Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium's Partnership with Obitus
In the heart of Northern Ireland, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium stands as a beacon of modernity and technological advancement in the funeral industry.
From its inception, the goal was clear: to create a state-of-the-art facility that respects the past while embracing the future. Their partnership with Obitus has been instrumental in realising this vision.
A partnership born in adversity
The journey began during the challenging times of the pandemic when the need to support bereaved families became more crucial than ever.
Newtownabbey Crematorium's management team first learned about Obitus through the Cremation Society of Great Britain, which highlighted the increasing demand for webcasting services.
"We recognized early on that to truly support families, we needed to incorporate technology that offered both comfort and quality," explained the crematorium manager.
A bespoke business case was developed in early 2021, firmly establishing the facility's direction towards becoming a fully integrated webcast and keepsake provider.
Embracing the future with compassion
At Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium, the recognition of a crucial shift in the funeral service industry marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Unlike older establishments wrestling with outdated practices, this new crematorium was poised to redefine the memorial experience from the start. The management was acutely aware that to genuinely serve bereaved families in this modern age, embracing advanced technological solutions was essential.
"The traditional methods used in funeral services—such as CDs and Bluetooth systems—no longer sufficed. They limited the ways in which families could personalise memorials and participate in the services, especially those unable to be physically present," the manager explained.
This insight led to a commitment to revolutionise how memorial services were conducted, making them more accessible and meaningful.
The aim was clear: to provide a service that was not only modern and technologically advanced but also deeply personal for bereaved families. While funeral directors (FDs) are typically the primary users of crematorium services, the ultimate focus was always on how these services impacted the families. The crematorium sought to introduce solutions that offered ease and flexibility during times of grief, allowing families to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistical complexities.
By adopting state-of-the-art webcasting technologies and digital tributes, the crematorium could offer families the ability to customise services in deeply personal ways. Whether it was choosing meaningful music, displaying heartfelt tributes, or ensuring that distant relatives could participate virtually, the goal was to create a seamless and supportive experience.
Choosing innovation and quality in funeral care
Several factors set Obitus apart in a market with limited options. Our commitment to high-quality products, exceptional customer support, and continuous innovation made us a clear choice for Newtownabbey Crematorium. Especially after the manager met with team members like James, Sam, and Priya, who are committed to always improving and delivering the best.
Bringing bespoke services to Northern Ireland communities
Implementing Obitus's services involved significant collaboration with local funeral directors, who play a crucial role in the community. Obitus's approach was comprehensive and supportive, ensuring that the crematorium staff and FDs were confident in using the new systems.
"Obitus was here every step of the way, from site visits to positioning our music room and cameras, which really benefited from their expertise," the manager recalls.
Technology stack that the whole team was trained to use
Enhancing human connections in times of loss
Since the implementation, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
The onboarding team from Obitus provided extensive support, ensuring a seamless transition for the crematorium.
While it's too early to quantify the financial benefits, the qualitative improvements are evident. The facility now offers personalised services with high-quality audiovisual capabilities, including webcasts, tributes, and keepsakes.
The transformation has been truly ground-breaking, enabling families to experience a whole new level of personalisation at a time of loss and grief.
"Delivering a service that's personal and high-quality is key, and Obitus has enabled us to do just that," the manager proudly states.
Quality, care and a vision for the future
The future looks promising for Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium, with plans to further integrate Obitus's solutions into their services. Monthly insights from Obitus help them stay ahead of industry trends and tailor their services to meet community needs.
The partnership between Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium and Obitus exemplifies how technology can enhance the funeral service industry, providing comfort and support to families during their most difficult times.
As they continue to innovate and adapt, the commitment to excellence remains steadfast, ensuring that every service is not only a tribute to the deceased but a meaningful experience for the bereaved.
"The overall journey has been impressive," the manager concludes. "It’s not just about the technology; it’s about creating an environment where families can feel supported and connected, even in absence. That’s what we strive for every day."
