The origins of access control systems

The origins of access control systems can be traced back to ancient times when human beings first started protecting their homes and possessions. In ancient Egypt, for example, locks and keys were used to secure doors and chests. In ancient Rome, guards were stationed at the entrances of public buildings to check the identity of those who wanted to enter.

  1. In the modern era, access control systems began to emerge in the early 20th century, with the invention of the first electronic door lock in 1904 by H.H. Holmes. This lock used a magnetic card to unlock the door, and was primarily used in hotels and apartment buildings.In the 1960s and 1970s, access control systems began to evolve rapidly with the development of computer technology. The first computer-based access control system was developed in 1965 by Honeywell, and used punched cards to control access to a building. In the 1970s, magnetic stripe cards and proximity cards were introduced, which made it easier to manage access to different areas of a building.Since then, access control systems have continued to evolve and become more sophisticated, incorporating biometric identification technologies such as fingerprints and facial recognition, and integrating with other security systems such as video surveillance and alarm systems.

    Today, access control systems are an essential component of modern security systems, used in a wide range of applications from small businesses to large government agencies. They continue to evolve with advances in technology, providing even greater security and flexibility to meet the changing needs of organizations.