Master keying consultancy
Master keying enables buildings to satisfy security and access needs with greater key control
A master key system is a platform that enables authorised personnel to have access to the areas they need, while ensuring the master key can open all the locks in a building. Depending on the nature, size and complexity of a site, we have a range of master key platforms available, meaning we can help you create a plan that is perfectly suited to meet your site’s needs.
Master keying enables buildings to satisfy security and access needs with greater key control. Our consultants have extensive experience and in-depth knowledge on specifying the right master key platform for a site, having collaborated with decision-makers responsible for everything from smaller commercial premises to healthcare sites such as Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, which has large and complex key demands.
Whether it’s a new facility or an existing building that needs its master key platform upgrading – perhaps because of an expired patent or poor key management processes – our goal is to streamline master key solutions. The result? A master key system that’s easy for people to use, while at the same time being secure and able to accommodate all the varying needs of that environment, which can be quite a complicated undertaking.
We’ve been so impressed with the master key system from ASSA ABLOY that we’re now planning to review the rest of the estate in line with the capabilities of the platform, with a view to roll it out to other facilities across the site.
Anthony Green, Senior Estates Officer at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
A suite for every scenario
No matter the building environment you need a master key suite for, our consultants will work closely with you to understand your requirements.
A commercial business in an office block, for example, might require a system that has one master key to open all doors, as well as different combinations for each of the doors in the office, whereby everyone is able to access their own personal office room. This is a two-level master key system in its simplest form.
The next step up in complexity might be a site such as a primary or secondary school. In a three-level master key system, the headteacher might have a grand master key that opens all doors, deputies might have master keys to access various departments, and then teachers possess keys that only open their classroom door.
Larger estates, such as a university, might have four levels – or potentially even more – within their platform. This set-up would section off different areas on campus, with each area consisting of several buildings, with multiple floors, and with each floor containing many doors with individual access requirements. All these would be combined into one master key solution.
Ultimately, no matter the size or scale of your site, we’re here to help and guide you to find the right master key solution.
Evaluating existing master key platforms
When looking to replace an existing master key platform, we will question and interrogate how the implemented master key platform can be improved.
· Does the current system have patent protection?
· How many keys have been issued to site users?
· Can this system perform better?
· How can the platform be simplified for its users?
· How can it be made easier and more economical for the end user?
For instance, on larger estates some of the buildings may no longer be in use, or there may be facilities that have been built since the original master key suite was implemented that now need to be accounted for. Are there development plans for new areas in the future that the master key platform will need to be extended to? All these factors will be considered.
No patent, no protection
For true security, the only solution is patent protection on master key systems. Without patent protection, additional keys can be easily obtained without your knowledge, which can pose a threat to key control and the overall security of a building.
Through unique features incorporated within the design of the key and cylinder, patent protection provides you with the assurance that your building will remain safe and secure. Patent protection also controls which suppliers are authorised to cut keys, with key blanks only supplied through registered dealers to system owners.
Some suppliers will try and promote claims of ‘lifelong trademark protection’ – but only a patent provides the legal protection you need for a master key system.
To help make clear the benefits of patent protection and dispel any myths around claims of lifelong trademark protection on key profiles, we have published a white paper on this important issue.
With the patent protection on our previous master key cylinder system soon running out, this posed a substantial risk around key duplication. ASSA Triton2 offers patent protection until 2036, which makes it a fantastic investment for the college, protecting us until then against unauthorised key copying.
Billy Grace, Head of Estates at Dundee & Angus College
Ready for the future
When developing a master key system, it’s critical to consider how a building or estate’s requirements may expand in years to come. Whether it’s new areas of an estate that the platform will need to be extended to in time or anticipating how future buildings will fit into the proposed master key platform, it’s essential to determine how well the system will deal with future demands.
Our master keying consultants will work collaboratively with you through all these considerations. The result is a complete solution that helps raise security standards, by providing people with the right levels of access to the areas they need, while simplifying key management and key control across a site too.
