How can key management systems help security in the automotive sector?

Let's look at how you can approach improving sector-specific security processes.

The term 'automotive’' covers such an extensive range of businesses it can be difficult to focus on just the one. From dealerships and garages, to rental agencies, manufacturers and beyond; even if you haven't worked in any of these before, you'll have almost definitely set foot in one. In terms of scope, it's a similar story with key management systems. Government, law enforcement, university campuses; all these sectors, along with many more, rely heavily on secure access management in order to enhance security,  improve day-to-day operations, and help reduce costs. And it's no different within the automotive business, where key management plays a crucial role in any successful business. 

5 ways that key management can help security in the automotive sector

1. Physical protection
   This may seem like an obvious one, but its importance should never be overstated. Keys protect your business, and every valuable asset within that business.  When you increase the security of your keys, you immediately increase the security of these assets. KEYper Systems' 16-gauge powder-coated steel cabinets do just that.
2. An end to misplaced keys
   Lost keys are a nightmare for any business owner. Anytime a set, or even just one, is lost or misplaced, your premises are under threat of theft or vandalism until the locks have been changed and everything re-secured. Tracking activity through a key management system means misplaced keys will become a thing of the past. 
3. No unauthorized access
   Whether it's an office filled with sensitive documentation, or a storeroom filled with expensive items, there’s often certain areas across a site where limited employee access is advisable. KEYper's Electronic Key and Asset Control systems store all keys in a tamper-proof cabinet, while giving you the power to grant and monitor access. 
4. Shift management
   Certain automotive businesses are built around shift patterns; members of staff coming and going at all hours of the day and night. Key management systems effectively eliminate the headache-inducing manual procedure of signing out or returning keys. With KEYper's electronic systems, email/SMS notifications can also be created to alert you if an employee fails to return a key at the end of a shift.
5. Temporary staff privileges
   It’s not uncommon for some companies that come under the automotive banner will more than likely utilize temporary staff at some point. It's often the most effective and flexible way to deal with staffing needs in the short term, but it can pose regular access issues. Whether an employee is being granted access to your premises for six hours or six months, the second that period of employment is terminated, you will want to revoke access immediately. Electronic key access management systems give you the power.

How do you know which key management systems you need? 

Needs will almost always differ between businesses. Even more so where we're looking across a sector as vast and as varied as the automotive one.  

For instance, key management is likely to mean something completely different to a person running a car dealership stocking 200 vehicles, than somebody who looks after garage.

Despite differences in scale or operation, assets are assets; immensely valuable to each respective business. 

And that's what makes access management just as valuable. 

KEYper's mechanical key cabinets are a straightford storage solution, offering physical protection as well as a visual audit. 

These are often ideal for bars, as well as small restaurants and movie theaters, where full automation is not necessarily required. For those wanting an advanced level of tracking analytics, electronic key cabinets could be just what you're looking for.

What are common security threats for the automotive sector?

1. Theft
   All business owners worry about theft. Those concerns are even weightier within the automotive sector, where thieves are presented with countless opportunities to strike on a daily basis. Lost or misplaced keys can make these opportunities even more attractive to would-be criminals, which makes key management systems all the more vital. Key management systems don't just increase security either, they change workplace culture. Employees will be far less likely to leave a door unlocked when they know their key is being tracked. 
2. Unauthorized visitors
   The very essence of car dealerships or rental agencies is social interaction, so keeping unauthorized visitors away from your premises is always going to be an ongoing challenge. External threats can be countered by a robust access control system. This can then be backed up internally by a key management system, which will ensure highly-sensitive areas can be restricted to nominated staff. 
3. Employee safety concerns
   Anti-social behavior and threats of violence can, unfortunately, be an all too common occurrence in public-facing sectors. A key management system, implemented alongside a range of other security solutions, provides employees, not to mention customers and the general public, with a real sense of security. 

Are key management systems difficult to install?

Installing a new key management system can be a little daunting. How will it work? Where will it go? What do I do if I need help with it? The KEYper Systems' service goes way beyond just supplying your business with a premium product; we also provide live demonstrations and training to ensure the installation process is completely stress free.