Access control systems are an essential security infrastructure component for businesses and homes. These systems help ensure people’s and property’s safety by limiting access to authorised individuals only. Over the years, access control systems have evolved significantly, with the latest systems utilising advanced technology to provide a higher level of security. In this blog post, we will delve into the history and evolution of access control systems.
The early days of access control systems can be traced back to ancient times when basic security measures were taken to protect people and property. For example, Roman soldiers would stand guard at entrances to cities and forts, checking individuals who were entering and exiting. However, it was in the 20th century that modern access control systems emerged.
The first access control systems utilised keys and locks. Although this was an improvement over previous methods, it had its limitations. Key-based access control systems were quickly defeated, as keys could be lost or duplicated. Furthermore, once a key was lost or stolen, the entire lock system had to be replaced.
To overcome these limitations, the electronic access control system was introduced in the 1960s. These systems utilised punch cards that were inserted into a card reader, allowing access to authorised individuals only. While electronic access control systems were a significant improvement over key-based systems, they still had their limitations.
In the 1980s, the introduction of magnetic stripe cards paved the way for the next generation of access control systems. Magnetic stripe cards contained a magnetic strip that stored the user’s access credentials. These systems were much more secure than previous generations and were widely adopted by businesses and government agencies.
However, the development of proximity card technology in the 1990s marked a significant breakthrough in access control technology. A card reader could read proximity cards without requiring the card to be inserted into the reader. These systems were faster and more convenient than previous generations, and they quickly became the industry standard.
The early 2000s saw the emergence of biometric access control systems. These systems utilised advanced technology such as fingerprint and facial recognition to authenticate users. Biometric access control systems offered a higher level of security than previous generations, as it was impossible to fake or duplicate someone’s biometric data.
Today, access control systems are more advanced than ever, with the latest techniques utilising advanced technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, smart card technology, and cloud-based management systems. These systems offer a higher level of security, flexibility, and convenience than previous generations.
In conclusion, access control systems have come a long way since the early days of basic key-based techniques. From punch cards to magnetic stripe cards to biometric technology, access control systems have continued to evolve and improve over the years. Today, access control systems are essential for any business or organisation that requires a high level of security, and they will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of people and property in the future.