Enhancing Campus Security: An RFID Gate Entry Systems with SMS Notification at
Caraga State University
A Capstone by
Lara Mae Dela Cruz
Michael Angelo Olar
James L. Pal
Submitted to the Department of Information Systems
College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS)
Caraga State University – Main Campus
In partial fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Information System (BSIS)
December 2023
Abstract
This study titled "Enhancing Campus Security: An RFID Gate Entry at Caraga State
University" aims to explore the viewpoints of stakeholders at Caraga State University's
Main Campus regarding the feasibility and acceptance of implementing an RFID gate
entry system to enhance campus security. The research objectives encompass
investigating the awareness of RFID technology, exploring perceptions of RFID gate
systems, assessing feasibility and acceptance, identifying benefits and concerns,
providing decision-making insights, and suggesting recommendations. The significance
of the study lies in its potential to improve campus security, involve students and
faculties in decision-making, enhance the university's reputation, and showcase
technological advancement. The study's scope is limited to the Main Campus, covering
various colleges, and its findings offer valuable insights despite potential limitations like
sample size and participant bias. This study contributes to the understanding of
stakeholders' perceptions toward implementing RFID gate entry systems for enhanced
campus security at Caraga State University.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Campus security is now a global concern for educational institutions, and its
importance has grown in recent years. Due to different issues such as unauthorized
access, theft events, and even more serious threats, the safety and security of students,
instructors, and staff on university grounds has become a key priority. Caraga State
University (CSU) Main Campus, located in Ampayon, Butuan City, is no exception to
these concerns. As an institution committed to providing a conducive learning
environment, CSU recognizes the significance of implementing advanced security
measures to ensure the well-being of its community members.
With a focus on providing high quality education and the development of an
active learning environment, Caraga State University has been one of the most
important universities in this area for many years. Thousands of students, faculty
members and employees can be accommodated on the university's extensive campus
each day. While CSU has implemented security protocols and personnel, ensuring
comprehensive and efficient security coverage throughout the vast campus area
presents a considerable challenge.
The current security infrastructure at CSU involves traditional methods such as
security personnel stationed at various entry points, identification badges, and manual
verification procedures. However, with advancements in technology, a more
sophisticated and streamlined approach to campus security has emerged. One such
technological solution is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Gate System
Technology.
RFID (radio frequency identification) is a form of wireless communication that
incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio
frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object,
animal or person (Amsler & Shea, n.d.). RFID is a cutting-edge technology that uses
electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects or
individuals. These tags contain electronically stored information that can be remotely
accessed and read by RFID readers. The potential uses and benefits of RFID are vast
and extend beyond traditional identification methods. They include improved access
control, enhanced inventory management, and efficient asset tracking.
In the context of campus security, RFID offers several advantages that can
significantly enhance the overall safety of the university community. RFID-enabled gate
entry systems have been successfully implemented in various educational institutions
in Butuan City. Father Saturnino Urios University and Saint Joseph Institute of
Technology are exemplary institutions that have embraced RFID gate systems to
bolster their campus security. According to Fr. John Young, FSUU President, shares,
“With our efforts to always improve services, in this case, to improve security for
students, we set up the RFID system in partnership with the Hive AVLS, which provides
multimedia and business solutions. The timing was just right for this partnership with
Smart, as we were then able to link the RFID system with the Info board, which I think
is a wonderful idea.” In addition, Mr. Francis Lim, Sr. stated that “Now, parents will get
SMS notifications when the students tap their IDs as they go in and out of the
campus.” (SMART, 2012). These universities have experienced notable improvements
in access control, reduction of unauthorized entry incidents, and enhanced overall
security through the utilization of RFID technology.
Given the success stories of RFID gate systems in enhancing campus security,
the prospect of implementing such a system at Caraga State University is worth
exploring. The potential benefits include swift and accurate identification of authorized
personnel, real-time monitoring of campus entry and exit, reduced instances of
unauthorized access, and the ability to generate comprehensive access logs for
security analysis. However, the implementation of an RFID gate entry system at CSU
comes with its own set of challenges, including technological integration, cost
considerations, and the need for stakeholder buy-in.
The proposed study, titled "Enhancing Campus Security: An RFID Gate Entry
Systems with SMS Notification at Caraga State University" aims to investigate the
feasibility and perception of implementing an RFID gate entry system with SMS alert
within the CSU Main Campus. The study uses questionnaires and interviews to gather
information regarding the concerns, expectations, and potential advantages of RFID
technology for campus security students, instructors, staff, and administrators.
The application of RFID technology, as well as the in-depth analysis and detailed
decision-making process to implement it are covered by this study. The objective of the
study is to evaluate whether RFID can be a practical security access control system in
an educational environment and what its effects are on students, faculty or staff. The
study will employ a quantitative research approach, involving data collection through
surveys. Quantitative research emphasizes objective measurements and the statistical,
mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through questionnaires, surveys,
or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques
(Creswell, 2014). This study aims to find out how Radio Frequency Identification RFID
can contribute to improving campus security by exploiting technological
improvements for the benefit of students, teachers and staff.
