Each day we use keys to secure some of our most prized possessions: buildings, cash, documents, and assets. If you misplace your master key, or if someone copies your key without your knowledge or permission, your business—and everything within it—could be at risk.
The Importance of Protecting Your Master Key
Losing your master key necessitates the need to rekey your entire master key system. This situation can be extremely costly depending on how many doors your business or facility contains. Schools, college campuses, hospitals, gyms, factories, office buildings, hotels and restaurants often have multiple entrances and exits, and rekeying all of them would be incredibly expensive.
Who Needs Access to the Master Key?
Having a master key is beneficial for any business because it allows you to access multiple rooms with the same key, which is critical in various scenarios. High-security areas, such as commercial offices and financial safes, are also examples of where a master key can come in handy. There are various different needs for access to the master key, including but not limited to:
Emergency Personel
For example, during a fire a master key allows fire departments and emergency personnel to access all parts of the building quickly.
Custodians
Additionally, the master key may be necessary for custodians to use in case of plumbing or electrical accidents.
Landlords
Landlords and building security would benefit from having quick entry to any door on the premises.
Managers
A master key is also helpful in managerial situations, so that store or office managers have admittance to areas of the building that they need to oversee.
Employees
Depending on your business, some employees might need a master key.
Any combination of individuals such as those listed above may need different levels of master key access. For example, a manager may have a master key to access an individual unit, custodians could have a separate key for maintenance and storage doors, and other employees a key for more specific, off-limits areas like swimming pool gates or common rooms.
Ultimately, a master key improves the flexibility and workflow of business, allows for security and additional control to eliminate unauthorized access and employee theft, and provides ease of entry during emergency situations.
Tips for Keeping Your Master Key Safe
We’ve established the importance of having master keys for your company and what difficulties a lost master key can create. What steps can you take to keep your master key safe and avoid the hassle and expense of rekeying your locks?
Here are ways you can keep your master key from falling into the wrong hands:
Be Selective
Give key access only to people you trust. Although this isn’t necessarily foolproof, it’s one of the best ways to keep the master keys safe.
Keep Track
Keep careful records of anyone who gets a copy of a master key, and check those records regularly especially when turnover occurs within the business or facility.
Create a Label System
Label keys with a code system that is not accessible in case of theft. Don’t label the keys in an obvious fashion, such as by room number.
Store Securely
Keep the master key and any duplicates in a secure location far away from high-traffic or commercial areas.
Use a Key Safe
If you purchase a key safe, make sure that you find one with a fire rating, lock type, size, and security rating that meets the needs of your business.
The master key is at the heart of any business or organization. Make sure that your keys stay safe so that your company is well-protected and secure.
Leave a Reply