Master key suite or a keyed alike system
Email info@anubislock.shop
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill, also known as Martyn’ Law is coming and it could affect your security arrangements. Part of those security arrangements is how you lock down quickly and effectively. You should review your locking system to see if you have any gaps, and can you maintain control?
WHAT IS A MASTER KEY SUITE?
There are two things that ring true today. Firstly and the most important factor is that of safety and security as the two main core objectives. Secondly, budgets are tight. These two areas often offer more questions than answers for business managers and board members. Questions like: What security solutions can we employ that actively combat rising violence? How can we cost-effectively implement such tools? We want to improve our security and efficiency at the same time, but how?
A Master Key Strategy refers to a mechanical locking system used throughout a building whereby one key (the Master Key) can access all locks. This system, also known as a Master Key System (in reference to the master key which accesses all locks), is used to provide or limit access to different locked areas within a building or complex.
This means that the building, group of buildings or complex can be broken down into separate areas (zones) and are operated under a different key called a sub-master).
With the correct permission, we can build right down to individual doors, or group of doors to let people move freely to where they are allowed to go.
Regarding offices in the area of concern, we would normally place them onto their own sub-master, but rather than issue that particular sub-master key out where everybody would have access to everyone else’s office, we would “ drill” down again and issue individual keys to the office staff so that only they would have access to their office in addition to the master key holder, schools being a prime example of this train of thought.
We can work the idea over any size footprint and involving any number of buildings in order to bring them under one key (the grandmaster key) and cascade permissions down through the system right to the individual door, or group of doors.
Grand Master Key – Access to all doors in all buildings
Master Key – Access to all doors in a building
Sub-master key – Access to a group of doors in a given area of zone
Differ key – Access to a singular door.
Complicated?? A picture paints a thousand words.
WHY IS AN EFFECTIVE LOCKING SYSTEM SO IMPORTANT IN A PHYSICAL SECURITY MATRIX?
The successful defence of any premises depends very much on the physical security matrix put in place. When considering physical security, always start at the furthermost points and work inwards. So, perimeter boundaries to internal gates & fences, CCTV, access control and lastly, Master Key Suites. Using the 5Ds approach to physical security, them being Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay and Defend an effective system of security can be set up which would include a Master Key Suite.
WHAT IS OUR APPROACH?
We do not deal with cheaper, lower end cylinders when designing and building a Master Key Suite as the cylinder tolerances need to be accurate which in turn gives longevity to your investment. All of our systems have a patented key protection and will be on a restricted profile, giving you vital key control. This means only we can cut your keys with the correct permission cutting out any unauthorised duplications taking place. We always design for expansion which may come in later. We are also always on hand to give ongoing support in order to give the correct maintenance to your system.
A master key system enables the owner/manager of a building (or group of buildings) to control the access rights of inhabitants and visitors to their property.
Master key systems include the option of a master key which may allow access to every part of the property, while individuals may be issued with a key which allows them access to their own room/area, and shared areas of the building, whilst at the same time, keeping them out of other areas where they do have permission to be, such as the room/apartment/house of another person
Any building or group of buildings can be master keyed, from a basic system such as having a home secured all on one key, to the more complex systems where several buildings are secured on one master key, with each individual room also operating on an individual key.
Master key systems are produced by software using mathematical algorithms to generate a set of cylinders’ pinning and key cutting information. The software calculates the system based on the data entered by a locksmith or designer. This is why it is so important that we get ALL of the relevant information about the suite before it is designed.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED
Master key systems are designed using mathematical algorithms, and no two sets of pinning will be the same. Therefore, it may be possible to get the maximum 60000 differs from one suite, but only 50000 differs from another. This is because all suites are generated in the first instance from a master key bitting combination. Some bitting combinations will allow for more differs than others due to the number of odd/even cuts and the size of the steps between cuts.
Your first order for a master key suite may only call for a small number of cylinders, but as the building becomes extended or the room designations change, you may need to add more cylinders, or include the use of a common entrance. You may even need to add another building to operate under the same master key.
We would need to know these future plans (to the best of your knowledge) at the point of suite design, otherwise such extensions may not be possible.
The addition of subs and common entrances on your master key suite will decrease the maximum number of differs possible on the suite.
No two Master Key Suites will ever be the same meaning each one is unique to its owner. Every Suite will have its own system number and therefore no duplication will be made.
We will discuss with you what your needs are and advise accordingly. For the more complex suites, we will conduct a site survey to ensure that you get it right and ensure that you have the correct cylinder for the right job doing the right job (a standard key/key cylinder, standard thumbturn, anti-barricade cylinder setup, or a combination of all as an example).
We are now setting up our Master Key Suites with Martyn’s Law in mind, as a Master Key Suite will be the final bastion of defence if a serious incident takes place within the confines of a building or complex, and will therefore need further thought and to move away from the traditional makeup and setup. It is no longer just about key control and carrying fewer keys.
Master Key Suites are ideal in areas such as:
- Schools & colleges
- Office blocks
- Sports Stadiums
- Event locations (hospitality)
- Hospitals
- Care sector/nursing homes
- HMO
- Multi-building complexes bringing multiple building together for key control.
The above list is not exhaustive.
For further information or give us a call or drop us an e-mail on:
info@anubislock.shop to discuss what your needs are and how we can help.