One can imagine hieroglyphic authorisations on small clay tablets or rolls of papyrus from ancient Egypt and pictographic symbols on bamboo and bone from the Shang dynasty of ancient China.
There is no doubt that the sustainability and viability of ancient civilisations was dependent on effective written communication, shared cultural values and an accepted framework of rights and wrongs.
Certainly, for the expansive Roman Empire, the written word and disciplined societal structures were vital for circulating laws, gathering intelligence and maintaining control across even the most remote corners of the empire. That’s why the relay postal system used by the Roman emperor, his officials and friends was so important - although the penalty of death awaited anyone else who made unauthorised use of the system!
The use of official documents to give authorisation to an individual or organisation for a specific course of action is nothing new. Any civilised society has used permits in one form or another to ensure compliance with rules and regulations that reflect the values and evolving priorities considered to be essential for the greater good.
In the digital age, of course, paper and plastic has now largely followed papyrus and bamboo into the history books. So too has the crude criteria used to determine an applicants right to receive a permit.
Sophisticated yet convenient
Today’s permits are capable of providing highly sophisticated and responsive authorisations based on a multitude of increasingly complex qualifying criteria.
Consequently, bespoke recycling and green bin permit schemes, needs-based assessments for parking permits and dispensations and multi-tiered pricing for different types of vehicles entering Clean Air Zones are now not only viable but also practical and highly effective. One company that continues to lead the way in permit management and compliance is Bristol-based Imperial which pioneered the introduction of self-serve virtual permits a few years ago.
'The effective management of permits is no longer reliant on a team of administrators ploughing through a heap of applications, sending out permit forms by post and trying to keep on top of permit monitoring, suspensions and renewals,' says Imperial’s Managing Director Ashley Bijster.
'It's now much more a case of using advanced software management systems to manage the entire process automatically. And, because of that, there is much greater certainty that permit criteria are being applied consistently and much more scope to take account of a multitude of variables - all without any of the administrative headaches.'
Even where physical permits are still in use, Bijster believes the use of technology is helping to transform the permit management process and compliance.
'Making it easy for citizens to apply and obtain permits online, providing accurate real-time data to enable front-line personnel to verify permit validity and assessing permit usage to enable informed decisions to be taken about qualifying criteria are all areas where proven permit management software is making a very real difference.'
'Today, the speed and convenience of a 24/7 self-serve permit solution eliminates the uncertainty and delay associated with manual applications and processing. That’s because the configuration of the price matrix, permit periods, payment options and search functions help to provide an instantaneous response.'
'And there really is no limit to the qualifying criteria. So, it’s hardly surprising that permit solutions are being used in more and more areas to encourage behavioural change and to help verify the valid use of all types of public facilities, resources and services.'
Simple validation
The new permit technologies also simplify the monitoring and enforcement of permits. Recycling teams can simply use a mobile phone to scan green bins to ensure permit validity at the point of bin collection. And, when linked directly to advanced back office software systems like PermitSmarti, ANPR is enabling authorities to verify compliance automatically and ensure prompt action is taken against any motorist without a valid permit to park in or to drive through designated areas.
The application of permit solutions continues to evolve with the demands, expectations, rules and regulations of an increasingly connected and informed society. The virtual world may be a long way from bones and papyrus, but the principles remain the same – if you qualify, have paid your fee and provided the correct supporting documentation, you will be given the authority to proceed accordingly. And if you don’t have a valid permit to do so, then appropriate action will be taken to reflect your contravention of the rules – although we’ve come a long way since the days of chariots and togas!
