Considered prime targets for criminal activity, banks and other retail financial operations are generally better prepared than other industries to tackle security threats. From video surveillance systems to sophisticated alarm and intrusion detection systems to improved lighting, a bank’s comprehensive bank access control solution can help to foil even the most determined criminal. Operational procedures also play a significant role in maintaining a safe and secure environment and one of the most important of those is a key control and management policy.

Key control in a banking environment serves two purposes. The first and most obvious is the storing and safekeeping of keys that are used throughout the bank. These may include keys to filing cabinets, cash drawers, safe rooms (i.e. a room to isolate employees from attack and another room for receiving, opening, and distributing items from a delivery service), offices, communication rooms and so on. The key cabinets can only be opened by users with the proper authorization code (either finger identification or numerical code), and cannot be manipulated or easily tampered with. Security management can establish permission levels for every user and when the system is connected to the network, management can immediately make any necessary changes.

For larger facilities and banks with more employees and customer traffic, an additional layer of bank access control security may be required. Using a remote box system, the key control cabinet can be placed in a secure room. In order for an authorized employee to access keys, a second individual must input their PIN for verification.

The second purpose for a key control and management system is the forensic trail that provides invaluable evidence in the event of an incident.  Knowing who had possession of a particular key and when is critical information when investigating allegations of misconduct. Management software is available to optimize the installing, programming, customizing, maintaining and reporting capabilities of the key bank system. Additionally, the collected information can be integrated with the bank’s access control system for added safety procedures. For follow up and reporting purposes, the combined data trail can assist in providing valuable information as to when and who with regard to any incidents.