A secure and automated student attendance tracking system utilizing NFC technologies for junior high school students at the UST

This study presents the design and implementation of a secure and automated student attendance tracking system using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for the students at the UST Junior High School. The system employs NFC-enabled ID cards, Arduino-based NFC readers, and a MariaDB database with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and role-based access control to ensure real-time attendance monitoring and data security. Developed using the Agile Software Methodology, the system integrates advanced network configurations, including VLANs, DHCP snooping, port security, and WPA3 encryption, to secure communication between NFC devices, a server, and faculty desktops. Features such as SMS notifications and automated PDF reports provide real-time updates to parents and streamline attendance management for faculty. The system was tested in a controlled laboratory environment for four Grade 9 sections, demonstrating its ability to enhance accuracy, administrative efficiency, and proactive student monitoring. Although implementation was conducted in few classes, the system is scalable to cover additional classrooms. This research highlights the potential of NFC-based systems in educational settings to improve operational efficiency and security while fostering better engagement between parents, faculty, and students.