Having a different key for every door might become confusing very fast, business owners, managers, maintenance personnel, supervisors, cleaners and renters will have varying access to certain doors.

A master key system professionally installed offers a better way out. Using a master key system, the selected key is able to unlock more locks and the other keys remain restricted to a certain office or department.

Los Angeles Commercial Locksmith installs a master key system for offices, apartment buildings, schools, warehouses, hotels, hospitals, retail centers, and industrial buildings.

How Master Key System for Commercial Buildings Works

Usually, regular lock requires only one key that matches it. But, when a master key system is installed compatible locks will accept several keys that will match them, for example:

• Manager’s key will open multiple departments

• Employee’s key will open just one office

• Master key will open most or all of doors

• Department’s key will open several rooms

Large buildings can also use sub-master and grand-master keys. Choosing a system that works better depends on the quantity of doors in the building, its structure, responsibilities of employees, and security needs.

Advantages of Master Keying

One advantage of master keying is convenience. Owners and managers do not have to carry multiple keys.

But the greatest advantage of master keying is controlled access. Employees get access to the areas that are required for their job. An employee will be able to access the main entrance and break room but not server room, cash room, inventory area, and management offices.

A master key system can also help during emergencies. Authorized personnel can have quick access during a fire, water leakage, technical breakdown, medical emergency, or security breach.

Access Levels Planning

When installing a master key system it is important to plan everything in advance. We will look at the following points:

• Building layout

• Number and types of doors

• Employees’ responsibilities

• Department structure

• Rooms that should remain restricted

• Access after working hours

• Access for vendors and contractors

• Plans for the future

Such planning will significantly reduce the possibility of changing master key system later. Businesses should keep the number of master keys to minimum since losing such key will give someone access to many places.

Restricted Key Master Key Systems

Basic master key can be easily duplicated illegally since it uses a common key blank. Restricted key will provide more control.

Restrictive key is duplicated usually only by an authorized locksmith. It also may require identification, written permission, or authorization card. Such procedure prevents employees, renters, contractors, or ex-employees from illegal copying of the key.

High level of security also can be provided by some restrictive key cylinders since they are protected against picking, drilling, bumping, and forced access.

Rrekey of Locks that Already Exist

Most of the locks that are already used in commercial buildings can be incorporated in the master key system without replacement of the whole lock. During the rekeying procedure internal parts of the lock are changed and the cylinder gets new hierarchy.

It is highly recommended to do rekeying after:

• Moving into new premises

• Changes in the staff

• Loss of keys

• Changes in departments structure

• Change in ownership

• Property management change

Locks that are worn out, damaged or incompatible might need to be replaced.

Maintenance of Master Key System

Each key must be numbered, documented, and given to a certain individual. Documentation will contain information on the access privilege, issue date, and expiration date of the key, it is highly recommended that all spare and master keys must be stored in a safe place.

Los Angeles Commercial Locksmith offers a wide range of services concerning a master key system installation, expansion and maintenance.