ABC Roster has been around for over 15 years and has helped many small teams handle shift planning without extra cost.
But here’s the catch: the last software update was 4 years ago. And in tech, that’s a long time.
In 2025, teams expect tools that keep up with payroll and compliance.
So this review takes a closer look at what ABC Roster can still do and what might be missing. We’ll also share a modern alternative that fixes the gaps.
Ready? Let's jump right in:
What is ABC Roster? Main features
ABC Roster is a free software application used for organising employee shift schedules. It was originally targeting food and beverages departments. But over time it's been adopted by a wider range of users, such as hospitals and small organisations.
The tool first appeared in 2009, and the latest update was released in 2021. That means it's not being regularly updated anymore, so users should be cautious, especially with new systems or operating systems.
ABC Roster aims to assist in the complex process of managing shifts. It gives small teams a convenient and intuitive way to build fair and accurate shift schedules (also known as rosters).
It is not a cloud tool. You need to download it and install it on a Windows computer. That might work well for offline use, but not for remote teams or people switching devices.
Here are the main features of ABC Roster:
- A dashboard with a time efficient layout
- Automated planner to generate schedules for you
- Custom settings for employee availability, days off, or special events
- Send schedules to employees directly by email
- Export schedules to Microsoft Excel, PDF, or HTML
You can use it to create schedules quickly, even for teams with lots of shift types or restrictions.
ABC Roster - integrations
ABC Roster works as a standalone app. No integrations are available. So if you're looking to sync with other systems, this tool might not be for you.
ABC Roster - customer support
The app is developed by a single creator who works on it during free time. Support is available only by email: [email protected]. There's also a user manual included in the download, which helps explain the basics.
But keep in mind that there’s no live chat or ticket system. Support may take time, and future updates are not guaranteed.
ABC Roster automated planner - pricing
ABC Roster is 100% free. You can download it without any cost, and there's no paid plan or locked features. But if you like it, you’re invited to make a donation to support development.
ABC Roster - user reviews
You won’t find ABC Roster on platforms like G2, Capterra, or TrustRadius. That’s a bit unusual these days. Most tools, even niche ones, have at least a few reviews there. In this case, nothing.
The only trace of user opinion we found? A 10-year-old Reddit thread in the r/KitchenConfidential forum.
One user was looking for a simple, affordable scheduling tool for their crepe restaurant. They came across ABC Roster and asked the community if anyone had experience with it. Some people replied, but most recommended other tools.
A few did seem interested in ABC Roster’s free download, especially for small kitchens juggling staff with changing schedules.
It’s not much to go on but it shows the tool was once part of the conversation, at least in the food and beverages departments it was made for.
Today? Reviews are nearly impossible to find. That might be a sign that it’s no longer widely used.
One more thing: website security seems like a complex task
At the time of writing, visiting the ABC Roster website triggers a privacy warning. Browsers show that the connection is not private and the SSL certificate appears broken or misconfigured.
This doesn't always mean danger, but it’s definitely a red flag. It also shows the project may not be actively maintained anymore.
What to use instead of ABC Roster?
ABC Roster has been around for a while. It’s free and does the basics. But in 2025, those basics don’t always cut it.
If you’re looking for something reliable and built for real-world workflows, Unrubble is a strong step up when it comes to work scheduling and PTO management (and more).
It takes everything ABC Roster tries to do and brings it online. It’s web-based and mobile-friendly.
Here's where it really stands out:
Integrations that work
Unrubble connects directly with payroll platforms, helping you keep timesheets accurate and compliant. No manual syncing. No spreadsheets. Just clean data that supports your payroll process from start to finish.
Web and mobile access
While ABC Roster is stuck on Windows, Unrubble works in your browser or mobile app. Employees can clock in or request time off from anywhere.
Better security and privacy
All data is encrypted. There’s GDPR-level protection, no data resale, and clear privacy policies. With ABC Roster, you’re kind of on your own.
Real user feedback
Unrubble is actively reviewed and used by teams across industries, from healthcare to logistics. You can find real feedback and customer quotes. ABC Roster? No reviews. No transparency.
Affordable plans
It’s not just for big companies. Unrubble’s pricing is transparent and accessible, with a free trial to start and paid options if you grow.
Regular updates
Unlike ABC Roster, which hasn’t changed since 2021, Unrubble adds new features and fixes bugs regularly, which is documented in a public changelog.
If you're serious about keeping your scheduling process connected and easy for your team, this tool is more than worth a look.
Try Unrubble for free and see the difference yourself.
