Evaluation of fingerprint-based fertilizer storage in oil palm plantation

Fertilizer management represents the most substantial expense in oil palm plantations. The purchase of fertilizers alone constitutes 85% or more of the total production cost. Poor fertilizer management will result in the misapplication and loss of fertilizer, resulting in a substantial financial loss for the company. Consequently, the current method for managing the fertilizer warehouse, which still relies on padlocks, is inefficient. Hence, fingerprint-based access has been developed to automatically authenticate registered users and unlock the store's barrier. The present study aims to evaluate the functionality of the developed fingerprint-based access system for entering a fertilizer store and to conduct user acceptance testing to ensure that storekeepers or estate managers will benefit from using the system. This research was carried out at Felda Bera Selatan 5 and 7, in Bera, Pahang, Malaysia. The results of the functionality and user acceptance generated positive responses. Multiple users concur that the project could significantly enhance estate security in the future. The study offers numerous benefits to those who need it the most, especially storekeepers and estate managers. The ability to monitor the inflow and outflow of fertilizer from the store is the most significant advantage for storekeepers and property managers. The application of this technology will also bolster the fertilizer warehouse’s protection against theft.