1.2 Problem Statement
This study seeks to explore the viewpoints held by stakeholders associated with the
CSU Main Campus regarding the potential improvement of campus security. The study
specifically focuses on gauging perceptions towards the installation and utilization of
an RFID gate system. By investigating these perspectives, the research aims to
contribute valuable insights into the feasibility and acceptance of this security
enhancement measure.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study " Enhancing Campus Security: An RFID Gate Entry
Systems with SMS Notification at Caraga State University " are as follows:
1.3.1 General Objectives:
•
To Enhance Campus Security Perception: The general objective is to contribute to the
enhancement of campus security perception by investigating stakeholders' viewpoints
on the implementation of an RFID gate system at Caraga State University (CSU) Main
Campus.
•
To Propose and Implement the RFID Gate Entry System with SMS Alert: To introduce
an RFID Gate Entry system with SMS notifications at Caraga State University, aiming to
improve the existing manual gate entry procedure, which currently entails the
verification of student and teacher ID cards, through the integration of advanced
technology.
1.2 Specific Objectives
•
To Investigate Awareness of RFID Technology: The research seeks to determine the
level of awareness and understanding among CSU stakeholders about RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) technology and its potential applications in enhancing
security.
•
To Explore Perceptions of RFID Gate Systems: The study intends to explore the
attitudes and viewpoints of CSU students and faculties towards the proposed RFID
gate system for campus security.
•
To Examine Feasibility and Acceptance: The research aims to assess the feasibility of
implementing an RFID gate system at CSU Main Campus from a technical, operational,
and logistical standpoint.
•
To Identify Potential Benefits and Concerns: The study aims to identify the potential
benefits that the RFID gate system could offer, such as enhanced access control,
reduced unauthorized entry, and improved overall campus security.
•
To Suggest Recommendations: Based on the findings of the study, the research aims
to provide informed recommendations on how to address any potential challenges,
improve the proposed RFID gate system's design, and ensure its successful integration
into the campus environment.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study " Enhancing Campus Security: An RFID Gate Entry Systems
with SMS Alert at Caraga State University" can be understood from various
perspectives:
•
Caraga State University:
- Improved Campus Security: The study's findings can help the university
administration make informed decisions about implementing an RFID
gate system, potentially enhancing the overall security measures on
campus and creating a safer environment for everyone.
- Enhanced Reputation: By actively seeking feedback and involving
stakeholders in security enhancement decisions, the university
demonstrates its commitment to student and faculty welfare, which can
positively impact its reputation.
-
Technological
Advancement: Implementing
RFID
technology
showcases the university's readiness to adopt modern and innovative
solutions to address security challenges.
•
Students:
- Increased Safety: The study's outcomes can lead to the implementation
of a more robust security system, providing students with a safer campus
environment that promotes a sense of security and well-being.
- Involvement in Decision-Making: Students' opinions and concerns
being considered in campus security decisions empower them and foster
a sense of ownership in their university's safety measures.
- Awareness of Technology: Students gain awareness about RFID
technology and its applications, contributing to their technological
literacy and understanding of contemporary security solutions.
•
Faculties:
- Enhanced Workplace Safety: The study's results can contribute to
creating a safer workplace for faculty members, ensuring a conducive
teaching and learning environment.
- Improved Communication: Faculty involvement in security discussions
can facilitate open communication between administration and faculty
members, fostering collaboration and understanding.
- Professional Development: Being part of discussions about security
measures can provide faculty members with a broader perspective on
campus management and security protocols.
•
Future Researchers:
- Reference for Similar Studies: The study's methodology, findings, and
insights can serve as a reference for future researchers interested in
conducting perception studies related to campus security or the
implementation of technology-based solutions.
- Basis for Comparative Analysis: Future researchers can compare their
findings with the results of this study, gaining insights into changes in
perceptions and attitudes over time or in different contexts.
- Identification of Knowledge Gaps: The study might identify areas where
further research is needed, encouraging future researchers to explore
specific aspects of campus security or technology adoption in greater
depth.
1.5 Scope and Delimitation:
This study focuses on understanding the opinions of Caraga State University's
Main Campus students and faculties regarding the potential implementation of RFID
gate entry systems. The goal is to capture diverse perspectives from across all seven
colleges namely as College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries (CAA), College of
Education (CEd), College of Engineering and Geo-Sciences (CEGS), College of
Humanities and Social Sciences (CHaSS), College of Computing and Information
Sciences (CCIS), College of Forestry and Environmental Science (COFES), and College
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CMNS) of the university, providing insights into
how this technology is perceived for campus access management.
Several limitations should be acknowledged. The sample size of respondents
might impact the study's comprehensiveness, and participant bias could influence
responses. Findings might not be universally applicable beyond the main campus, and
the study's timeframe might restrict in-depth exploration of nuanced viewpoints.
Variations in technological familiarity and cultural factors could also influence
perceptions. Additionally, the study might not account for long-term attitude shifts or
institutional influences. Despite these limitations, the study's insights will offer valuable
perspectives on the potential introduction of RFID gate entry systems at Caraga State
University.