Master Key Systems vs. Traditional Keying: Which Is Best for Your Facility?

Choosing the best key system is one of the most important decisions you face when securing your commercial property in Boston.

Your locking system directly impacts security, convenience, and control, whether you own an office building, manage an apartment complex, or oversee a school or health facility.

Customers often ask our Action Lock & Key professionals, “Should I use a master key system or  traditional keying?” The answer depends on your needs, property size, and the level of control you want over building access.

We can help you find the perfect balance of security and convenience. Your first step in choosing between the two systems is understanding how each works.

What Is a Traditional System?

Most people are familiar with a traditional keying system. Each lock has a key that can only open its corresponding lock. If you have a facility with 30 locks, you also have 30 keys. The traditional system is the most basic and widely used keying method.

Here’s why users prefer traditional keying:

• Cost-Effective: Traditional systems are typically less expensive than master key systems. They are perfect for smaller properties and businesses with fewer locking doors.

• Simplicity: It is a no-frills system with one key per lock. Building occupants easily understand how their key works.

• High Security: A lost or stolen key only compromises one door’s security.

The traditional key system also has drawbacks:

• Inconvenient: Depending on the size of your property and the number of locking doors, you could end up with a large, bulky ring of keys. Imagine having to label each key and manage dozens of them. Multiple keys could become a nightmare for large properties with frequent employee turnover.

• Losing Keys: You will incur additional expenses to rekey the lock.

• Access: You need the precise key to open the lock.

What Is a Master Key System?

In this system, a master key opens all doors in a building. Each lock also has its own unique key, called a change key, that is specific to that lock. In a large office building, each tenant would have a key that opens only their suite, and the building manager’s master key would open every door.

Here’s why you might want to use this system:

• Convenience: One master key can open all locks, reducing the number of keys on the building manager’s keychain. Managers, maintenance staff, and first responders can quickly access all necessary areas without needing to search for the correct key.

• Access: You can create an access hierarchy, granting keys to employees based on their roles. A department manager might have a sub-master key that opens all doors on a single floor or within a department. The cleaning crew might have a key for all common areas. The building manager can open every door with a master key. Master, sub-master, and change keys create a tailored security system.

• Fewer Keys: A master key system simplifies key management by reducing the number of keys in circulation throughout the building. It enables better oversight of key usage and is perfect for growing businesses or properties with several tenants.

The master key system also has disadvantages:

• Cost: A master key system installation is more expensive than a traditional system because its locks and overall system design are more complex. Although it can save time and hassle later, the initial setup can be more costly.

• Security Risk: Losing the master key could compromise every door in your facility. Guarding the master key against theft and loss is crucial.

• Complex: Installing and managing a master key system requires planning and expertise. You want to ensure keys do not open the wrong locks.

Which Key System Is Best for Your Boston Property?

Choosing between a master key system and traditional keying depends on the size of your property and your access control requirements.

Traditional keying is best suited for a small building with a limited number of doors. If you want the simplest and most cost-effective solution without the need for different access levels, a traditional system might be the best choice for you. It also eliminates the risk of losing a master key and compromising security.

On the other hand, rekeying locks due to lost suite or office keys can cost more in the long run.

Consider implementing a master key system if you manage a large commercial or industrial facility with numerous doors and diverse employee roles. It offers a high level of convenience and control that traditional keys can’t match. Be sure to weigh the risk of losing a master key and compromising security with the benefits a master key system provides.

Choose Action Lock & Key for Key System Installation

We specialize in designing and installing custom security solutions in Boston, MA. Our experienced Action Lock & Key locksmiths will assess your property, listen to your security concerns, and recommend the best system for your situation, balancing security, convenience, and cost. Call us at 781-229-9992 or request service online.