Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol for a Web-Based Student Attendance Monitoring System at a High School in Tangerang

Abstract

Manual, paper-based attendance recording remains common in many schools despite its susceptibility to human error, administrative delay, and limited transparency, underscoring the need for automated alternatives. While prior studies have examined Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) technologies for attendance purposes, most have evaluated them in isolation under constrained trial conditions, leaving a gap in understanding how the two can function together within an integrated, web-based system in real school operation. This study addresses that gap by developing and evaluating a web-based student attendance monitoring system that integrates RFID for automated presence recording with SMTP for real-time parental notification. Using a mixed-methods case study design, the system was developed through a six-stage waterfall process and evaluated through black box testing, RFID functional testing, SMTP delivery testing under varied network conditions, and a comparative analysis against the prior manual system. Results show that the system reliably automated attendance recording, applied rule-based status determination for on-time, late, absent, and excused conditions, and delivered parent notifications consistently across a range of network conditions, while also revealing operational boundaries such as a narrower effective RFID read range than initially expected and continued dependence on accurate parent contact data. Compared with the manual process, the system reduced per-student recording time from minutes to seconds and enabled real-time, automated reporting and notification. These findings demonstrate that integrating RFID and SMTP within a single platform produces a reliable, deployment-ready attendance system that improves accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in school administration, offering a scalable model for schools pursuing digital transformation while highlighting practical considerations for future implementation.