Beyond the Basics: 7 Hidden Features in TDAW® Web That Make a Big Difference

 When most people evaluate funeral home software or funeral home management software, they look first for the essentials: case management, billing/accounts receivable, calendar scheduling, document templates, and inventory control. The Director’s Assistant® Web (TDAW®) from Continental Computers has all those foundations — but it’s the “hidden” or underappreciated features that often determine how much time you really save, how few errors slip through, and how competitive your service becomes.

Here are seven hidden or advanced features in TDAW Web that can transform how your funeral home operates — beyond the basics.

1. UDESIGN® — Customize Your Screen, Hide What You Don’t Need

One of the most powerful but often overlooked features is UDESIGN®. This feature lets each user customize which data entry fields, tabs, or modules they see. You can turn off fields you never use, declutter the interface, and tailor the UI to your workflow. 

Why it helps:

  • Reduces cognitive overload and visual clutter

  • Speeds up data entry by removing irrelevant fields

  • Allows roles (e.g. arranging staff, accounting, clerical) to see only what’s needed

2. Record Image Collector — Unlimited, Seamless Document Storage

Many funeral homes worry about handling all the paperwork, scanned documents, legacy records, and legal forms. TDAW Web includes a built-in Record Image Collector — essentially an integrated digital filing cabinet. 

Key advantages:

  • No separate software or add-on needed

  • No storage limits (within the platform)

  • Documents stay linked directly to case records, preventing mismatches or lost files

  • Being cloud-hosted, your image repository is backed up, safe, and accessible offsite

3. On-Screen (Digital) Document Signing / Screen Sign

Today, many families expect to complete paperwork online, electronically signing documents without having to come in person. TDAW Web includes a digital document signing feature (called Screen Sign) embedded within case workflows. 

What makes it special:

  • No need for external e-signature subscriptions (e.g. DocuSign)

  • Documents can be emailed to clients, and signatures tracked within the same system

  • The status of each signed document is visible in the case interface

  • Helps reduce delays from waiting for physical signatures

4. Seamless Integration with Accounting & External Systems

A frequent pain point with funeral home management software is exporting or syncing data to accounting, tax, or other third-party systems. TDAW Web’s architecture supports deep integration. 

Some concrete benefits:

  • Export or sync with QuickBooks (Desktop or Online), Peachtree, or Federated Accounting seamlessly

  • Link with state death certificate programs (for jurisdictions that support it)

  • Integrate with memorialization vendors, obituary/tribute systems, or preneed providers

This means fewer manual imports/exports, fewer transcription errors, and more real-time consistency across systems.

5. “Family Link” — Client Portal for Families

TDAW Web offers a feature called Family Link, which gives families their own access to view certain case data, make decisions, or monitor progress. 

In practice:

  • Families can log in (securely) to see stages of arrangements

  • They might upload documents, respond to planning queries, or confirm selections

  • It reduces calls or back-and-forth, since families can self-serve portions of the planning process

6. Interactive Dashboard & Sticky Notes

Behind the scenes, TDAW Web provides a real-time, interactive dashboard that surfaces key metrics and active cases, keeping your team in sync. 

Even more subtle is the Sticky Notes feature — little in-context reminders or annotations you can attach to cases or tasks. 

Use cases:

  • On the dashboard, receive a quick glance of pending tasks or overdue items

  • These notes travel with the case and are visible to authorized team members

7. TDAtrak — Deceased Tracking Across Facilities

For funeral homes operating across multiple locations (chapels, preparation rooms, transfer vans), the TDAtrak module provides advanced tracking of the deceased from transfer through final disposition. 

Why it matters:

  • Maintains audit trail of where the decedent is at all times

  • Helps manage handoffs between staff or shifts

  • Reduces risk of misplaced paperwork, miscommunication, or liability

Bonus: Why These Hidden Features Matter

The reason such features are “hidden” is often because they’re seen as extras — but in practice, they are what enable elite operational efficiency in a funeral home environment. They:

  • Save staff time and reduce repetitive manual steps

  • Lower risk of mistakes, lost documents, or missed tasks

  • Improve your professionalism in eyes of clients

  • Let your team scale — handling more cases without proportional staff growth

  • Differentiate your service offering in a competitive market

Conclusion

The Director’s Assistant® Web offers far more than the essentials of funeral home software. Its hidden yet powerful tools — from customizable screens and digital signatures to family portals and tracking systems — are designed to make daily operations smoother, more accurate, and more compassionate. These advanced features help funeral directors focus less on paperwork and more on providing meaningful care to families during their most difficult moments.

To explore all that TDAW® has to offer and see how it can transform your funeral home management, visit https://continentalcomputers.com/products/tdaw/ .

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meet TDAW®: The Web Accessible Assistant That’s Revolutionizing Funeral Service Management

  In today’s fast-paced, service-driven world, funeral homes require tools that not only streamline day-to-day operations but also enhance the care and compassion families receive. That’s where TDAW® (The Director’s Assistant® Web) comes in—Continental Computers’ innovative, web-based solution designed specifically for modern funeral home needs. What is TDAW®? TDAW® is a powerful, cloud-based funeral home software solution that allows funeral professionals to manage all aspects of their business from any internet-connected device. Whether you're at the office, on the road, or in the comfort of your home, TDAW® ensures you have secure, real-time access to everything you need to serve families efficiently and professionally. Built for the Future of Funeral Home Management TDAW® stands out in the world of funeral home management software by offering intuitive features that reduce administrative burdens and improve workflow. With TDAW®, funeral directors can: Manage cases, documents...
Read more

What Makes TDAW® Stand Out? Key Features of The Director’s Assistant® Web

  In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving funeral profession, having the right tools is essential. Funeral homes need solutions that are not only efficient but also sensitive to the needs of the families they serve. That’s where TDAW®: The Director’s Assistant® Web comes in—a powerful, web-based funeral home software developed by Continental Computers to modernize and streamline your funeral home operations. A Modern Approach to Funeral Home Management TDAW® is more than just a digital assistant. It is a comprehensive funeral home management software solution designed with the daily workflow of funeral professionals in mind. Whether you operate a single location or multiple branches, TDAW® offers the scalability, reliability, and flexibility you need to stay organized and deliver exceptional service. Key Features That Set TDAW® Apart 1. Cloud-Based Convenience With TDAW®, you can access all your data securely from anywhere with an internet connection. This cloud-based architectur...
Read more

Overcoming Traditional Challenges with Modern Funeral Home Management Software

  The funeral service industry has long been steeped in tradition, where personal care and meticulous attention to detail form the cornerstone of every interaction. However, many funeral homes continue to grapple with traditional challenges—such as cumbersome manual processes, inefficient communication, and data management issues—that can detract from delivering compassionate care. Today, modern Funeral Home Software or Funeral Home Management Software are revolutionizing the way these challenges are addressed, streamlining operations and empowering staff to focus on what truly matters: supporting families during their time of need. Traditional Challenges in Funeral Home Operations Manual Record Keeping For many years, funeral homes have relied on paper-based systems and outdated databases to store critical information. This manual approach is not only time-consuming but also increases the likelihood of errors and miscommunication. Inefficient Communication Communication between s...
Read more