Radio Frequency Identification allows for wireless communication between two or more components, using radio waves. This communication can be applied to a lot of applications, like asset tracking, security gates, inventory management, etc. One such use of this technology is attendance systems. That is why a lot of companies use an RFID employee attendance tracking system, instead of conventional methods.
Today, we will discuss more about this technology & if there are any benefits to using one.
What is an RFID Employee Attendance Tracking System?
An essential part of any business is keeping track of its employees, and for that, they use attendance systems. Generally, businesses used traditional methods like timecards or diary entries to keep track of employees' attendance. However, such methods are always prone to errors and manipulations.
That is why, companies are now shifting to more automated & foolproof systems to deter manipulations and keep accurate track of incoming and outgoing employees.
Components of an RFID Employee Attendance Tracking System
There are three components necessary for an effective RFID employee attendance tracking system, namely – RFID Card/Badge, NFC Reader, and Computer/Database. The card contains an RFID inlay sandwiched between protective layers of PVC. Before deploying, the company programs the card with the employee’s information like – Name, Employee Code, etc.
The NFC reader is used to control gate access to the facility premises. An NFC reader is preferred, as it allows the employee to come near the reader to activate it, increasing security. The employee just touches the card on the reader, and the reader sends the information on the card to the computer. The computer logs the employee information & time of check-in in the attendance database.
Benefits of RFID Employee Attendance Tracking System
Above, we discussed the components & basic functioning of the attendance system, so hopefully you are a little familiar with the technology by now. So, let’s discuss the benefits of implementing an RFID Employee Attendance Tracking System.
Cost Saving
This system saves the business a lot of costs, especially overtime. A human resource assigned to overlook attendance is a costly expense. Firstly, because you’ll have to pay the employee every month, for such a basic task. Secondly, maintaining the attendance record is not economically productive. Making it a part of the operating cost. These employees could be assigned to a productive role, with the automation of attendance tracking.
Another way that RFID saves costs is by being a cheaper alternative. Biometric attendance machines or other forms of attendance machines are usually very expensive and only capable of storing a limited number of identification records. On the other hand, an RFID employee attendance tracking system is easily scalable at a fraction of the cost.
Accurate & Deters Manipulation
When dealing with employees, you will always have to deal with some who try to cut corners, manipulate records, etc. And this becomes a huge problem when it comes to tracking movement, attendance, break time, etc. In a large organization, it becomes next to impossible to keep track of problem workers and slackers with manual methods of employee tracking. However, with the help of these systems, you can keep an accurate record of when an employee entered the facility and when they exited. You can also calculate break times and overtimes down to the second, using these methods.
Improves Security
By combining attendance tracking with gate access control, you can automate your security systems. These machines can only be activated using a company-issued card, thus preventing any unauthorized person from gaining access to company premises. In addition, you can also use these machines to control access to the files room. Then you can track and investigate any employee who accesses the room, in case there is ever a theft of confidential documents.
Ensure Proper Compensation
As mentioned above, these systems accurately note the time an employee has spent in their working areas. These systems are also directly connected to the database and cannot be manipulated. This allows the company and employees to have an accurate record of their working hours.
Conclusion
Radio Frequency Identification technology allows businesses to optimize their attendance tracking systems. Completely automating attendance records and time stamps at a fraction of the cost. With the integration of attendance tracking systems with gate access controls, RFID systems like this allow for greater security within the premises. This technology is also capable of being scalable.
Frequency Asked Questions
Q1. What is smart attendance system using RFID?
Ans - This system employs the use of RFID cards programmed with employee data. These cards then need to be used at the entry gates of a facility. This allows the attendance system to be completely automated and more secure.
Q2. How much does RFID attendance cost?
Ans - The most expensive components of an RFID system are the reader and the software. For an RFID attendance system, the NFC reader can cost from ₹15,000 to ₹18,000. The software cost depends on the type of it and can range from ₹5,000 to ₹27,000. In addition to minor costs, like installation and RFID smart cards.
Q3. Is RFID better than face recognition?
Ans - Functionally? No, face recognition offers a much more secure functionality. Unlike RFID, where you can steal someone’s smart card and gain access to the system, there is no such issue with facial recognition. However, these systems are also very expensive, and standard facial recognition systems cannot work in dark or low-light conditions.
Q4. What are the disadvantages of RFID?
Ans - The biggest issue with RFID is data security, as standard radio frequency identification chips lack any kind of encryption. RFID cards can be read by anyone with a reader of the correct frequency.
Q5. Is RFID better than GPS?
Ans - No, although RFID has its uses and offers amazing AIDC capacity, it has its limitations. RFID can only track the movement of a tag between different interrogation zones (from reader to reader). In addition, it also has a severe limitation on its operation range, it can only operate 100 meters from a reader.
GPS on the other hand, works by utilizing cell towers & an array of satellites. These systems are capable of tracking things anywhere on the entire planet and to a very accurate degree.
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