Are you a business owner or manager who needs access to all areas of your building? At the same time, do you need to limit access to certain areas to only those employees who need entry to complete their jobs? When your place of work requires full admittance to some but restricted access to others, it can be cumbersome for essential personnel to carry large sets of keys at all times.
Luckily, there is a solution. The answer to the countless key dilemma is installing a locking mechanism that allows two different types of keys to unlock it – an individual key designed for that particular lock, and a master key that can unlock that area as well as other areas.
This is called a master key system.
How Does It Work?
The locking mechanism of a master key system is composed of a cylindrical lock that contains extra master shims in between the typical pins to create another set of shear lines. These double shear lines mean that two different keys can access the same lock.
Below master but above singular keys in the hierarchy are sub master keys. These have the ability to unlock more areas than singular keys but not as many as master keys, perfect for personnel that require additional entry points without all around access.
In addition to facilitating easy entry for businesses or industrial complexes, master keys are also useful in a variety of other industries:
Apartment Buildings – Residents have personal keys that make it so they cannot enter neighbors’ apartments and neighbors cannot enter theirs. However, landlords typically have a master key to every apartment in case of emergency or maintenance.
Security Guards – Security guards use master key systems to patrol all areas of a building, including limited access or confidential wings.
Senior Living and Care Homes – Singular keys allow those with mental or physical disability to feel safe in their own space and enhance their privacy, but nurses and staff carry master keys to provide care for the patients.
Cleaning Staff – While some areas and offices are not accessible to every personnel, those spaces still need to be cleaned, which is why cleaning staff have either master or sub master keys.
Considerations When Implementing a Master Key System
Installing a master key system is not something that should be done on a whim. It requires preparation and a firm grasp on what it takes to maintain security. Outlined below are fundamental considerations that building owners should take into account when enabling this type of locking mechanism.
Who Holds the Master Key
The purpose of a master or sub master key is to limit access to certain areas of the building to only those who need it. As this enhances security and peace of mind, who you choose to grant a master key to should be given careful thought. Do not give a master key to anyone who desires one as this diminishes its effectiveness and increases security risk.
Restrict the Number of Keys
When installing a master key system, be sure to calculate the exact number of keys you need with a few spares. Too many master keys make them difficult to track, increasing the chance of them being either lost or stolen. If this happens, then the security of your building is put at risk.
Institute a Tracking System
It is a great idea to have a system in place to track master and sub master keys – either through online software or with your own internal system. This plan allows you to remain organized with who possesses the keys, if they are using them appropriately, easily identify stolen or lost keys, and contain the master, sub master, and singular key hierarchy. To ensure the security of your building, conduct a key audit on a regular basis – at least twice a year.
In Sum
A master key system is an excellent way to elevate the security of your building while granting you a higher level of control over who has access to certain areas. It also increases convenience by trading in your overabundance of keys that are difficult to keep track of for a one-stop, simple solution. To determine the exact level of key hierarchy your building requires – whether its just a master key or multiple levels of sub master keys – contact your local locksmith for expert recommendations.
Locksmith Services for your Home and Business
Commercial and residential security solutions begin with having the right doors and lock systems to mitigate risk and provide peace of mind. Action Locksmith can help. As a family-owned locksmith business, we have been serving the residents of Michigan with pride and extensive skill, keeping them safe and secure for more than 30 years. Whether you need your locks re-keyed, your doors repaired or replaced, a new camera system or have a lock emergency, we will be there. Questions? Call and speak with a specialist today!