Key systems are a critical component to help manage the security of any facility.  When properly administered, key systems provide numerous benefits, including: Restricting who can access keys, using one key for multiple doors and/or locations (no more massive key rings), and simple key orders.

While seemingly simple, key systems are actually quite complex.  It can be a daunting task to start or re-vamp a key system.  There are numerous products and systems available in today’s market, and wading through the options, let alone trying to implement and effectively manage the system you select, is enough to give anyone a headache.

At LockNet, we are here to walk you through this process from start to finish.  We will help you select the product and system type that is right for you, assist you with designing and enforcing your policies and procedures, and manage your key system records.

Key Systems: Product & System Selection

In order to select the appropriate product and system type, you first need to determine what purpose your key system will serve.

Some companies just want their key systems to keep the doors from blowing open, leaving the security component to the alarm system.  For others, they want key systems that restrict access to key duplicates so that unauthorized individuals cannot obtain key copies.

Some organizations need key systems that can easily be rekeyed. To other organizations, rekeying is not a priority. Believe me, there are cylinder and system combinations out there that can accomplish any one of these goals.

There are system and cylinder combinations to accomplish any goals you have for your key system.  Once you determine what your system needs to accomplish, you can effectively evaluate the various cylinder types and system types.

For more information on product and system selection, check out these articles:

Key System Philosophy:

The Five Critical Components of Key System Management

Cylinder Type:

Standard Cylinders versus Interchangeable Cylinders – What’s the Difference
eCylinders – The Amazing, The Mundane, and The Considerations

System Type:

Proprietary, Restricted and Unrestricted Keyways – The Key System Types
Restricted Keyways & Proprietary Systems – The Key System Types
Master Key Systems – Controlled Access With One Key
Rekeyable Cylinders – Fast, Easy, & Cost Effective
The True Cost of Rekeys – How InstaKey Can Save Thousands
Do Not Duplicate – Pretty Please?
Global Key Systems – Options & Alternatives
Keyless Entry Systems – Are They Right For Your Facility?

Implementing & Effectively Managing Your Key Systems

The best planned key systems will fail if not properly implemented and effectively managed.  In order to maintain the integrity of your key system, it is critical you have clear policies and procedures that are consistently enforced.  These policies and procedures should dictate things such as who has access to keys, how keys are ordered, rekey steps, and even the installation of key systems.   Without these, you can easily lose track of keys, waste money on unnecessary rekeys, or worst of all, compromise the security of your facilities.

The key system vendor you select should help you manage these policies and procedures.  If they won’t, keep looking.  Additionally, your key system vendor should maintain computerized records that are owned by you.  If you do not own your records, your key system vendor can make life very difficult for you should you decide to part ways in the future.

For more information on selecting a key system vendor, establishing policies and procedures, and records management, check out these articles:

Selecting a Key System Vendor:

Transferring Key Systems to a New Vendor
8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a National Service Provider

Establishing Policies and Procedures:

Key System Procedures – A Roadmap for Maintaining Your System’s Integrity
Key System Policies – Keep Your System in Tact
Rekey Policies & Procedures – Three Elements to Consider
Core Swapping & Core Recycling – How to Know if They’re Right for You
Construction Cores – Things Your Architect Doesn’t Know

Records Management:

Key System Records Management – 4 Cornerstones