The PCB and Microelectronics (PCBM) Centre of the NIGCOMSAT Research and Development Department has developed a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based Staff Attendance and Access Control System (SAACS). RFID-SAACS adopts is a contactless technology and can be utilized to upgrade and update manual and anticipated methods of monitoring attendance as well as access control of management in public and private sectors, and strategic installations.

RFID refers to Radio providing the means of wireless interrogation, communications and transfer of data or information; Frequency-defined spectrum for operating RFID devices, low, high, ultra high and microwave, each with distinguishing characteristics; and Identification of items by means of codes contained in a memory-based data carrier and accessed by radio interrogation. RFID is a reliable and accurate technology for automated object identification that does not require line-of-sight.

SAACS is an Internet-based (web) application for remote access and administrative operations which enables wireless query, communications, and data exchange monitoring from any part of the world. To record staff time-in and time-out, the RFID card is waved in front of the Y-reader by the user, making sure the card is placed parallel to the reader for interrogation. On successful authentication of the user’s UID, the time-in or time-out is recorded accordingly on the electronic staff database and the staff photo and other essential details displayed on the client monitor. But on failed authentication of the UID, an appropriate error message is displayed on the client monitor.

NIGCOMSAT RFID-based SAACS is a vital tool for staff management, administration, and monitoring with immense positive impact on staff attitude to work. It eliminates time-theft and absenteeism, controls and checks ghost worker syndrome and can be integrated into the payroll system to facilitate precise salaries computation and payment upon vetting employees’ overall performance.

It is also designed to reduce inefficiencies such as easy manipulations of time in the attendance register and the inability to monitor and limit staff and visitor access to controlled and sensitive areas within an organization. Management can review staff attendance in real time. A perfect replacement for tedious paper-based attendance monitoring systems which takes up valuable office space due to their demand for secured storage; should enhance the effectiveness of businesses and is tailored to suit the needs of any organization, SAACS was developed using world-class indigenous technology and international standards. It has been successfully designed, implemented and tested.