The fascination with master keys does not often go unnoticed, particularly in apartment complexes. Master key systems offer significant convenience and control to facility managers in apartments with many rooms and residents. Rather than maintain a locking system where each key opens an individual door, a master key is easier to use because apartment managers can open several entrances using one key. Thus, a master key system eliminates the need to constantly re-key locks every time a key is reported lost. However, residential property managers should know a few facts about a master key system for perspective.
Created on a Restricted Keyway
The security implications of criminals gaining access to a restricted area of an apartment complex using a duplicate key can be dire. Similarly, employees who unwittingly copy facility keys for convenience should understand that it opens up serious security issues. Therefore, master key systems are only created on a restricted keyway, making it virtually impossible for a criminal or unwitting staff to make key copies. The reason is that blank keys in a master control program are not made available to anybody that wants a copy. The only way you can make copies from a master key system is by authorisation.
Use Key Serialisation
Imagine a situation where you have several master keys but cannot track them to their specific holders. Such situations pose a security threat because you cannot establish which master key was used to access a restricted area. It is particularly the case for employees who must regularly access restricted areas, such as cleaning staff. It is the reason a robust master key system is serialised, meaning that each key in the system carries a unique serial number for identification. Serialisation allows apartment managers to retrieve any information they want from each key at any time. Besides, it helps them establish the number of keys in circulation, the holders, and the access rights.
Compatible With Rekeyable Lock Technology
Residential locksmiths perform an integral role in re-keying master keys. However, the sensitive nature of master keys means that businesses must trust locksmiths to a certain extent. Since security breaches can hurt a locksmith's reputation, service providers prefer to offer clients rekeyable lock capabilities, giving apartment managers control over security. For instance, when a master key gets lost, an apartment manager can immediately re-key affected locks and restore security. It is highly convenient and cost-effective since a facility manager does not have to engage a locksmith every time.
