Duplication of keys is common practice in the modern commercial setting. With dozens (sometimes hundreds) of employees working in the same building, there's an inevitable need to make duplicate copies of original keys.
Having several keys that provide access to your business premises could make your premises less secure. However, this does not have to be the case. Here are a few things you can do to maintain security within your premises.
Keyed-Alike Locks
Locks can either be keyed-different or they can be keyed-alike. Locks that are keyed-different have individual keys that can't be used interchangeably. Locks that are keyed-alike have the same key profile and the same key is used to operate each lock.
Investing in locks that are keyed-alike reduces the number of keys that each of your employees will need to have.
For example, an employee would only need one key that allows them to access three different sections of the premises where locks have been keyed-alike. If these locks are keyed-different, the same employee would need to have three different keys for them to access the different sections.
Reducing the number of duplicate keys floating around should improve security around your business premises.
Restricted Key Systems
Upgrading to a restricted key system is among the best ways to maintain a secure business premises. Only a locksmith can design a restricted key system. Once the system is designed, the key profile for the system remains with the locksmith.
You'll also get to nominate select individuals who have the authority to make duplicate copies of the restricted keys without your prior authorization. If each employee is provided with their own key, you'll have more than a handful duplicate copies of the original key. With an ordinary key system, employees or their associates could easily make copies of the duplicate keys in order to facilitate unauthorized entry into the building.
A restricted key system eliminates the possibility that anyone will make extra copies of the duplicate key without your knowledge. Because restricted systems are registered and patent-protected, other locksmiths don't have the green light to make keys that have a similar design.
The Master Key System
A master key system could eliminate the need for each employee to have a duplicate key. This system uses one key that can open multiple doors within the building. A single employee could be chosen as the custodian of the master key and he or she would be responsible for allowing access to different areas within the premises.
A master key system would be especially beneficial for business located in small and/or medium-sized premises.
