Security Brands Inc. has been at the forefront of access control for over four decades. With a focus on practical technology and real-world usability, the company has grown from a small startup into a respected force in the access control industry. What began as a simple keypad and intercom system has grown into a full suite of access control products used across the country, serving residential, commercial, and multi-tenant properties alike. Over the years, Security Brands Inc. has introduced a variety of products that have reshaped how people interact with access control systems, blending reliability, functionality, and thoughtful design. By continually adapting to the needs of users and embracing the potential of cellular and cloud-based systems, the company has carved out a strong and steady presence in the evolving world of gate security and entry solutions.
The Genesis of Innovation (1979–1984)
The story of Security Brands begins in 1979 when founder Don Allen built a keypad and intercom housed in a single unit for a friend. What started as a personal project quickly grew into something more. By 1984, this idea became American Access Systems (AAS), based in Denver, Colorado. This marked the beginning of a long journey into the access control world. From the start, AAS focused on practical products that filled specific needs in real environments.
Pioneering Products of the 1990s (1990–1999)
In the 1990s, AAS released a number of standout products. One of the most notable was the Advantage DKLP, a low-power keypad that used less than 20 microamps of current. It was made to work well in solar-powered settings, where power usage matters. Around the same time, the Advantage DKE was released, offering a keypad access system that was straightforward and easy to use. These products helped establish AAS as a company focused on function and usability.
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Entering the New Millennium with Breakthroughs (2000–2011)
In the early 2000s, AAS introduced several telephone entry systems that changed how customers approached gate security. The PhoneAire was the world’s first wireless telephone entry system, removing the need for wired connections. The PhoneLink provided a wired version for customers who preferred that format. These systems gave people more flexibility in how they managed access to properties, from homes to small businesses.
A New Era: The Birth of Security Brands Inc. (2012)
In 2012, AAS was acquired and renamed Security Brands Inc. The AAS name remained for a certain line of products, but the company also introduced Summit Access Control and Kodiak Black. These new brands were aimed at offering different types of access control systems while staying grounded in the same practical values. The company’s product range began to grow in ways that allowed it to reach more customers and cover more situations.
Embracing Cellular Technology (2014)
In 2014, Security Brands introduced the Ascent X1, the first of its cellular telephone entry systems. It worked through the Summit Control platform and its companion mobile app, giving users remote access without being tied to any single location. This marked a major shift toward giving people more direct control over their systems, whether they were at home or away.
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Strategic Relocation and Product Expansion (2019)
In 2019, Security Brands moved its operations to the Dallas, Texas area. That same year, the Ascent M Series was released, offering multi-tenant cellular entry systems for properties with many users. The Edge Family followed, with keypads and card readers that could be managed with a mobile app. These products were designed to meet the everyday needs of customers looking for easy-to-manage systems that could handle more complex access scenarios.
Innovations in Wireless and Secure Access (2022)
In 2022, the company released the Wireless 300 and SecurePass lines. These products made it easier to manage access without hardwired systems and added more ways for customers to handle entry points securely. These new systems reflected the company's focus on flexibility and ease of use, offering more tools to people looking for simple and reliable access control.
Advancing the Summit Control Platform (2023)
In 2023, Security Brands launched Summit Control Sierra, a new version of its cloud platform. It allowed customers to manage access across larger properties or multiple doors, bringing the platform closer to full-building access. With Sierra, the company gave users more detailed control over who could enter and when, through both web and mobile interfaces.
Redefining Access Control Systems (2024)
In 2024, Security Brands introduced a redesigned cellular controller with features like automatic network selection through a smart SIM, HD video calling, a touchscreen directory, and QR-code access. These updates were used in models like the Ascent X1, X2, K2, and C2. Other new entries included the Ascent Switch, the Ascent C4 door controller, and the residential-focused Ascent R1. The Ascent M3 and M8 added large touchscreens for multi-tenant settings, and the Advantage ONE keypad included a color-changing LED backlight to give visual feedback during use. These new systems expanded what was possible with keypad access systems and helped users better manage everyday entry needs.
From its roots as American Access Systems to its current place as a leader in gate security systems, Security Brands Inc. has continued to develop new ways for people to manage access. With products like cellular telephone entry systems, the Summit Control platform, and a wide range of keypad access systems, the company remains focused on giving customers better ways to stay connected and in control of their spaces.
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Security Brands Inc. has spent over 40 years creating practical, easy-to-use access control systems for residential, commercial, and multi-tenant properties. From the early days of American Access Systems (AAS) to today's advanced cellular telephone entry systems and cloud-based Summit Control platform, the company continues to deliver smart solutions for secure entry. With a wide range of keypad access systems, gate security systems, and mobile-friendly tools, Security Brands is dedicated to making access simple and dependable. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current system or planning something new, their products are designed to meet real needs without unnecessary complexity. The company’s history is rooted in thoughtful progress, customer focus, and long-lasting performance. Have questions or need help finding the right system? Reach Out today! We're here to help you find the perfect access control solution for your property.
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