Automated key control has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of key control systems that feature enhanced capacitive touch screen technology. The larger size of these LCD screens – up to 7” – allows for easier viewing by the user and also permits the addition of more information to be displayed on the screen. Content, directions or other information is displayed with crisp colors and high contrast and at a resolution of 800 x 480 to help ensure excellent readability.
Capacitive-type touch screens are designed with a front cover made of glass that is rated at 7 Mohs hardness for scratch resistance, yet only requires an activation force barely above 0 grams for operation. This superior durability is especially important in automated key control systems because of the heavy usage the systems can be subjected to. For instance, key cabinets used at an automotive dealership are subject to repeated access activity throughout the day as vehicles are taken out for test drives or moved around the compound.
Automated key control systems designed with capacitive touch screens also provide the user with a convenient interface for querying key activity. With just a few touches to the screen, security management can quickly and easily determine who has which key(s) out or when a particular key is scheduled to be returned. Notes can also be written and left for users accessing a key, such as “leave lights on when exiting room.”
Key control is especially important for end-user markets such as casinos and gaming, correctional facilities, health care institutions, hospitality businesses, multi-family buildings and educational facilities. It is also a critical function for anyone overseeing security at conference centers, government agencies, control rooms, automotive businesses and corporate buildings. These users always need to know who has possession of a key and when it was taken. They are markets that have in common a need for complete control over their keys, with a system that seamlessly manages and monitors keys and that interoperates with access control and other security systems.
