Laboratory Entry and Attendance System Utilizing Backend as a Service

This paper describes the creation of a laboratory entry and attendance system utilizing Backend as a Service. We first analyzed the existing system and described its drawbacks and shortcomings. After collecting a list of requested additions to the system, we selected appropriate hardware and software, more specifically, a Raspberry Pi 3 and two older USB smart card readers. The system utilizes Appwrite, a Backend as a Service platform, which removes the need for a backend to perform various functions. This approach makes it easier to modify the system in the future. We then describe the creation and functionality of each part of the new system. The new system and the old system are then compared to highlight the advantages of the new approach.