In response to the challenges posed by the global pandemic in early 2020, Isabela State University Angadanan Campus embarked on a journey to create the Timekeeping and Immediate Monitoring of Employees by Consistently Advocating Time Consciousness and Honesty using Enhanced Attendance Monitoring System (TIME CATCH using EAMS) to elevate the Biometric Fingerprint Attendance Monitoring system and to limit contact among employees.

TIME CATCH using EAMS, according to the program designer and developer, Mr. Ronald B. Rivera, is a network-based system that uses face recognition and QR code technology for employees’ contactless transactions.

The system was developed in collaboration with Dr. Oscar G. Bangayan, Campus Administrator, Mrs. Maricar B. Asis, Head of the Human Resource Management Office, and Mr. Rivera, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology faculty member, to enhance the previous timekeeping and monitoring system for employee attendance.

EAMS (Enhanced Attendance Monitoring System) is capable of (1) Registration of employees with an Auto-generated ID system, (2) Face Recognition and QR Code Casting employees’ attendance, (3) Automatic Generation of DTR, (4) Automatic Management of Employees Leaves and (5) Live Dashboard for Immediate Monitoring.

By reducing the reliance on manual, paper-based processes, TIME CATCH using EAMS contributes to resource efficiency and streamlined operations while promoting technological innovation thereby aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Mr. Rivera explained that the enhanced system is capable of employee registration with an auto-generated ID system, face recognition and QR code casting of employees’ attendances, automatic generation of DTRs, and automatic management of employee leaves. A live dashboard can also be accessed by the HR office for immediate monitoring.

“The developed system addresses the problem in the manual or conventional way of checking employees’ attendance and promotes the reduction of paper-based work. It also saves time in the preparation of employees’ DTR (Daily Time Record), leave application management, and provides a contactless attendance monitoring for employees,” said Mr. Rivera

Phase 1 of TIME CATCH using EAMS, which mainly utilized QR code technology, was officially launched in July 2020 and in November 2022, a study under the same name was published in Pertanika Journals under Science and Technology reflecting the innovation’s academic recognition.

Phase 2 of the system, integrating cutting-edge Face Recognition and Biometric Technology, is set to launch in 2024.

Today, TIME CATCH using EAMS stands as the primary attendance monitoring system at ISU-AC, a testament to its effectiveness and commitment to embracing technology, reducing environmental footprint, and contributing to the realization of SDG 9’s goals.