Steps To Creating Comprehensive Key Control Policy

10 May Steps To Creating Comprehensive Key Control Policy

The world we live in requires better security for homes and businesses, and key control is an important factor. Simply put, key control is knowing who has keys and preventing unauthorized duplication.  Effective key control keeps people and property safe and secure.

Midwest Security Products offers high security locking solutions to a wide variety of industries, and key control plays an important role in these solutions.

A quick look at creating a modern comprehensive key control policy

1. Identifying the gaps in the current key control policy

Take a close look at your mechanical lock and key before developing your key control policy, and identify all the gaps you can find. Here are some of the many questions you can ask to determine the risk factor:

• How many keys have been issued, and who received them?
• Do you know who currently has keys and which door they operate?
• Can your keys be copied without authorization?
• Have people left your organization without returning keys?
• When was the last time you rekeyed and updated your key system?

If you cannot answer these questions with complete certainty, then you may need to consider updating your system.

2. Creating a key control plan

Establish a clear set of rules for issuing, using, and returning keys.  As keys are distributed, have employees sign a document acknowledging that they have received their key(s) and that they understand the policy.  This will help to avoid confusion at a later date.

When selecting a locking system, always start with a patented key technology that protects against unauthorized key duplication. Then consider a key-holder hierarchy based on who needs access to which areas, and keep it simple.  Over time, a simple system is always the best approach.  The more complex a system is; the more work it will take to keep it updated. 

Serialize keys and keep a detailed record of who receives the keys, and when they receive them.  A serial number on the key will help to track the proper key-holder if a key is found.  It is also important to record when keys are exchanged or returned.  LockViewer software from Midwest Security Products is an effective to for managing these details.

Extra keys and temporary keys for daily use should always be kept in a secured key cabinet.  This gives you the ability to closely manage and monitor who has keys.  You can also set parameters on when keys are available and when they are due to be returned.  Alerts can be set to notify the key-holder and management if keys are not returned on time.  Key Systems Inc. offers a variety of options for effectively managing key access.  

3. Adapt and Maintain

Implementing a key control program is just the beginning.  Security will quickly decline if you do not keep with changes that have an impact on your key system.  Employees come and go, their roles change, people lose keys.  Whatever the situation may be, you must maintain the system for it to be effective. 

More about Midwest Security Products

Midwest Security Products is a security solutions provider with a unique set of capabilities.  Unlike typical security integrators, Midwest Security Products offers in-house engineering services, national accounts management, field installation and service, a high volume production facility, and a wide variety of high security and custom products. 

They work very closely with the customers for understanding their unique needs and demands. After getting an understanding, they work towards combining the best products. They also provide ongoing customer support and training.