Managing a facility can test your sanity. There are so many things you’re responsible for that it’s easy to get caught up in the mayhem. Eventually you may stress yourself out to the point where you’re sitting in a dark room alone, tearing into a pint of Chubby Hubby. (That one might just be a ‘me’ thing, but I think you get my point.) A large chunk of your worry can be traced to your concern for the security of your building, and your lock and key processes, but thankfully, we have some ways to reduce your stress and cut down on your Chubby Hubby intake. So this week, we’re answering:

“How can I streamline my lock and key processes?”

Lock and Key Processes: Key Way is Crucial

There are typically several doors people use to enter and exit your facility. If you have a different key way on every door, then have your facility rekeyed, you are going to spend a substantial amount of time (and money) with a locksmith. Your best bet is to have every door on the same key way. Not only does this make master keying easier on costs initially, but fewer locks will have to be replaced if you decide to master key if they’re all on the same key way.

Master Key Systems Are Your Best Friends

We’ve talked about master key systems a lot on the LockNet blog. In fact, we’ve written a couple of white papers on the subject. The great thing about having a master key system is the fact that they obviously require fewer keys. Not only will it be a relief for you to not carry around a bunch of keys weighing as much as a small child, but it’ll be a relief to your management, cleaning personnel, etc. They’ll have fewer keys to be responsible for, which, in turn, lessens the chance of the right key falling into the wrong hands. Plus, with a master key system you can have it keyed in such a way as to only allow certain personnel access to certain areas within the facility.

Speaking of Key Systems…

You have a couple of choices when it comes to key systems. However, when you use high security/restricted key systems, you reduce the likelihood that keys can be copied without your permission. This type of key system issues serialized keys to employees, logged by a designated person (usually the facility manager.) If an employee leaves or is let go and the keys are returned, there’s less need to do a total rekey. If the employee doesn’t return the keys (unless it’s a master key) then only the area that his or her key accessed will need to be rekeyed. This saves a lot of time and money in the long run.

The Final Verdict

There are many ways a facility can have its key and lock processes streamlined. If you have any questions regarding a rekey, or if you’d like more information about installing a key system of any kind, don’t hesitate to give LockNet a call. We’re more than happy to help!