In 2022, there were at least 847,522 burglaries, as reported by the FBI. Although break-ins have trended downward in recent years, a break-in still occurs every 26 seconds in the US.
For a commercial property, a break-in could jeopardize the entire business. Even something as universal as locked entrances and exits may not be enough to deter or stop intruders. You'll need something more thorough and secure.
Here's how master key systems can unlock more efficient access control in your building.
A master key system is a form of centralized access management. With this type of system, every door has different keys given out to staff based on their level of access. Meanwhile, every door also opens to the master key, which is kept by a single person.
For example, the person who owns a business location would have a master key so they can go wherever they need. Meanwhile, subordinate keys only open specific doors.
A business might use a master key system in conjunction with keyless entry systems. Everyone can have a fob or card that allows them to enter the areas they need to go. Meanwhile, you have a manual key just in case the system goes down or you want to bypass the keyless system.
Master key systems bring many benefits to commercial properties. These benefits range from increased operational efficiency to better security. You may also find that you save money by investing in them.
The primary purpose of any security system is to protect the assets and people within. Master key systems accomplish this by restricting access to sensitive areas.
If an employee drops their key somewhere in public and another person picks it up, that person would only be able to open one or two doors. They likely wouldn't make it into more restricted areas.
Meanwhile, there is only one master key available. It should be kept in a safe place and only used when needed.
One problem property owners may encounter is how many keys they need to carry to access all areas of a building. If each door has a different key, then you're going to carry around a large keyring. It'll get confusing trying to figure out which key is the right one.
The benefit of a master key system is that every door can open to the same master key. Furthermore, you can give certain individuals sub-master keys to unlock sets of doors relevant to their position.
A security system design using master and subordinate keys can save you money.
Normally, a lost key is expensive to deal with. You may have to re-key multiple locks and then make new keys for your employees.
With a master key system, only certain doors are opened by certain keys. If someone loses a key, you would only have to change the few locks that it opens, rather than the entire system.
In addition, utilizing a secure system reduces the risk of loss through theft. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce believes that organized retail crime has cost the economy over $125 billion. It's much cheaper to install new locks than to bounce back after a burglary.
Key control management is a critical component of your security strategy. It's essential that you know at all times who holds keys to which areas. Losing track of this could complicate things if employees change departments or are let go from the company.
A key log or digital tracking system can help security personnel know who has access to which areas.
One of the best features of a master key system is that it can scale with ease. As your organization expands and adds new access points, you can rely on already existing keys to work on new locks if needed. At the same time, all new locks will open with the master key.
You won't have to worry about making brand new keys for every location added to your business. As such, your security personnel will have a much easier time adapting to these changes.
Something like a master key system is ideal in situations when a business or organization needs controlled, flexible, and streamlined access to different areas. It should make movement easier without sacrificing security.
Office buildings, hospitals, and schools could use a master key system to manage their numerous rooms and offices. Only authorized personnel can access specific areas.
The same applies to businesses with tiered access requirements. Even growing organizations with multiple locations will benefit from more controlled access.
Another angle to consider is facilities with a higher staff turnover. That includes restaurants, retail stores, and temporary offices.
The first way to improve your business security systems is through a security risk assessment. An assessment will identify any vulnerabilities and understand where your business needs to improve.
While a master security system is flexible, it's not all-encompassing. Ideally, you should use multiple security measures on top of it.
Some additional security to utilize includes:
Security cameras act as both a deterrent as well as a way to check for potential threats. Key logs let you know who has access to a key and when they had it. Alarm systems notify security of potential break-ins and when doors are forced open.
Master key systems are one of many security options for your commercial property. They allow for secure access control, quick movement through your property, as well as scalability. Pair these systems with other security options to make it work even better.
Silva Security Solutions provides professional security services in Garden Grove, CA. We can help you with your business surveillance systems, access control, and residential security services. Our work includes both keyless and keyed access systems.
Reach out to learn more and book a visit today.
