Restricted Security Keys

If you own or manage a business you are probably familiar with the process of having a staff member leave. Sometimes these situations arise circumstantially such as a spouse being transferred or in the normal course of life such as a staff member setting out to work overseas. As much as we don't want to lose that staff member, there is an understanding that people's lives and dreams and goals change with time. The situation is dealt with in a civil and professional manner and the task of finding an adequate replacement commences.

But what about the staff member who needs to be "let go"? Fingers in the till, does not play well with others, unsuitable for the position, position redundant? Whatever the reason, these uncomfortable situations raise a serious question about the security at your workplace: WHERE ARE THE KEYS?

In both situations above, it would be one thing for keys to be handed back when the staff member leaves, but are you satisfied that no copies have been made? Perhaps you should think about the first home you rented. Did you have extra keys cut? Did you lose any? Maybe you lost them all and had copies made from the set that is kept at the Real Estate Agent. Did you give them all back? Or if you look at your key ring right now, will you realise that there is a handful of keys that you never use anymore and can't remember what they're for? Is there any reason why the same would not be true of the keys you issue to your staff?

If you're still thinking about the answer, you can stop now. Everyday, people walk into Maitland Locksmiths and have keys cut. Lots of them. Sometimes, in the course of friendly conversation, we might find out the story behind the exercise. Mostly though, the keys are cut, paid for, and that's it. Was that your employee getting a spare key cut for your workplace? I don't know.

Perhaps it's time to consider a Restricted Key System for your workplace. Having a Restricted Key System will give you complete control over the keys and locks at work. Here are some of the benefits of having a Restricted Key System:

1. All locks and keys are recorded and kept securely at our office. You can request details at any time.

2. All keys are stamped for easy identification so you can record which staff member has which key.

3. Additional keys are only issued to people you authorise, and even then, only by written request. If anybody attempts to have keys cut, we will contact you to obtain written authority.

4. Locks can be Master-Keyed, allowing you to customise the keying arrangements to allow any individual access to only the doors where they require access, without the need for them to carry multiple keys.

When considering having a Registered Key System installed, don't be sucked in by claims that one particular design of key is more secure than another. It is true, there are indeed some very secure designs out there, all of which would be very handy if the bad guys were only armed with a bobby pin and floss. The truth is, in 13 years I have never attended a break and enter situation where entry was gained via the keyhole. Not one. Of course, if you have your heart set on a high security design, we do carry these sorts of systems. But experience tells me the real questions you need to ask are these:

1. Does the design allow for further expansion in the future?

2. Is the lock system suitable for the environmental conditions?

3. How long is the patent of the design restricted for?

4. What are the details of warranties offered, both by the manufacturer and the locksmith?

5. What are the costings of any post installation services, eg additional keys, rekeying of locks etc?

If you would like more information, or have any questions about a Restricted Key System at your workplace, don't hesitate to give us a call on (02) 4933 3303, visit our showroom at 95 High Street East Maitland NSW 2323 or shoot me an email at the address listed. One of our locksmiths will attend your business at no charge and give you some qualified recommendations.

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