paperwork tools
- State-compliant forms and e-signature
- Document storage and audit trails
- Full case management not in base plan
- Limited data export options
- Customization mainly on higher tiers
9. Devaims (Owning your platform)
Devaims builds custom funeral home software that you own outright. No recurring rent, no feature gating, and no contract. You receive the source code, full data control, and the ability to adapt the platform as your business grows. This approach differs fundamentally from SaaS: you invest once, then pay only for support or new features as you need them.
- Case management tailored to your exact workflows
- Custom document generation, forms, and e-signature
- Integrated website, obituary, and memorial tools (if desired)
- Reporting, analytics, and compliance features built to your specs
- Unlimited user and device access
- API and third-party integrations as required
- All data migration and onboarding included
With Devaims, you own your data and platform. No per-user fees, no contract lock-in, and full control over your technology’s future.
Other MiMS alternatives worth knowing
- Epitaphe, More common in Europe, strong on memorial websites but less robust for US case management. Localized for EU privacy and compliance standards, but lacks full-featured funeral home business tools.
- Bereave, Focused on online memorials and grief support rather than full business management. Useful as an add-on for guest engagement, but not a replacement for case or compliance management.
- Some funeral homes experiment with low-code platforms (like Zoho Creator or Airtable), but these solutions often fall short when it comes to regulatory compliance, integration, and scalability. They can work for very small operations but require heavy adaptation and ongoing management.
How to choose the right MiMS alternative
- Budget: Are you looking to minimize upfront costs, or are you tired of monthly drain? SaaS is appealing for low-startup costs, but ownership saves money in the long run, especially if you plan to grow or add features.
- Business complexity: Do you need deep pre-need tracking, integrated cemetery tools, or just basic case management? Complex businesses benefit from platforms with strong integration and reporting, while small shops may prefer simplicity.
- Customization needs: Will you need unique workflows, regulatory compliance, or custom reporting? If so, a custom build or highly flexible platform is essential.
- Scale: Will you be adding locations, staff, or devices in the next three years? Per-user or per-device fees can balloon quickly. Owning your system means unlimited growth without extra costs.
- Ownership goals: Do you want to own your tech, or are you fine renting forever? Ownership gives you control, flexibility, and equity. Rented platforms do not.
If you want to stop paying rent and own your software, here’s how that stacks up.
Stop paying rent on software you could own
The truth is, every MiMS alternative above is rented: you pay month after month, but never own a line of code or a byte of your data. Even the best ones can raise prices, lock you in, or charge extra for basics like more users or devices. Devaims is different. Here, you get a funeral home platform built for your specific operations, and you own it outright. No more writing checks to access your own workflows.
Devaims is a custom software development agency that builds web, mobile, and business systems for funeral homes and service providers. You get the source code and keep it. There’s no contract, no user limits, and no surprise hikes. Add features, reports, or integrations whenever you want, with full access to your own data stack. You control your system’s future.
- No per-user or per-device fees: Every staff member and workstation is included from day one. Whether you have 3 or 30 users, your costs stay flat.
- No contract lock-in: You own the code. If you want to switch vendors, develop new features, or even bring IT in-house, you’re free to do so. No penalties.
- Customization: Build exactly what you need. No more “almost right” workflows or missing local compliance features. Your system evolves with your business, not the other way around.
- Predictable ongoing costs: After the initial build, only a flat maintenance fee for updates and support. No surprise increases, and you set the pace for future development.
| Tool | Ownership | Per-user/device fees? | Contract? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiMS | No | Often | Usually annual |
| Osiris | No | Yes ($9.95/device) | Annual |
| FrontRunner Professional | No | Usually | Annual, bundled |
| Devaims | Yes (you own it) | No | No contract |
Here’s what the five-year math looks like for a typical funeral home running 7 computers:
| Year | Rent (Osiris, 7 devices) | Own (Devaims build) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $135 + (3 x $9.95) = $164.85/mo x 12 = $1,978 | $29,000 build + $200/mo maint x 12 = $31,400 |
| 2 | $3,956 | $31,400 + $2,400 = $33,800 |
| 3 | $5,934 | $33,800 + $2,400 = $36,200 |
| 4 | $7,912 | $36,200 + $2,400 = $38,600 |
| 5 | $9,890 | $38,600 + $2,400 = $41,000 |
By year five, the owned platform pulls ahead. Every year after, you’re saving pure margin. If your shop is scaling, or you’re tired of writing the same check for the same features, owning is the smart move. If you add more users or devices, the savings are even greater. And unlike SaaS, you can invest in new features that add value to your business without worrying about per-seat charges.
