10 tips when implementing a new master key system

1. Patent or Design Registration lifespan

All master key systems are protected by either a 20 year patent or a 10 year registered design from the date of filing with the relevant bodies. When choosing your master key system, it is important that you research or enquire about the remaining lifespan of your chosen product as this will determine how long your organisation will be protected for. The last thing you want to do is install a system with only two years left in its lifespan as it significantly decreases your protection against unauthorised key copying.

2. Key management and records

Ensuring the longevity of your master key system comes down to a few things — choosing the correct product, ongoing maintenance, and key management. Most locksmiths will be able to provide an end user key management software package that is linked to their master keying software. This enables you, or those responsible, to record and manage who has which keys, what doors they open and who has access to what locks including noting those who have lost keys. Regular audits are recommended, and this software also helps simplify the process. 

3. Maintenance and ensuring health

As with most things, if you want something to last you need to care for it and a master key system is no different. To increase its lifespan and ensure it’s working in the way it’s intended you need to schedule regular maintenance. This includes using a software as suggested above, but also making sure there are clear policies in place if and when someone loses a key. Regularly performing quality assurance checks to check the operation of both the keys and locks and arranging for your cylinders and hardware to be cleaned, lubricated and serviced also go a long way in ensuring the health of your master key system.

4. Is your locksmith a part of a professional body such as the MLAA or The Locksmiths Guild?

Choosing a locksmith that has experience with the design, assembly, and installation of a system similar to yours is imperative. But is your chosen locksmith a member of a professional body such as the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) or The Locksmiths Guild? Membership of such associations provides you, the customer, some reassurance in that the locksmith operates with a professional guarantee and to an ethical standard set by the association.  

5. User profiles and demographics matter

The physical attributes of your users should bear some weight when deciding on the type of master key system you choose. A great example of this was recently used in our whitepaper, From Design to Implementation. A key with a large head that can be easily gripped by the elderly and inserted into the lock cylinder either way would be preferable for the residents of a nursing home. Whilst for mining workers, a key that can handle the rigours of being roughly treated, in and out of dirt and used hundreds of times a day would be more appropriate.

6. Sustainability

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should be something that you also consider. Many of the master key system products that are available in Australia come from all over the world and different regions that place a different emphasis on CSR. You may want to do your own research into whether your chosen product comes from a company with high CSR values, all of which should be easily found online.

7. Test the products

As the saying goes, try before you buy! Ask your locksmith to provide you with some sample keys and a cylinder with an operable key so that you can conduct some tests and quality assurances. Try to bend or break the key. Do environment tests particularly if you have applications outside, expose the cylinder and keys to your actual locations and so on. Use the keys as they are intended and as you do in everyday life and see how they wear or fit in your pocket. There are a plenty of ways you can test potential products, just get creative.

8. Environment matters 

Not considering the environment in which your application or lock resides is a huge mistake. Almost all master key systems are suitable for indoor, clean environments such as offices and schools. However, those with locks in outdoor environments such at a port or beach, a roadside application, defence site or utilities will need to endure year long exposure to the elements. So, choosing a product that meets your organisational needs and is able to withstand all types of weather is a must.

9. 3D printing and how it could potentially affect you

With the emergence and sophistication of 3D printing in the last few years, it has had a great impact on many industries, including the security sector. 3D printers have changed the key reproduction landscape and thus made it easier for keys to be illegally reproduced. To help prevent risks, ensuring your chosen keys’ cuts are hard to read and are not identical on either side. Difficult to read or copy means a key cannot be easily reproduced.

10. The matrix

No, I’m not talking about the film franchise, I’m talking about your master key hierarchy or key matrix as it is also often called. Allowing for growth and expansion within the key matrix is vital, but not always possible if you have large and complex organisational needs. It’s often suggested that as a minimum you have a 30-50% expansion capability on what you require today. For example, if you currently have 1000 locks in organisation, plan and make room for an additional 300-500 more in the future. This not only allows for expansion but also allows room should you ever need to rekey.

For more information contact EVVA Australia at www.evva.com.au or call 1300 003 882. To Download our latest industry white paper here.