Aspect |
QR Code-Based System |
RFID-Based System |
Communication and Notifications |
Sends real-time push notifications with timestamps and photos to parents, improving transparency and engagement. |
Lacks built-in notification features unless additional software is integrated. |
Security and Verification |
Captures a photo during attendance for verification, reducing proxy attendance and improving security. |
No photo verification; relies solely on RFID cards, which can be swapped or lost. |
Cost and Hardware Requirements |
Operates using smartphones or tablets, eliminating the need for expensive hardware like card readers or servers. |
Requires dedicated RFID readers and cards, leading to higher setup and maintenance costs. |
Registration Process |
QR codes are generated instantly and printed on-site, requiring no specialized skills or equipment. |
Mapping RFID cards or enrolling for facial recognition is time-consuming and requires trained personnel. |
Customization and Features |
Offers flexible features such as auto-absent alerts, late arrival notifications, and customizable reporting. |
Provides limited features unless integrated with additional software, which increases complexity and cost. |
Scalability and Maintenance |
Easily scalable with minimal effort, requiring only additional devices or users, with low maintenance needs. |
Scaling involves purchasing additional hardware and ongoing maintenance, increasing costs and effort. |
Parent Engagement |
Keeps parents informed with real-time updates and photos, creating an interactive and transparent experience. |
Provides no direct interaction with parents unless heavily customized, adding cost and complexity. |
Detailed Explanation of SMS Pricing for Digital Attendance
Breakdown of SMS Costs
1. Transactional SMS Charges:
- Each SMS sent through bulk SMS providers must comply with DLT regulations (Distributed Ledger Technology) as per DoT, Govt. of India.
- Cost per SMS:View pricelist
- Base cost: ₹0.12 (12 paise).
- DLT scrubbing charges: ₹0.025 (2.5 paise)
- GST at 18%: ₹0.0261 per SMS additionally.
- Total Cost per SMS : ₹0.1711 (17.11 paise).
2. Approximate SMS Usage:
- Considering 200 working days:
- 2 SMS per day per student: One for entry and one for exit.
- Absent days: SMS notification sent on such days as well.
- Total: ~400 SMS per student per year.
3. Annual Cost Per Student:
- Total Cost per SMS : ₹0.1711 x 400
- Total: ₹68.44 ~ ₹69.00 per student per annum.
4. Delivery Assurance: Reputed providers guarantee a 100% SMS delivery rate on active mobile numbers.
Misleading Claims by Other Digital Attendance Providers
- False Promises: Some companies claim to provide SMS services at ₹30-50 per student annually, including biometric attendance system, server charges, and other service charges. Such pricing is unrealistic.
- Lack of Transparency: Schools must ensure the deliverability rate (100% in active mobile numbers and within 2-5 secs) is stated in the contract and verify uninterrupted service for the contract duration.
What Schools Should Do
- Ask for a Breakdown: Request detailed pricing, including base cost, DLT charges, and taxes.
- Verify Deliverability: Confirm the provider’s delivery rate with reports or guarantees.
- Long-Term Service Assurance: Ensure SMS service will remain functional throughout the contract.
- Avoid Misleading Offers: Reject providers offering unrealistic prices without proper justifications.