Industry Standards Back Use of Master Key Systems

Everyone who owns or manages property looks for a cost effective way to secure their premises from unauthorised entry, and in today’s world, there are many and varied choices, from the simple to the sophisticated. Most ordinary householders have standard door locks that may or may not have a deadlock system, possibly backed up by an electronic alarm. Businesses and large organisations with a much greater need for security use electronic alarm systems, key cards, key pad entry mechanisms, or a range of other different key and locking systems to protect their premises and intellectual property.

Not all systems need to be super-sophisticated and expensive to be effective. Tried and proven methods such as restricted master key systems have been the industry standard for many years and were the only way to control access to certain areas until the development of the electronic access control system and mechanical digital locks. These systems are still favoured by small businesses and some households as a cost-effective and relatively simple way to control the issue of keys.

Master keys systems are the method used to manage, control and limit access to individual doors. This is the industry terminology used to describe the practice of giving a person a key that will open only the doors to access to their permitted area. The individual key will only open the designated doors, while the master key, held by someone in authority, will open every lock in the facility.

Taking this system one step further is the restricted master key system which restricts the supply and distribution of key blanks and barrels. The integrity of these systems is controlled by the locksmith Brisbane industry itself. The providers of the key products register a design pattern for the key or barrel. When the product is supplied to the locksmith both parties can be identified should there be any breach of integrity.

The client with a restricted master key must provide a signed request when they order additional keys. A sample of the authorised person’s signature is kept on file by the locksmith, and this is checked before the order for additional keys is processed. As an extra security measure, all restricted keys are stamped with unique identifying numbers that can be traced back to the source.

Modern restricted master key systems can be supplied with key manager computer software, making it easy to keep track of keys. The software records who a particular key has been assigned to and places a time limit on its return. If it has not been returned within the designated time, the software will issue a reminder to chase up the key. This makes it much more difficult for the issue of keys to be overlooked, and allows much tighter control.

These systems are very cost effective, and not difficult to manage. While larger organisations, public buildings and defence or police premises will without doubt require more stringent levels of security, the restricted master key systems will control key access and make it much more difficult for unauthorized duplicate keys to be circulating.

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