Development of Web-based Near-field Communication

(NFC) Database as a Real-time Module Tracker in Schools

Amoranto, Diego S., Cabatian, Edward John S., Escandor, Miguel S.,
Macarulay, Joaquin Angelo G., San Juan, Rosh Maxcel Centh M.

Abstract: Libraries still rely on library cards for their tracking systems, return
policies, and borrowing rules which makes it likely for books to be misplaced without
having enough information about who borrowed them. The study aims to develop a
web-based near-field communication (NFC) database which offers better tracking
and acts as a replacement for the traditional way of book transactions in school
libraries. To evaluate the website, 100 respondents were selected - through
purposive sampling - and surveyed to measure its level of acceptability and its level
of effectiveness. Results showed that the website's convenience and user
friendliness, as well as its effectiveness and reliability, are both acceptable to the
respondents. In conclusion, the study shows that the web-based NFC database as a
real-time module tracker in schools reached acceptable levels based on the
assessment done by the researchers.

Keywords: Website, NFC, Database, Module Tracker, School

INTRODUCTION
In this century where society continues •San Juan, Rosh Maxcel Centh M. Student,
Rizal National Science High School
to advance through the use of
The advantages of pleasure reading
technology, written and printed
do not stop in the classroom. Students
publications remain relevant such as
bring their reading skills into adulthood
newspapers, tabloids, magazines, and
and, as a result, into the workforce and
especially, books. Books have played
community. (Labby, Sullivan, and
a huge role in libraries and schools for
Whitten, 2016).
the accessible information and
entertainment they offer to the public.
With its accessibility to the public,
Additionally, books are important
libraries distribute it to individuals for
because of the role they take in the
them to borrow. This makes it difficult
standardized way of teaching. Reading
to keep track of these publications,
encourages students to think critically
especially in public places like
and to develop their reading
libraries, which rely on library cards as
comprehension skills, which is useful
their tracking systems, return policies,
for many of the subjects studied.
and borrowing rules. Not only in
•Amoranto, Diego S. Student, Rizal National
libraries, but even in schools, books
Science High School are important. Schools employ the
same approach for recording and
•Cabatian, Edward John S. Student, Rizal
National Science High School tracking modules that are distributed
around the school, making it easy to
•Escandor, Miguel S. Student, Rizal National
misplace without recognizing who
Science High School
borrowed them due to having no
•Macarulay, Joaquin Angelo G. Student, accurate records. This results in the
Rizal National Science High School
gradual decrease in the catalogue of
 books that can limit the selection for solve the shortcomings of older
learners and can contribute to the technology.
increase in budget that the schools
must allot. Circulating physical books from the
Near-field Communication (NFC) is a library's holdings is one of the library's
type of Radio Frequency technology most important duties. Many libraries
that permits exchange of information across the world use barcode
over a small distance by versatile technology for circulation management
phones, computers, labels or other due to its inexpensive cost and ease of
electronic devices. (Saini and Sapna, use. However, the use of barcodes has
2019). NFC is a novel concept in a number of limitations that makes it
library management as in the past, the unsuitable in the modern age. With this
use of such technology is cost in mind, the use of NFC is being put to
prohibitive and impractical that it would the test as it offers opportunities for
be wiser to stick with the old system. improvement that is beneficial for
With advancements in technology, it everyone involved.
can now be utilized to save time and
simplify the modern library system. It As a crucial central institution for many
can also save up valuable natural people, especially for students,
resources such as paper and trees, teachers, and library facilitators,
making it eco-friendly. keeping the system intact by
implementing a library management
The development of near-field system ensures the quality support of
communicators has led to the change the general requirements of a library
in how the society processes such as acquisition, cataloguing,
payments, scan, and track; and it has circulation. (Godfred, He, and Samuel,
the same functions as the Radio 2018). Utilizing an application system
frequency Identification (RFID) with the design to ease the workload and
benefit of being reprogrammable. All of increase efficiency within a library is
today’s mobile phones have a built-in necessary for the improvement of
