ShiftMAX is a hybrid shift scheduling and attendance management system provided by KYODOU 株式会社. It is positioned around “cloud convenience + private-cloud independence + Excel flexibility.” Rather than being a typical standardized public-cloud SaaS product, it builds a dedicated cloud environment for each company and uses Microsoft Excel as the main management interface. It is well suited to organizations that already have many Excel-based attendance sheets, complex shift patterns, and no desire to redesign on-site workflows from scratch.
The system covers shift creation, real-time clock-in/out, attendance aggregation, request approvals, leave management, overtime and overwork alerts, closing procedures, report output, and data export to payroll systems. It supports a wide range of clock-in methods, including IC cards, passwords, finger-vein authentication, mobile/browser clock-in, and click-based clock-in. Mobile clock-in can be used for direct-to-site and direct-from-site work scenarios, with location verification support. On the management side, it supports complex rules such as paid leave, compensatory leave, substitute holidays, one-month/one-year variable working-hour systems, flextime, 24-hour shifts, multiple shifts per day, and temporary attendance across different business locations.
Publicly listed pricing starts from ¥500,000 in initial fees for the basic functions and from ¥300 per person per month. IC card time clocks cost ¥118,800, and finger-vein authentication costs ¥58,300. Additional functions and customization are charged separately. The implementation process includes design and prototyping, full development, and test operation. It typically takes around 3 months; the FAQ also mentions around 6 months, while the fastest deployment under default settings can be within 1 month. A key advantage is that engineers can visit the customer site for interviews free of charge and handle detailed configuration on the customer’s behalf, reducing the burden of self-setup.
The main advantages are the low learning curve of the Excel interface, strong isolation through a private-cloud setup, and multiple clock-in methods that fit complex frontline environments such as hotels, security, and logistics. Its permission controls, proxy approvals, edit locking, and operation logs are also fairly comprehensive. The downsides are that the upfront cost is not low, and customization can extend the implementation timeline. The product is clearly designed around Japanese labor regulations and Japanese customers. API availability is not disclosed, and it is not lightweight enough for small teams that want quick self-service onboarding.
ShiftMAX is better suited to Japanese companies with over 1,000 employees, multiple stores or locations, multiple shift types, and complex labor rules, especially organizations that still rely on Excel-based reports. Its access status from China is unknown. The materials only state that it can be accessed overseas as long as there is an internet connection, while overseas clock-in requires separate consultation. Chinese companies that need local payment, Chinese-language support, and local compliance may want to evaluate alternatives such as 钉钉, 企业微信, 北森, or Moka People.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on shiftmax.co.jp official site.
shiftmax.co.jp is an Japan SaaS Tools provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 6.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Limited (proxy recommended). Click "Visit Official Site" to reach shiftmax.co.jp directly.