What Is Restricted Keying?

Is it the same as a Master Key System?

A Restricted Keying System is also known as a Master Key System and can offer one of the highest levels of security for your premises. A Master Key System comprises a hierarchy of keys each allocated to individuals such as business owners or managers and different groups of key holders such as departmental managers, staff and building maintenance.

Within this system, higher management can be issued with multi-level access while employees can be issued single door access keys to designated areas. As well, a cleaner may require an 'all areas access' while a manager may only need access to his own office area.

It can be decided who is allowed where and recorded for security. In this way, access to buildings and certain areas of buildings can be controlled by the hierarchical keying system.

Can Restricted Keys be cut by anyone?

Restricted Keying is just that - restricted. The key blanks are high security and specifically design for each system. They can only be obtained or copied only from the qualified and professional locksmith who designed the system.

As a further requirement, copies of the restricted keys can only be made using an authorisation form with signatory obtained from the premises’ owner or authorised nominee, which can be verified by the locksmith’s records. This provides protection against unauthorised key cutting.

Accurate records of keys and who has them are kept and maintained by the professional locksmith, thereby eliminating the possibility of duplicate keys being made without authorisation.

Restricted master key systems also prohibit other key manufacturers, locksmiths and key-cutters from making unauthorised copies of your system’s specifically designed keys. In this way, you can be assured unauthorised persons cannot obtain copies of your Master Keys from other security providers.

Are the locks more secure?

The locks are also specifically designed and registered for the Master Key System, providing additional pick and forceful entry protection. The restricted keyed locks are designed in such a way that the chance of accidental opening with the wrong key is reduced, allowing the system to be more safe and secure.

A well-planned master key system is dynamic and shouold be able to easily adapt to the changing requirements of a business’s hierarchy.

Do you need to keep a spare key?

This is the one case where there is no need to keep spare keys on site. If keys are forgotten or misplaced, the procedure built into the Master Key System for key replacement has to be followed. This further ensures the security of the system by controlling how many keys are in the system, who has them, and who has misplaced them. Activity can be monitored and records can be traced if any anomalies should arise. Your restricted keying system should be designed with an eye to the future, considering what kind of access you need now and what you may need as your business grows.