What is key control?
How is key control defined?
Simply put, it is an access control system that tracks your business’ keys to ensure only permitted people can use them. It’s vital to keep up with the latest threats, and high-tech gadgets like cutting-edge cameras can help. But to ensure your business survives, you must get the basics right. No-one wants to lose their keys or see them fall into the wrong hands. To reduce any damage this might cause, a key control system takes swift and effective action if they are not promptly returned after use.
What are the main benefits of key control systems?
- Prevent key loss
A huge benefit of key control systems is cutting down on key loss, which is sure to give you peace of mind and save you money in the long-run. Our key cabinets are made of 16-gauge powder-coated steel to provide fantastic physical protection. They also have an integrated touchscreen allowing access to authorized users only. - Employee and client safety
Many industries deal with assets that can be extremely dangerous in the hands of criminals or untrained employees. Making sure only the right people can access them can help protect customers and staff members. Strict key access control can also ward off criminals who might otherwise engage in violence or other dangerous behavior. - Improve efficiency
Key access control can help make day-to-day business processes smoother. Our cabinets offer an electronic inventory and a touch screen to make it easy and quick for authorized users to retrieve keys – even when you have hundreds. LED lighting aids this by highlighting the physical location of a required key. - More accountability
Successful business owners need to hold their employees accountable for any mistakes. Our MX Electronic Key System keeps detailed records of every transaction, including the reasons for booking out a key. Knowing their activity is being logged encourages staff to return keys promptly and use them correctly. They are less likely to engage in risky behavior if they know the blame will lie on their shoulders. - Greater convenience
Effective key control systems can help make tasks more convenient for employees. By automating access control, our systems cut down on the time staff spend manually keeping records, freeing them up to focus on dealing with customers, while reducing the chance of human error. An after-hours key management system could also make life more convenient for clients wanting to pick up keys at a time that suits them best.
The main types of key control solutions
- Intelligent key cabinets
This electronic solution is designed for anyone who needs to protect sensitive and high-value assets, from car dealerships to law enforcement. The cabinets physically lock keys into place, which are only released to authorized personnel, meaning you have total control over who can access each key, and when.
- Remote smart software
This security measure is for administrators who want to manage their keys from anywhere, and is ideal for all industries, particularly those with a sales team who regularly work in the field. Our KEYper GO allows managers and staff members to identify who has an item checked out, contact them at the press of a button, and even transfer ownership of an asset in the field. This can increase accountability and efficiency in the workplace.
- Security cameras
These are ideal for anyone requiring an extra pair of eyes on their assets, particularly large workplaces with numerous potential blindspots, or sites that are unmanned after hours. A cutting-edge camera can not only deter criminals but also offers instant notification, visibility and control through mobile apps, helping to put your mind at rest while you’re off-site.
Deciding on a key control system – where do you start?
No-one wants to invest thousands in a fancy new security system that doesn’t fit their needs or tackle the specific threats their workplace faces. The same goes for picking any old tools – you risk leaving holes in your security system if you don’t choose carefully. That’s why it’s important to assess the different options on the market, and understand your organization’s unique requirements. A safety audit can help with that. First, look at your assets. Are they highly sensitive? How damaging would an intrusion be? How quickly and easily do your staff members need to access a system to carry out their day-to-day tasks?
Then, assess your current resources. Can your existing security department sufficiently react to a detected threat, or do you need a system that automatically does this for you? You also need to consider your company’s size, how many devices you need to protect, and how many people will be using a system at any given time. Also ask: what threats do you need your new system to detect? Do you want the freedom to decide how to respond to an attacker? And will your assets be left unmanned for long periods?
Key control questions? We’ve got the answers.
Feeling overwhelmed by the choices on the market? KEYper can help make things simple. Our products allow authorized employees to access keys whenever needed for greater efficiency in the workplace while maintaining security and accountability. Our smart tools offer managers total control over who logs out which keys, and when, at the click of a button. Only selected key fobs can be removed from the cabinets, while the others remain locked in place. Our remote software gives you complete visibility over the movement of keys thanks to detailed audit trails. And an emergency key mapping service allows you to view the position of every key in the system from your smartphone during a power cut.
We have a number of key control systems built to meet your needs, whatever your industry. We’ll even guide you every step of the way, offering advice about choosing the right system, and helping to design and implement it. Book one of our personal demos or support plans, or visit https://www.keypersystems.com/global/en to speak with our support team.