NFC technology which can be used as organization and order. Broadening
a peer-to-peer payment, data transfer, this system not just for public libraries
and other applications that can make but for school libraries as well will be
life easier. (Hill, 2021). an innovative way of implementing
long-term management.
According to a recent proposal of
Singh (2020), NFC is being used as an The adaptation of near-field
alternative to barcode scanners since communication technology by smart
barcodes have issues with durability, libraries or “S-library” is becoming
transparency, print, and protection. essential as an alternative to RFID and
Due to the disadvantages of RFID, barcodes. The performance of NFC in
such as the lack of general RFID an S-library provides the library users
requirements, security vulnerabilities, user-friendliness by only using mobile
and reader-tag collisions, the plan also smartphones with integrated NFC
included using NFC instead of RFID. technology (Yusof, et al., 2015).
Since NFC is a touch-based
technology, it has provided a viable Smartphones can be used as access
alternative platform for library users to control credentials, electronic keys,
 and payment applications for vending can help improve accessibility,
machines and credit card readers convenience, and efficiency. It is
thanks to NFC technology. Tickets and accompanied by a database that is
retailer loyalty cards can also be connected to the internet that will
purchased with NFC devices (Fickes, interact with the website to relay vital
2015). The concept of mobile information to the user about the
payments is helpful in replacing catalogue and the literature borrowed
traditional library recordings of via email.
literature with the new NFC technology
as a module tracker, which implies that The objectives of this study are divided
anyone with a compatible device, such into four parts. First, is to develop a
as mobile smartphones, will have easy web-based near-field communication
access to book transactions and (NFC) database as a real-time module
records. tracker that can be used to assist in
creating an organized and orderly
Although previous literature has system for module recording and to
proven that the use of NFC can be a ensure that modules for online
viable alternative to the traditional distance learning are being used by
method of cataloguing and managing the proper students. Second, is to
books, not much has been stated as to determine the level of acceptability of
how this would translate or perform in the web-based near-field
a school environment rather than in a communication (NFC) database as a
public or community library. real-time module tracker as perceived
Additionally, these literatures and by students and teachers of Rizal
studies did not consider the other National Science High School
possible factors that may have (RNSHS) in terms of convenience and
affected the usage of NFC into a user-friendliness. Third, is to determine
Library Database System in a school, the level of effectiveness of the web
such as the pandemic that greatly based near-field communication (NFC)
limits the way people are able to database as a real-time module tracker
interact with each other and with their in terms of reliability. Fourth and last, is
community. Even though NFC may to introduce and propose a new way
offer efficiency and technological for schools to keep and track records
advancement, there is still a difficulty of modules being used by students for
in implementing it due to the cost and online distance learning to ensure that
the lack of a proper NFC infrastructure they are being kept properly.
(Fickes, 2015).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
With how the process of libraries and
schools track their modules and the The study was conducted at Rizal
possibility of book loss and theft, this National Science High School
study utilized a website and a (RNSHS), a public science high school
smartphone that uses near-field located at Jose P. Rizal St., Brgy.
communication (NFC) which Batingan, Binangonan, Rizal,
communicates with an embedded tag Philippines. The goal of the research is
on books instead of using library cards mainly to provide a web-based near
or barcodes, as an alternative way of field communication (NFC) database
tracking modules or books in ways that as a real-time module tracker for
 schools to utilize. This is a quantitative
study in which statistical approachesANDROID SMARTPHONES WITH
were used to draw conclusions and NFC RADIO
outcomes. The researchers' goal of
gathering statistical data was The Android OS was created by
accomplished by conducting an online Google with the intention of getting
survey questionnaire. The respondentsused on touchscreen devices, cell
were chosen through a non-probability phones, and tablets. Its design allowed
purposive sampling technique, users to interact with mobile devices
summing up to a number of 100intuitively, using finger movements that
respondents. These respondents were mimic common actions like pinching,
