Commercial · Locksmith Service
Master Key Systems
Lock & Key Pros helps you manage the hassles that come with having multiple keys for multiple offices, storefronts, suites, storage rooms, or managed properties by implementing master key systems designed to organize authorized employee access.
A master key system consists of a comprehensive design of your employees' access needs, the keys that will open those doors, and which management employees will have the ability to change access.
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Why Businesses Use Master Key Systems
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Too Many Individual Keys
Access to different areas of a business may have accumulated separate keys to storage rooms, offices, suites, and other common areas.
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Different Employees Need Different Doors
Access may be grouped by role to provide employees mechanical-key access appropriate for their work.
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Expanded Access Levels for Managers
Managers, owners, maintenance staff and property representatives may require access at levels higher than normal users.
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Tenant and Department Level Access
Properties that are managed and facilities comprised of several divisions can benefit from an organized plan and not random locks.
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Organizing Keys for Easier Accountability
An organized keying plan helps indicate the type of keys associated with specific groups of doors.
Understanding Master Key Systems
A master key system is flexible enough to be organized into layers of access control. The extensibility of the system and the hardware will dictate the organization of the layers. The hierarchy should remain only as complex as the property actually needs, because unnecessary levels can make key management harder rather than easier.
| Access level | Typical role and example access |
|---|---|
| Change or individual key | Employee, tenant, or room user. Opens one door or a defined small group. |
| Master key | Manager, supervisor, or property staff. Opens multiple locks within a department, suite group, or area. |
| Grand master or higher-level key | Owner, senior management, or authorized property leadership. Opens several master-key groups where the system and property justify it. |
What Is a Master Key System?
A master key system is based on a systematic way of mechanical keying with various degrees of accessibility. One employee key may control access to a single office, while another employee key may control access to multiple departmental doors, and a management key may control access to a broader group of locks.
The overall objective is to eliminate the guesswork of redundant key access while maintaining an orderly approach to key access and the group of doors it controls.
Key-Alike vs. Master Key Systems
Each keyed-alike lock is operated with the same key. A master key system provides greater flexibility by providing varying levels of access to different system users.
Keyed alike works for select compatible locks. A master key system allows different keys to have different permissions across a group of locks. For large managed properties, a master key hierarchy may be more reasonable than providing the same employee key to all.
Master Key Systems vs. Commercial Rekeying
Rekeying alters the keys that can be used to operate a locking system. A master key system alters the hierarchy of the system.
A straightforward employee departure may be the extent of rekeying. A property that houses several departments, users, or door groups may warrant a complete master key system.
Master Key Systems vs Access Control Systems
The primary difference between the two systems is the means through which access is managed: mechanical keys in master key systems, and electronic credentials in access control systems.
Master key systems are more suitable when access control through mechanical keys is preferable. Access control systems are better suited where access is controlled through electronic credentials, and access permissions change frequently. Many commercial properties have both systems installed on different sections of the property.
Master Key Systems and Managed Properties
Mechanical access control may be necessary within an office, retail space, or any other managed property for employees, various levels of supervisors, maintenance personnel, management, and property owners.
The system should be designed around an access map which identifies the users of each area that should be restricted.
Can Existing Commercial Locks Be Added to a Master Key System?
It depends on the components of the existing locks, the condition of the lock, and the intended control level. The locks may be rekeyed to form a master key system or they may be upgraded to replace the locks altogether.
Planning for Master Key Systems and High Security
For a stronger key control system, a master key hierarchy is implemented in combination with other high security lock and key systems. Businesses concerned about stronger key control may combine a master-key hierarchy with compatible higher-security lock or key systems.
The correct approach depends on the selected hardware and key-control requirements. High-Security Locks should be used when the decision centers on stronger hardware or tighter key management.
How it works
How Our Master Key System Service Works
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Map the Property & Doors
Identify the doors, suites, departments, common areas, or other access points that should be part of the system.
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Define User Access Levels
Determine which employees, managers, tenants, maintenance staff, or property representatives should open which door groups.
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Review Lock Compatibility
The technician checks the existing cylinders, keyways, hardware condition, and whether locks can be incorporated into the planned system.
- 4
Build the Keying Plan
The system is organized into the required access levels without adding unnecessary complexity.
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Rekey or Install Compatible Hardware & Test
The relevant locks are keyed or installed according to the plan and each authorized key level is tested.
How Long Does Installation of a Master Key System Take?
Timing depends on the number of doors, compatibility, system complexity, the number of keys required, and whether lock hardware is being supplied and installed.
A master key system is best planned and scheduled around the number of doors, locks, and the access plan for the work environment, whether that is a standalone office or a multi-tenant or multi-departmental commercial space.
Master Key System Cost and Pricing
The price of a master key system is directly related to the number of doors, existing cylinders, complexity of the system, access levels, number of keys, and hardware.
Pricing is affected by the number of doors and existing cylinders, existing lock and keyway compatibility, the number of access levels, the number of keys at each level, whether hardware is rekeyed or replaced, high-security or restricted key hardware, and the size of the property and complexity of the project.
For pricing please provide a rough estimate of the number of doors and describe the access levels you require. Lock & Key Pros provides free estimates and can scope the system prior to the start of the work.
Service Areas for Master Key Systems
Lock & Key Pros offers master-key planning for the following locations.
Why Lock & Key Pros for Master Key Systems?
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Access Hierarchy First
We start with the access plan and hierarchy rather than imposing a system on the business that would result in an unwanted key structure.
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Commercial Lock Integration
Master-key planning integrates with rekeying, lock installation or repair, and high-security lock hardware.
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Decision Support for Mechanical and Electronic
If the business would better be served by electronic credentials, the Access Control path remains available.
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Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Lock & Key Pros has confirmed these business credentials.
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Free Estimates
Pricing for a project can be provided based on the doors, users, and levels of access.
Master Key Systems FAQs
What does a master key system consist of?
A planned mechanical-key system consists of keys that open various groups of compatible locks.
Can one key open multiple business doors?
Yes, depending on the compatible lock system and keying plan. Keyed-alike or master-key configurations may be used based on the access need.
What is the difference between a master key and a grand master key?
A master key can operate a defined group of locks. A grand master key can operate more than one group of locks, depending on the property and system.
Can existing locks be converted to a master key system?
Sometimes. There are many factors, such as the types of cylinders, keyway, the brand, and the overall condition of the hardware.
Is a master key system the same as rekeying?
No, they are two very different things. Rekeying refers to changing the required keys. A master key system is the mechanical control of keying systems.
Is access control better than a master key system?
The correct choice may depend on the business. An access control system suits many businesses, especially where permissions change often, since digital access control can reduce repeated rekeying.
How much does a master key system cost?
Pricing may vary with the volume and complexity of the system needed. For a price quote or to set up a consultation, contact us.
Do you provide master key systems in Tarzana?
Yes. In Tarzana, we provide master key systems. Use the Tarzana page for local information and this page for the master key system details.
How to Have More Power Over Multiple Business Keys
Tell us how many doors are involved, who needs access, what permissions each level should have, and whether your current locks should stay. Lock & Key Pros can work out which solution fits best, whether that is a master key system, rekeying, high-security locks, access control, or a combination.