STORAGE SYSTEM

The increasing incidence of theft and mismanagement of personal belongings in school libraries has underscored the need for a reliable and secure storage solution. This project presents the design and implementation of an RFID-Based Secure Storage System developed specifically for the John Harris Library, University of Benin. The system leverages Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to provide an automated, user-friendly, and efficient means of storing and retrieving students’ personal items while ensuring security and accountability. A combination of hardware and software design methodologies was adopted. The development process involved three major stages: a user perception survey, system simulation, and physical implementation. The user survey established the need for improved storage security and confirmed students’ willingness to adopt an RFID-driven solution. The simulation phase, conducted using Proteus ISIS Professional, validated the system’s logic, data flow, and component integration before hardware assembly. The physical prototype was implemented using an ESP32 microcontroller, RC522 RFID reader, servo-based locker mechanism, and a dual power system supported by a Battery Management System (BMS) for stable operation under varying power conditions. Testing results revealed an average system response time of approximately two seconds and 100% tag recognition accuracy, confirming both reliability and efficiency. The dual power design eliminated voltage interference between the control unit and servo motors, while the BMS ensured safe and continuous functionality during power fluctuations. The system’s performance was evaluated using theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Security Theory, and Socio-Technical Systems Theory, all of which validated its usability, security, and integration of human and technical subsystems. The developed RFID-Based Secure Storage System successfully met its objectives of providing an automated, secure, and scalable storage solution for school libraries. It demonstrates how mechatronic engineering principles and RFID technology can be effectively combined to enhance campus security infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and promote user trust in academic environments.