A large number of office spaces, storerooms, entrances and restricted places on a commercial property makes managing the keys complicated. It can be solved by using a master key system.

It offers a convenient way to have access to various places on a property and keep fewer keys in the possession of the owners, managers, maintenance and other employees.

Using a professionally designed system, one master key can open multiple locks while the individual key can be used only to open selected doors, therefore business owners and managers can create various access levels depending on duties of each employee.

The master key system is used in office buildings, apartment complexes, schools, warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and industrial properties.

Master Key System Working Principles

In case of a traditional keyed system, each lock uses only one unique key. In the master key system special lock cylinders are used that allow opening by multiple keys.

An employee can use his key only to enter one office. The manager can open any door in his department using his key. The master key of the building manager will be able to open all necessary doors in the whole building.

In large premises several access levels can be used, including change keys, sub master keys, master keys and grand master keys. The appropriate access level should be chosen considering that the employees cannot access any unauthorized area.

Advantages of a Commercial Master Key System

Its main advantage is that it brings convenience. No large key chains are necessary anymore since business owners and managers have only one key for entering various rooms.

Another advantage of the system is that it improves access control. All employees have access to those rooms where it is necessary for them to work. Cash offices, storerooms, server rooms, maintenance closets and executive offices can be locked out.

Also the access system makes it easier to enter a room in cases of fires, water leaks, equipment breakdowns and security emergencies.

The recorded master key plan makes it easy to know which employee has access to which doors.

Creating the Correct Access Levels

Each commercial site needs its own security access plan. It would be best if, before developing a plan, a locksmith examined the floor plan, employee functions, departmental organization, and other areas needing more protection.

A locksmith could inquire who needs access to the premises when it is closed, what rooms have important property inside, and if external contractors need access to the building temporarily.

Proper planning is necessary because if later adjustments might be needed to rekey several locks, a proper plan should take into consideration the current operations as well as future expansion.

Commercial property owners should not create too many master keys since the higher is the access level of the key, the higher is the risk of losing it or duplicating without permission.

Restricted and High Security Keys

As an extra level of security, there is another choice for the master key system where restricted key hardware may be used and it is made in such a way that no duplicate copies can be made without authorization, such key copies can be obtained generally from authorized locksmiths.

The high security cylinders may have increased resistance to picking, drilling, bumping and other kinds of manipulation. Such systems can be used in businesses handling valuable equipment, confidential data, regulated products and sensitive personal information of customers.

Despite the fact that such system may cost more money than standard locks, it will provide better control over key distribution in long term.

Rekeying the Existing Property

Usually most commercial locks can be rekeyed and become a part of a new master key system without replacement of door hardware. The locksmith makes some changes in internal pins and other components of locks to make them operate with a new hierarchy of keys.

Rekeying is usually advised after moving to a new building, changing management of the property, staff turnover or losing important key.

Also the locksmith should check every lock to make sure that it works well since worn out or incompatible hardware may require repair or replacement.

Keeping Accurate Key Records

The master key system will work better if it is accompanied by the clear key control policy. All keys should be numbered, recorded and assigned to certain employees. The keys should be signed off by employees and returned back to the owner after changing of his duties or termination of his employment.

Do not label your keys with the name of your business or address of the building. Spare master keys should be kept in secure place instead of being stored in unlocked desks or cabinets.

Regular review of the key records will help management to find any lost keys or outdated access permissions.

Professional Master Key System Services

A professional commercial locksmith can provide services for designing, installing, rekeying, expanding and maintaining a master key system for your building.