Private attendance software development

In search of a replacement for the outdated, traditional attendance tracking system, I took the initiative to design a web-based software solution tailored to meet our specific needs. Thus, the Dalahoo Attendance System emerged as a solution for managing and controlling personnel and machinery access.

Following a thorough needs assessment and evaluation of the limitations in the traditional gate control system, I decided to develop a customized software application to address the current challenges.

Objectives
– Eliminate handwritten logs and documents for attendance tracking
– Enhance accuracy and speed in access control
– Streamline operations by transitioning from a traditional to a modern system

Advantages
– Reduces personnel errors in recording names and details
– Increases speed and accuracy in tracking attendance
– Speeds up and improves the precision of data responses for management inquiries

Technical Information
– Server-Side Language: PHP v7.2
– Database: MySQL v8
– Client-Side: JavaScript and jQuery libraries
– Custom Framework with standard MVC architecture

Reason for Choosing the Server-Side Language:
– High development speed
– Simultaneous usability across local networks
– Exceptional flexibility and development speed compared to languages like CSharp and C++
– Potential for internet and domain deployment, if needed

Auxiliary Tools Language: Python (for automated reporting and GUI applications for data import to the database)

Software Features
– Attendance Logging:
– Records attendance for both contractor and employer personnel
– Logs entry and exit for both light and heavy vehicles as well as product dispatch
– Operator Definition
– Record change history tracking by operators
– Segregated databases
– Database and table backup capabilities, individually or collectively
– Search functionality within each database section
– Simultaneous network user connectivity
– High-speed performance
– PDF, Excel, and print outputs across all main tables
– Custom management features for the framework
– Smooth user interface (Soft UI) with user-friendly UX

Database Structure (includes 36 tables):
– Blacklist
– Personnel records for contractors and employers
– Driver names
– Vehicle plate numbers
– Record change history, etc.

Source Code Management: Hosted on a private GitHub repository
Cross-platform Compatibility: Can be launched on any operating system without limitations
Database Capacity: Supports unlimited record entries

Overview
To address structural challenges in the Security Department and in the absence of communication infrastructure and attendance devices due to the project-based nature of the company, a decision was made to simplify at least part of the current system. Initially, I intended to implement this using Excel by creating User Forms, but due to the complexity of the requirements and Excel’s lack of flexibility, I shifted to server-side programming and developed the desired software with a custom MVC framework. The development of this software began in early 2021, with final testing in August 2021. However, due to workplace constraints, it was officially deployed in December 2021. During the development process, auxiliary tools, such as automated reporting programs in Python, were created to meet evolving needs. Based on user feedback, the software has been optimized to address all issues identified by operators.