All Posts

Key Control – The Evolution

Securing and controlling keys has taken many forms over the years, from an individual keeping a single key ring in a drawer to the highly sophisticated technology spanning multiple security market segments that is used in the industry today.

Through innovation driven by the end user’s needs, modern, high-tech key control systems are an integral component of a multi-faceted security system. Gone are the days when keys were hung on pegs in the building manager’s office or thrown casually in a desk drawer. Gone is the manual paper and pencil log used to determine who last accessed a particular key or the laborious tracking of its whereabouts. Even lockable metal key boxes or cabinets used for securing keys are a thing of the past; they’ve been replaced by advanced storage systems with computerized control and real-time digital accountability.

Where old-style key boxes were in danger of being jimmied open and having keys stolen, modern key management systems offer a variety of secure access options, including PIN codes, biometrics and ID card entry. To better resist abuse, today’s best key lockers are constructed of stainless steel and wired with tamper-proof systems. Network-enabled key management and control systems provide real-time information remotely to management to monitor and record who accesses keys. Additional functions enabled by network connectivity include alarm notifications and the ability to configure the system to allow access to certain individuals at certain times.

While the tradition of a single “keeper of the keys” has a place in history, today’s security landscape demands state-of-the-art technology. Key control and key management systems deliver measurable value to any security strategy and have quickly become a higher level management tool.

What's next? Now you have a better idea of how far key control systems have advanced technologically. Learn more about key management solutions by filling out a quick contact form or using our key system configurator tool.
Tim Purpura
Tim Purpura
VP Global Sales & Marketing

Related Posts

Key Control: The Overlooked Source of Business Intelligence

Every business leader knows the value of data. Sales reports, staffing metrics, and financial dashboards drive smarter decisions every day. But one overlooked source of intelligence is the everyday key. Who uses them, when, and for what purpose creates a digital trail of activity that - when administered through a key management system - provides powerful insights into security, efficiency, and risk reduction. Comprehensive electronic key management systems like Morse Watchmans’ KeyWatcher® Touch do more than secure keys. They transform everyday key transactions into business intelligence, helping leaders protect assets, streamline operations, and plan for the future.

Key Control Enhances Hospitality Security and Business Intelligence

Guest satisfaction and repeat business depends on seamless hospitality operations – and seamless operations are driven by secure, accountable access control. Key management may not seem glamorous, but it plays a pivotal role in guest safety, hospitality asset protection, staff coordination, and even long-term business strategy. Modern hotel key management and control solutions do more than track keys. They generate valuable operational insights and reinforce a Zero Trust approach to security, essential for properties navigating labor shortages, compliance requirements, and rising expectations from guests.

How Smarter Key Control Transforms Dealership Productivity & Security

In high-volume dealerships, efficiency isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Every minute counts, every customer interaction matters, and every vehicle represents revenue. But there’s one common weak point that still plagues many dealerships and quietly chips away at profitability: key control. Poor key management doesn’t just cause mild frustration. It delays test drives, derails service schedules, and damages the customer experience. Over time, those small moments of chaos add up to missed sales, reduced productivity, and costly CSI score penalties. For dealerships looking to improve performance without adding headcount or expanding facilities, upgrading to a smarter key control solution can deliver transformative results. The right car key tracking system helps improve auto dealership efficiency by adding visibility, speed, and accountability across every touchpoint.