The history of document flow is long and varied. It reflects the evolution of the creation of various written characters, methods of recording and management of information and documents over the centuries, and gives rise to the first analogues of document record systems.
Here are some key moments:
Ancient Civilizations
Egypt and Mesopotamia: The first analogues of record-keeping systems and methods for creating and managing documents appeared in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Egyptians used papyrus to record administrative and commercial data, including the orders of the pharaohs. In the famous Library of Alexandria, the papyrus scrolls numbered 700 thousand. They were stored on horizontal shelves located in cabinets with doors. Later, papyrus was replaced by parchment.
In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians created cuneiform records on clay tablets to store legal and commercial documents. The oldest written documents, excavated in the ancient city of Uruk (today the city of Warqa in Iraq), date back to 3300 BC.
Roman Empire
Archives and Librarians: The Romans developed a complex document management system including archives and librarians. Official documents were stored in state archives known as tabulariums, and contained important historical and legal documents. Private archives were kept in the homes of wealthy citizens.
Middle Ages
Monasteries and churches: During the Middle Ages, monasteries and churches were the main institutions that stored and managed documents. Monks used parchment and vellum to record important religious and administrative texts by hand. Documents were often decorated and coded for added security.
In medieval Europe, archives began to become centralized in royal and ecclesiastical institutions, with documentation and storage becoming more systematic.
Renaissance and New Time
Printing press and Johannes Gutenberg: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized document management. The mass production of books and documents facilitated the dissemination of information and created the need for more efficient storage and management systems.
Government archives: In a new age, national archives were being created, where governments systematically collected and stored documents related to state administration.
Industrial Revolution
Metal cabinets and classification: In the 18th and 19th centuries, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the companies began to grow and the need for systematic document management became even more apparent. The first metal cabinets and document classification systems appeared.
Introduction of Typographers and Carbon Copies: The spread of typewriters and carbon paper enabled the rapid creation of copies of documents, facilitating their management.
20th century and computerization
Electronic Databases: In the 20th century the era of computers began. Initially, computers were used to store and process large volumes of data. With the development of personal computers and network technologies, record keeping systems began to be digitized, facilitating the management of documents through electronic databases.
Internet and Cloud Technologies
Online access and collaboration: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Internet and cloud technologies are causing a new revolution in record keeping systems. Document management systems are beginning to offer online access, sharing and real-time collaboration significantly increasing employee efficiency and mobility.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation
AI and Machined Learning: Modern recordkeeping systems increasingly use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate the processes of classification, search and analysis of documents. These technologies help reduce human error and increase productivity.
The history of the documentation and record keeping systems (document management systems) shows how the need for effective information management has driven innovations and technologies over the centuries. These systems continue to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities in the information management.
Want to implement a document and workflow management system?
If you need a modern solution for organizing and managing documents, and optimizing business processes in your organization, then you can contact us to organize a meeting and demonstration of Archimed eDMS -
We will be happy to help you and work together!
