All Posts

How to Implement a Key Control System

Implementing a key control and management system is a straightforward process that involves three basic steps; take inventory of the facility to identify all access points and installed locks; ascertain the operational needs of the employees as well as others who may need access to the facility (i.e. service repair, cleaning crew, etc.); and establish a policy with easy to follow procedures for effective key control and management.

The first step is to catalog every access point and every piece of door hardware. This process is followed by the task of identifying the keys that fit each of the locks, then determining which individuals have keys, what keys they have and what doors they access. Without this preliminary audit, it’s almost impossible to know what size and type of key cabinets will best fit your needs and where the key control systems should be located.

Next, review operational needs to understand how the facility works on a day-to-day basis so that use of a key control and management system is optimized and daily operations are disrupted as little as possible. Whether intended for a hospital, a dormitory, a hotel or an office building, having a comprehensive grasp of daily activity will help in implementing the efficient use of a key control and management system and will also help in minimizing the trade-off between security and convenience.

Finally, a simple but strong set of guidelines for administration and use of the key control system will help to define areas of responsibility and enable better control of the keys. Also, key control systems that automatically record the access history of each key, including user, date and time of checkout/return and release assigned keys only to users with the proper authorization code help to ensure adherence to the established policies and procedures.

What's next? Now you understand the basics of implementing a key control system for your facility. Learn more about key management solutions by filling out a quick contact form or using our key cabinet configurator tool.
Tim Purpura
Tim Purpura
VP Global Sales & Marketing

Related Posts

Enforcing Zero Trust Security at Hotels Using Key Control

Hotels play host to priceless experiences: family vacations, million-dollar views, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.  But as every hotel executive knows, it is the assets inside that are even more valuable: people, property, and sense of safety. Protecting hotel assets therefore requires an iron-clad approach to security, also known as zero trust. With the help of key control solutions, hotels can easily begin implementing zero trust security policies that start working on day one. 

Filling the Security Gap in Proptech for Property Management

Proptech is one of the biggest trends for security in 2022, according to the Security Industry Association’s 2022 Megatrends Report1. Proptech, or property technology – also known as real estate technology – is technology, software platforms or applications designed for the management, sale and rental of buildings. Within proptech, security technology is a fast-growing segment as building owners and managers seek the best ways to keep tenants, employees and visitors safe and secure.

How Key Control Can Assist in COVID-19 Contact Tracing

While advanced technologies grab the spotlight when folks talk about security systems, in reality key systems remain an integral part of security operations in almost every facility, providing protection for an organization’s work spaces, critical assets, and its employees and staff.