As an emblem, the mechanical key has been incorporated into coats of arms, official seals and flags. It is considered a symbol of authority and power. So it is no surprise that the management and regulation of keys are as important as the keys themselves.

Keys are a fundamental component of security, and even mechanical keys are as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. Securing rooms, people, or valuables with lock and key not only provides an actual, physical confirmation of safety and security, but a psychological one as well. While other technologies, like card access systems or biometric entry systems, offer a similar function, the physical act of locking a door and securing the key often provides further reassurance.

But locking a door is only part of the equation. Controlling access to keys is an equally important component of security, as is tracking who removed which keys and when. Key control and management systems that provide this function make use of advanced technology that automatically records all activity concerning each and every key.

Key management systems can also be optimized with specialized software to provide remote access capabilities, from allowing management to establish separate permission levels for each user code to monitoring data from any computer connected to the system. Best-in-breed systems will even send priority email alerts to help keep management advised of specific situations such as if a key has not been returned in time.

By controlling access, monitoring data, and providing flexibility, key control systems give management a level of security beyond what is provided by mechanical keys. Their use will continue to make lock and key systems an integral part of security operations now and in the future.