Master key systems offer a practical solution for school districts that need to manage access for many people while keeping the campus secure. These systems provide a flexible way to control who can access different areas, enhancing security without complicating access for staff. Learn more about how master key systems can help keep your schools safe and efficient.
Introduction to Master and Universal Keys
Master keys provide tiered access to complex building or campus-wide systems. These systems implement several levels of access:
- Great Grand Master Key: Unlocks every door in the system, such as a campus.
- Grand Master Key: Provides access to all doors within a broad subset of the system, such as a building within the campus.
- Master Key: Unlocks multiple doors within a department, such as a particular hall.
- Change Key: Accesses only one lock, such as a classroom.
Master keys were developed to meet the need for scalable lock systems and quick, convenient re-keying. Without a master key system, building managers and school administrators either have to carry a bulky set of keys for every lock or risk security by using a single key that grants full access. If that key is lost, it can jeopardize the entire facility, leading to costly and time-consuming re-keying.
How Master Keys Work
Master key systems rely on a careful progression of key cuts that allows increasing degrees of access as you move up the hierarchy in the key system. While a change key opens only one lock, the master key opens the locks for all change keys beneath it. A grand master key opens all locks for its associated master keys and their change keys.
Benefits of Using a Master Key System
A master key system is a powerful solution for school systems, providing:
- Convenience and streamlined access.
- Increased security and control.
- Cost-effectiveness for organizations.
- Tiered organization suited to a school hierarchy.
- Potential for built-in expansion.
Popular Types of Master Keyed Locks and Their Uses
When keying a school district, you have two main options: mechanical locks and electronic locks. Mechanical locks are the traditional choice, using different cylinders and key designs for each door. They don’t rely on electricity, making them reliable even during power outages. These locks are long-lasting and have been trusted for centuries.
Electronic locks, a more modern option, offer features like coded entry, smartphone integration, key cards, FOBs, and even biometrics. They allow for remote access control, but they depend on electricity or batteries, which makes them vulnerable if power is lost.
Creating a Master Key System: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re interested in implementing a master key system for your school district, there are three essential steps that you need to follow.
- Assessment and Planning: A master key system can only be expanded when this expansion was planned into the initial implementation. Thoroughly assess your district so you can determine exactly how many tiers of security you need as well as the maximum number of change keys required within each area.
- Key Hierarchies and Allocation: You must carefully organize your master key system into logical hierarchies and determine who has access to each subset of the system.
- Maintenance and Managing Lost Keys: Implement a detailed system for maintaining proper access to every part of the district. This includes a process for retrieving keys when employees leave the district and a set of appropriate actions to rekey the affected locks when you have a lost key within the system.
Security Concerns With Master and Universal Keys
When keying a school district, you have two main options: mechanical locks and electronic locks. Mechanical locks are the traditional choice, using different cylinders and key designs for each door. They don’t rely on electricity, making them reliable even during power outages. These locks are long-lasting and have been trusted for centuries.
Electronic locks, a more modern option, offer features like coded entry, smartphone integration, key cards, FOBs, and even biometrics. They allow for remote access control, but they depend on electricity or batteries, which makes them vulnerable if power is lost.
The Future of Locking Systems: Beyond Traditional Keys
If you’re looking to upgrade your school’s security, Anderson Lock is here to help. We provide a range of solutions, including door replacements, master key systems, and smart locks. Contact us for a detailed assessment of your district’s needs. We can help you develop a personalized solution that gives your staff and students protection and peace of mind.