How to switch from MiMS
- Export all your case, document, and user data from MiMS (ask their support for the best export formats). Be sure to request exports in CSV or XML where possible, and clarify what fields and attachments are included.
- Choose your new platform and confirm import capabilities. Ask your new vendor for a data mapping template and a sample import process.
- Map and import data into your new system, validating record accuracy. Double-check that all custom fields, attachments, and date formats are preserved.
- Reconnect any required payment processors and integrations (website, printers, etc.). This is often overlooked. Ensure all external systems, such as QuickBooks or memorial websites, are linked and tested.
- Train your staff on new workflows and permissions. Provide hands-on training sessions and create quick-reference guides to ease the transition.
- Test both systems in parallel until you’re confident. Run real cases through both platforms to catch any issues before fully switching over.
- Review contract end dates and cancel MiMS once you’re fully migrated. Watch out for notice periods or auto-renew clauses.
With a custom Devaims build, the migration is handled as part of the project, including field mapping, user training, and go-live support. The goal is a seamless transition with minimal downtime and no data loss.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best MiMS alternative for funeral homes?
The right choice depends on your needs. Osiris is transparent about costs and a solid rental choice for smaller firms. FrontRunner Professional offers an all-in-one bundle with strong website and tribute features, making it a good fit for firms wanting a unified public presence. CRaKN excels at workflow automation for multi-location operations. If you want to own your software and stop paying recurring fees, Devaims is the only true alternative that puts you in complete control, customized to your business and never rented.
Which MiMS alternative is the cheapest?
Osiris posts clear pricing at $135 per month for unlimited cases and four computers, adding $9.95 per extra computer. Most other vendors require you to get a quote and often bundle features in ways that make direct cost comparisons difficult. Over five years, rental costs for any SaaS platform can easily exceed the cost of an owned Devaims build, especially if you have many users or need advanced features.
Are there any free MiMS alternatives?
There are no true, full-featured free options in this space. Some funeral homes try to cobble together solutions using general-purpose platforms like Google Workspace, Airtable, or Zoho Creator, but these rarely meet the workflow, reporting, and compliance needs of a funeral home. Free tools may also lack the necessary security, support, and legal compliance. Owning your platform with Devaims means no ongoing rent, but there is an upfront build investment.
Which MiMS alternative is best for multi-location operations?
CRaKN is strong on workflow automation and communication across multiple locations, with centralized dashboards and analytics. CIMS is a solid choice for hybrid funeral/cemetery firms needing unified recordkeeping. For multi-location owners who want one system tailored to real-world processes, a custom Devaims build ensures every workflow matches your needs, with centralized control, unlimited users, and no per-location fees. You decide how locations interact and report, no compromises.
Can I keep all my data if I leave my MiMS alternative?
Most SaaS vendors allow data export, but formats can be messy and some details may not transfer perfectly. Attachments, custom fields, or audit trails are often lost. Some charge extra for “full” exports or limit the number of exports per year. With Devaims, you own your data and the software outright. No need to ask permission, no hidden fees, and no worries about contract penalties. You decide how and where your data is stored and accessed.
When should I switch from MiMS to another platform?
If your monthly costs are climbing, features are missing or locked, or you want more control over your workflows and data, it’s time to consider MiMS alternatives. The five-year cost math shows that owning with Devaims can be the smarter long-term move, especially if you plan to add locations, staff, or need unique features. Plan your migration to coincide with contract renewal dates for a smoother transition.
What if I need a feature only my funeral home uses?
Most rented platforms can’t or won’t build niche features, or they’ll charge a premium for custom work with long wait times. With a Devaims build, you get exactly what you need, designed for your shop and your market. Whether it’s a local regulatory report, a unique family follow-up system, or a specific integration, custom development puts you in control. Your system can evolve as your business does, without waiting for a vendor’s roadmap.
The bottom line
Most MiMS alternatives are just new ways to rent the same software with different branding and price tags. But the real decision isn’t which subscription to pick, it’s whether you’re ready to own your platform and call the shots. Here’s the test: add up what you’ll pay over the next five years. If renting would have built you something you own, you’ve already got your answer. Ownership means control, equity, and freedom from endless fees. If you’re ready for a solution that fits your business instead of the other way around, it’s time to consider a custom build.
Explore more insights on the Devaims blog, or check out related comparisons: FDMS alternatives, FrontRunner Professional alternatives, and FuneralTech alternatives.
