What happens after an RFID tap?
- 1
The card is read
The scanner checks the RFID UID against an eligible student record and records the reader or gate used.
- 2
Attendance is saved
The date, time, location, and IN or OUT event are stored in the student's attendance history.
- 3
An eligible SMS is prepared
The system applies the school's notification policy and daily limit before reserving a guardian message.
- 4
The provider attempts delivery
Semaphore receives the guardian phone number and message content needed to deliver the alert. The system records the resulting delivery status.
What the message may contain
A standard attendance alert may include the student's name, IN or OUT event, RFID reader or gate, and date and time. An authorized admin controls the school-wide template and the maximum number of automatic attendance messages allowed per student per day.
Important limits
SMS is informational, not an emergency service
Messages may be delayed, filtered, duplicated, or undelivered because of connectivity, provider queues, phone settings, an outdated guardian number, or mobile-network conditions. Do not rely on an SMS as the only way to confirm a student's safety or location.
Some verified manual corrections, administrative changes, or bulk updates may update the official attendance record without sending a new automatic SMS. The student's portal record and the school's authorized attendance records should be used when reviewing a discrepancy.
Keeping notifications accurate
- Guardians should keep their phone number current with the school.
- Students should use only their assigned RFID card.
- Lost cards, unexpected messages, or incorrect tap details should be reported promptly.
- The school may verify a disputed alert against scanner, attendance, and audit records.