What are master key systems and how do they work?

If you are looking for a way to ensure that your business or property is secure, then there is no better way to do so than with a master key system. For generations, this has been proven to be the most effective way to physically secure location, using locks and keys.

However, you may be looking to take your security to an even higher level. This is where the master key system can be extremely beneficial, ensuring that there is still access as needed, but also streamlining the action us so that only those needing active are able to gain it.

 

So, What Is the Master Key?

A master key is just as the name implies. This is a key that opens several doors, maybe even all of them within your establishment. This key is usually given to those with an essential need, such as a maintenance person, executive, manager, or the owner.

In apartment complexes, the person responsible for supervision and maintenance of the building has a master key, allowing them to get into any apartment. This ensures that maintenance can be performed, or they can gain access into an apartment during an emergency.

 

So, What Is the Master Key System?

When one understands the master key idea, then the system involved in this is easier to comprehend. The master key system includes all the master keys, locks in a building, users who need access, and the hierarchy of those who need access. The person with the highest level of need would have master key access. This is your apartment manager, the manager of a business, or the maintenance person at a warehouse. With this single key, they can get into any room or structure on the grounds.

Interestingly enough, there is even a hierarchy related to master keys. These include:

 

Great Grand Master Key

This is the individual with the highest level of master key. If there is a door that has a lock on it, this type of key would gain access to it. In other words, the person holding this key is not denied access to anywhere.

 

Grand Master Key

The Grand Master key is a little lower level and will have some limitations in terms of access. For example, a manager may have complete access to their store, but not access to other stores. There is no need for them to have access to another store, but they would need to be able to get into any room or office within their own building they manage.

 

Master Key

The master key is one step below this. Now you may be talking about an area where you have several managers at a large corporation. Each manager will need access into their individual area where they supervise, but do not need access across all departments. They may have a master key that gets them into the offices and rooms in their own department, but nowhere else.

 

User Key

The user key gives an individual the ability to get into their particular office or space where they need access. This would usually require someone to open the main structure for them to be able to get to their own space.

Each of these keys is cut just a little different. The one that has the greatest access is able to open any lock, but keys are cut differently for the remaining types to limit access.