New Absence Management System Launches At Kanazawa High School

In a significant advancement for educational technology, Mitani Sangyo Co., Ltd. and Kanazawa University Affiliated High School have jointly launched the 'neconome' absence management system, which officially began full-scale operation on April 4, 2025. This innovative system aims to streamline the process of tracking student attendance and sharing information among faculty and guardians.

The 'neconome' system was developed following a successful verification experiment that started in October 2024, targeting first-year students. The trial demonstrated an impressive reduction of approximately 40% in communication time between teaching staff and guardians prior to the start of the school day. This reduction not only alleviated the workload on teachers but also enhanced the accuracy of attendance records and the overall communication process.

At the heart of 'neconome' is a user-friendly interface that allows students to register their attendance by simply scanning a QR code displayed in their classroom with their smartphones. For those students who do not possess smartphones, the system has made provisions to ensure inclusivity by allowing attendance registration through student IDs. This dual approach caters to all students, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transition.

Moreover, the system facilitates guardians in reporting absences through their smartphones, which can be accessed in real-time by teachers using PCs or tablets. This feature significantly reduces the traditional reliance on phone calls for absence notifications, a method that often led to congestion on communication lines and increased the risk of human error during information sharing.

Prior to the implementation of 'neconome', the process of notifying the school about absences or tardiness was predominantly conducted via phone calls, which often resulted in delays and confusion. With 'neconome', these challenges have been effectively addressed, allowing for a more efficient and reliable method of communication.

The development of 'neconome' involved close collaboration between Mitani Sangyo and the teaching staff at Kanazawa University Affiliated High School. From the initial planning stages, educators contributed their insights and feedback, ensuring that the final product met the needs of students, parents, and teachers alike. This collaborative approach not only fostered a sense of ownership among the staff but also ensured that the system was tailored to the unique requirements of the school environment.

The name 'neconome' was inspired by the concept of observing and supporting students while maintaining a respectful distance, akin to the behavior of a cat. This metaphor reflects the system's goal of providing oversight without being intrusive, a philosophy that resonates with the educational values of the institution.

Mitani Sangyo, which has been operational for 97 years in Kanazawa and 30 years in Vietnam, is committed to enhancing the digital landscape of education. The company has been actively involved in promoting the use of ICT in schools, aligning with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's initiative known as GIGA School. This program aims to facilitate the integration of digital technology in educational settings, paving the way for improved learning experiences.

As part of the GIGA School initiative, the second phase, dubbed NEXT GIGA School, will further advance the use of ICT in education, emphasizing the need for updated hardware and software solutions. In this context, the collaboration between Mitani Sangyo and Kanazawa University Affiliated High School represents a proactive step towards enhancing administrative efficiency and student engagement through technology.

The successful trial of 'neconome' has led to its adoption across all grade levels at Kanazawa University Affiliated High School starting April 2025. The system not only simplifies the administrative tasks associated with attendance management but also provides a framework for better student support and communication.

Looking ahead, Mitani Sangyo aims to continue its efforts in supporting the digitalization of educational environments, thereby reducing the administrative burden on teachers and allowing them to focus more on teaching and interacting with students. The goal is to create a safe and enriching learning environment for the next generation of students, ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

In summary, the launch of the 'neconome' absence management system marks a pivotal moment for Kanazawa University Affiliated High School and Mitani Sangyo. By harnessing technology to streamline communication and attendance management, both organizations are setting a precedent for future innovations in the education sector.