In any type of investigation, a contributing factor to a successful conclusion is the ability to accurately look back and track events, timelines or persons. Information such as knowing who entered a secure area or knowing when a vehicle was taken from the compound is crucial information for the investigator.

To assist in resolving these types of incidents, many organizations rely on the valuable tracking information provided by their key control and asset management systems. Key control systems are designed so that every time a key cabinet is accessed to either remove or return a key, the activity is automatically recorded. The time, date and identity of the individual accessing the cabinet are all logged and the data is available with a few key strokes using key control data management software.

In addition to reports that are based on specific criteria for investigating an incident, authorized personnel can also generate practical management reports which trace key movements by time, date and user code as well as audit reports that track keys in use and overdue keys; inconsistent key usage; and database listings that show how the system is programmed.

Built-in schedulers can be programmed to automatically download all data to a secure PC as required by the user, including online as transactions occur; periodically; daily at a specified time; weekly with specified day and time; or monthly with specified day and time. With this capability, management can better sort and analyze information to maintain maximum control of access and security issues.

Automated key control and management systems have conventionally been used in the corrections, healthcare, education, gaming or multi-family markets as well as specific applications such as automotive dealerships. The market for automated key control systems is increasingly expanding as end users discover the benefits of  tracking and controlling access to valuable keys.