selected students from Grades 7 to 12, swiping, and tapping. (Chen, 2021).
as well as teachers and school library Most modern smartphones released
facilitators. have a built-in NFC scanner so it can
act as the main NFC scanner that will
This study utilized an experimental read the configured NFC tags. Android
research design - a type of study in devices such as Samsung A72,
which one or more independent Samsung Galaxy S III, etc. supports
variables are changed and the effect NFC, thus it has the capability of
on one or more dependent variables is reading NFC tags and transferring of
measured. It entailed developing a set data from the NFC tags to the
of techniques for putting a hypothesis smartphone. Additionally, android
to the test. (Bevans, 2019). The devices can be used to access the
research design utilized was intended internet seamlessly, which is used to
to assess the level of acceptability and access the web-based part of the
level of effectiveness of the web-based database module tracker.
NFC database as a real-time module
tracker as perceived by students and MODULES
teachers of RNSHS in terms of
Modules or books were gathered,
convenience, user-friendliness, and
each attached with an NFC tag in the
reliability.
front or rear cover of the book,
programmed to open up the interface
PROCUREMENT OF
to the web based database. The NFC
MATERIALS NFC TAGS scanner or NFC enabled smartphone
acted as a gateway to the web-based
NFC tags were bought from an online database where the user can then
shop through Lazada or Shopee. They input information regarding the module
are compact, inexpensive, and battery - its title and author, the student ID,
free, and the primary mode of and whether it is being returned or
accessing an NFC tag is through borrowed.
interaction with a smartphone. This
was possible because the reading COMPUTER
device, which is usually a smartphone,
can generate a Radio Frequency (RF) For the development of the various
field that powers the tag. (Frew, 2020). software involved in such study, a
NFC tags could be used as a more computer running Microsoft Windows
convenient alternative for QR codes at was procured. It was also used to run
their most basic level. the web server and database
 responsible for push notification to the tags like NFC, Hi-band RFID and its
user’s phone via email through the derivatives.
developed web-based database.
SURVEYING & DATA ANALYSIS
CODING EVALUATION OF WEBSITE
DATABASE AND BACKEND
The level of acceptability of the web
The Backend was powered by using a non-probability purposive
XAMPP, an open-source cross sampling technique.
platform web server consisting of
Apache, MariaDB, PHP and Perl; and STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
the database was powered by
MariaDB, an open-source relational The data gathered by the researchers
database management system from the respondents of the survey
(DBMS) that may be used as a drop-in questionnaire were combined to obtain
replacement for the popular MySQL the overall level of acceptability and
database. (Vaughan, 2018). level of effectiveness. It was then
tallied, tabulated, and analyzed. The
WEBSITE interpreted data served as answers to
the questions made in the study. The
The website was developed using the data was then subjected to a statistical
Apache HTTP Server, one of the analysis using the Measures of Central
components of XAMPP. It is an open Tendency to evaluate the level of
source web server that allows an acceptability and level of effectiveness
operator to serve websites on the of the web-based NFC database as a
Internet. It served as a link between real-time module tracker as perceived
the server and client computers. On by students and teachers of RNSHS.
each user request, it retrieved material
from the server and presented it to the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
web. The web is powered by
WordPress, a free and open-source Table 1. Level of Acceptability of the
content management system written in Web-based Near-field
Communication (NFC)
PHP and can be paired up with a
Database as a Real-time
MySQL or MariaDB database. Module Tracker in Schools.
A. Convenience
NFC TAGS
Questions MeanVerbal Interpretation
The gateway to the website was 1. The website is
embedded per NFC tag in a module or accessible anytime.3.24 Acceptable
book. The identifier was written to the
2. The website is
NFC Tag through the use of NFC
Reader Writer by Manjul Saini from the accessible anywhere.2.68 Acceptable 3.
Google Play Store. This allowed the The website is
user to both read and write on various
friendliness as perceived accessible to
based NFC database as a
by students and teachers ofanyone.
real-time module tracker 4. The materials necessary to
Rizal National Science
was evaluated in terms of fully implement the web based
High School (RNSHS). Its NFC module tracker is available
its convenience and user
level of
to everyone. 3.03 Acceptable 2.75 Acceptable

