A Comparative Study of Emerging Technologies for Smart Attendance Systems in the Digital Age

Traditional attendance management systems, such as manual roll calls and sign-in sheets, are inefficient, error-prone, and susceptible to misuse. These conventional methods lack automation, real-time tracking, and scalability, making them impractical for large institutions and workplaces. To address these limitations, this study explores emerging smart attendance technologies, including RFID, NFC, biometric authentication (fingerprint and facial recognition), IoT, and cloud-based solutions. A comparative analysis evaluates these technologies based on accuracy, security, scalability, implementation cost, and user experience. The findings highlight that IoT and cloud-based systems enable real-time tracking and remote accessibility, while biometric and NFC technologies enhance security and authentication. However, challenges such as high initial costs, data privacy concerns, and integration complexities remain. By analysing the strengths and limitations of these technologies, this research provides insights into the development of smarter, more efficient, and adaptable attendance systems. The study serves as a foundation for future advancements, emphasizing the need for hybrid models that integrate multiple technologies for improved efficiency, security, and accessibility in educational and corporate settings.