Key control and management systems are most easily defined as an orderly and secure solution for the management of keys used for securing and overseeing the facility. Due to their increasing popularity, key control systems are also known as automated key systems, electronic key systems, key management systems, computizerized key systems, key bank systems, key storage systems, key tracking systems, and so on.

Regardless of the name given though, the automated systems address security issues related to the management and control of keys, credit cards and other valuable items that need to be accounted for and secured when not in use. The systems are designed so that only pre-authorized users can access the cabinet and all transactions are recorded to provide an audit trail of who accessed the system and when.

Knowing who took which key and when is fundamental to a key control system. The audit trail provides critical data of every user who accesses the system and at any time security management can view who has keys out or who has had keys out and when. Systems can even be programmed to send e-mail alerts when keys are not returned on schedule. The additional use of software can provide more complete activity reports or sort the data based on defined criteria for more comprehensive analyzing and control.

From single key cabinets to those used for securing hundreds of keys, solutions for key security, key control and key management can be tailored to a variety of management and application needs. Their smart, tamper-proof designs help to reduce wall space and they can be optionally accessed with pass codes, access cards or biometrics. Securing personal computers, cash trays, weapons, cell phones, hand-held radios and other larger objects is also easy and convenient when locker-style modules are built into the solution.

Key control and management systems, by any name, are a valuable and reliable way to manage and secure physical keys.