effectiveness was likewise evaluated Overall 2.92 Acceptable

in terms of its reliability in tracking B. User-Friendliness
records of modules that are dispersed
Questions MeanVerbal Interpretation
to each student. A survey 1. The website is
questionnaire, through the use of clear and easy to
Google Forms, was distributed among
teachers Continued...
the selected students and operate for the learners and 3.11 Acceptable
instructors.
Web-based Near-field
Questions MeanVerbal Interpretation
Communication (NFC)
2. The embedded
Table 2. Level of Effectiveness of the
NFC tags on friendliness. The results supplements how the society
modules are easy to use (scan). showed that the website’s uses
3. The website is not technology compared to the
time-consuming to use.
convenience was traditional way of tracking.
2.69 Acceptable 2.65 Acceptable acceptable to the 3. The users are more aware of
respondents, meaning that the modules that they need to
the website is accessible to return or borrow.
Database as a Real-time any individual who wants to 4. The information presented in
Module Tracker in Schools. utilize the website and is the
website is complete. 5. The
Effectiveness and Reliability also available anytime and information portrayed in the
anywhere. The materials website is reliable and accurate.
necessary for the website 2.83 Acceptable 3.19 Acceptable
were accessible to
Questions MeanVerbal Interpretation individuals who want to
1. The modules are fully implement this method
Overall 2.82 Acceptable of tracking modules that
were being distributed in
The level of acceptability of schools. The website’s 2.59 Acceptable
the web based NFC user
database was measured tracked and
into two parameters, which monitored. 2.69 Acceptable 2.77 Acceptable
2. The use of a web based NFC
were the website's database as a module tracker
convenience and user
friendliness was acceptable to the satisfaction. When developing a
respondents as well, meaning that the website, all of the above factors
website was easy to operate. The NFC (website content, website organization,
tag was also easy to scan and didn’t and perceived ease of use) must be
give the users any trouble. considered in order to increase user
happiness, acceptance, confidence,
According to Maraqa and Rashed and usage intention. This shows that
(2018), applying worldwide standards the convenience and user-friendliness
for website organization, such as is an important aspect of a website
convenience and navigation, is certain since it shows if the website is
to improve website visitors' acceptable to the public.
 Overall 2.81 Acceptable developed is acceptable to the users.
The data portrayed that the website
The level of effectiveness of the web was convenient to use, meaning that it
based NFC database was measured can be accessed by individuals
into two parameters which were its anytime and anywhere. The data also
effectiveness and reliability. Results indicated that the website was user
showed that the implementation of the friendly meaning that the users or
website was effective. The modules individuals can operate the website
were tracked and were monitored. The easily without needing assistance.
web-based NFC database was also
effective compared to older methods 2. On the level of effectiveness of
like using a library card or recording it the Web-based Near-field
manually. Results also showed that the Communication (NFC) Database as
website was reliable. It showed the a Real-time Module Tracker in
accurate information about the Schools
books/modules scanned, and the
information of the students portrayed The results showed that the website
were accurate as well. developed can be used as a
replacement for the traditional way of
When a database isn't dependable, tracking books. The data collected
consistent, or accurate, it can lead to portrayed that the information
poor or inaccurate conclusions. presented was complete and accurate.
Furthermore, because the database is The data indicated showed that the
such an important aspect of a firm's website was effective in tracking the
infrastructure, its failure can cause individuals who borrowed and returned
significant problems throughout the the books.
organization. As a result, database
security should and must remain a top CONCLUSION
priority. (Watts, 2020). Consequently,
an unreliable, inaccurate, and Based on the presented findings of the
inconsistent database has the potential study, the developed web-based Near
to mislead an organization, which can field Communication (NFC) database
result in making flawed and showed that it was acceptable to
catastrophic business decisions that individuals assessed by the
can lead to huge financial loss and respondents from RNSHS. It showed
damage to both short-term and long that the website is convenient to use
term. (Maintaining Database since it can be accessed by individuals
Reliability, Integrity & Safety, 2020). anytime and anywhere. The website
was user-friendly meaning that the
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS users can fully use the website without
the need of assistance.
1. On the level of acceptability of
the Web-based Near-field Based on the findings, the
Communication (NFC) Database as effectiveness and reliability of the
a Real-time Module Tracker in website is acceptable. The results
Schools indicated that the website is effective
in tracking and providing the
The results showed that the website information of the individual borrowing
 or returning the books. The information
8 Maintaining Database Reliability, Integrity &
presented is also accurate and Safety. (2020, March 14). Retrieved from
reliable. https://study.com/academy/lesson/maintaining
a database-reliability-integrity-safety.html.
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APPENDIX A
Permission to Conduct Study From Panelists
APPENDIX B
Permission to Conduct Study
APPENDIX C
Flowchart of Website
APPENDIX D
Server and Backend Software
 APPENDIX E
Website
Interface
APPENDIX F
Sample Questionnaire Checklist
APPENDIX
G RCP Form
1