Family Assistant

Family Assistant is the world's first interactive coffin design software,^[1] developed by DFS Caskets of Annan in South West Scotland.^[2] The software creates a photo-realistic three-dimensional model based on choices made by the user, which can be rotated through 360 degrees for viewing.^[1]

In Version 1 there are over 30 million possible combinations of choices, including the material in which the coffin is made; the direction of the end grain on the box; the type of mouldings used on the box and lid; whether the lid should be enhanced; whether the coffin is to have side panels and the type of panel; whether the coffin is to be stained and the colour of the stain; as well as the type and number of handles and lid fittings. When Version 2 is released, the number of feature and option possibilities is expected to exceed 180 million.^[1]

The software, initially created in PC format, will at first be distributed free of charge to all interested funeral directors in the UK; however, the ultimate aim is to provide a source from which bereaved families can download Family Assistant without charge onto their iPad or tablet computers. This will allow families to make choices at their own pace and in the comfort of their own home and then make their wishes known to the funeral director of their choice when ready, thereby reducing potential pressure and anxieties.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "DFS Caskets launch Family Assistant". SAIFinsight (148): 47. January 2014. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
^ "Company Profile: DFS Caskets". Funeral Service Journal. 113 (4): 70. April 1998. ISSN 0016-2809. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)

[SAIF-1] "DFS Caskets launch Family Assistant". SAIFinsight (148): 47. January 2014. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)

[FSJ-2] "Company Profile: DFS Caskets". Funeral Service Journal. 113 (4): 70. April 1998. ISSN 0016-2809. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)

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