Why Your Business Needs a Master Key System
Managing keys for a commercial building can quickly become a nightmare. Employees carry heavy key rings, lost keys create security risks, and controlling who has access to what becomes nearly impossible. A professionally designed master key system solves these problems while actually improving your security.
With a master key system, each employee carries only the keys they need for their job. A maintenance worker might have a sub-master for mechanical rooms, while department managers access their areas, and ownership holds the grand master for everything. The hierarchy matches your organization, making access control logical and manageable.
At Alex Access Control, we've designed master key systems for Atlanta businesses since 2008. We understand that every organization is different—from small retail shops needing simple master keying to large corporate campuses requiring complex hierarchies with restricted keyways. We'll design a system that works for you today and scales as you grow.
Types of Master Key Systems
We design and implement various master key configurations to match your security requirements and organizational structure.
Simple Master Key System
The most basic configuration where one master key opens all locks, while each lock also has its own unique change key. Ideal for small businesses, retail stores, or single-tenant offices where one person needs access to all areas.
Master Key with Sub-Masters
A hierarchical system with multiple levels of access. Department managers get sub-master keys for their areas, while owners or property managers hold the grand master. Perfect for multi-department businesses and property management.
Grand Master Key System
Multiple master key systems unified under one grand master key. Building owners or executives can access everything, while different groups (maintenance, security, management) have their own master keys for designated areas.
Maison Key System
Specialized for multi-tenant buildings where each tenant has a key that opens their unit plus common areas (lobby, mailroom, gym), but not other units. Building management holds the master for all doors.
Construction Master Key System
Temporary keying for buildings under construction. Contractors use construction master keys during the build phase. Upon completion, construction keys are voided and permanent master/change keys take over.
Restricted Key System
Uses patented keyways that cannot be duplicated at hardware stores. All key copies must be authorized and ordered through approved channels, providing maximum key control for high-security applications.
Our Implementation Process
From initial assessment to key distribution, we handle every step of your master key system implementation.
Security Assessment
We survey your facility to understand door locations, traffic patterns, departmental structure, and security requirements. This forms the foundation of your master key system design.
System Design
Our experts create a detailed keying schedule that maps every door to the appropriate access levels. We plan for current needs and future expansion, documenting the entire hierarchy.
Hardware Selection
We recommend the right locks and cylinders for your application—from standard commercial grade to high-security restricted keyways. Existing locks can often be rekeyed into the new system.
Professional Installation
Our licensed technicians install or rekey all locks according to the approved design. We work around your schedule to minimize business disruption, often completing installations after hours.
Key Distribution & Training
All keys are cut, coded, and delivered with documentation. We train your staff on key control procedures and provide ongoing support for key management.
Key Control Features
Maintain complete control over who has keys and prevent unauthorized duplication.
Key Tracking
Every key is numbered and logged. Know exactly who has which keys and when they were issued. Simplifies auditing and key recovery when employees leave.
Restricted Keyways
Patented key blanks prevent unauthorized duplication at hardware stores. Only authorized dealers can cut copies with proper verification.
Authorization Protocols
Establish clear procedures for who can request key copies and under what circumstances. Maintain security even as staff changes.
Expansion Planning
Systems designed with room to grow. Add new doors, departments, or buildings without redesigning or replacing existing keys.
Complete Master Key Solutions
We design and implement master key systems that balance convenience with security for your business.
Master Key Systems for Every Industry
We design customized key systems for the unique access requirements of your industry.
Office Buildings
Multi-tenant buildings, corporate campuses, and single-company offices. Create hierarchies that give tenants access to their spaces, management access to common areas, and ownership access to everything.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices requiring strict access control. Secure medication storage, patient areas, and administrative spaces with appropriate key levels.
Educational Institutions
Schools, universities, and training centers. Teachers access their classrooms, department heads access their buildings, and administration accesses all areas.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Factories, warehouses, and production facilities. Control access to equipment rooms, hazardous areas, and restricted zones while giving maintenance full access.
Benefits of Professional Master Key Systems
Simplified Access
One key opens multiple doors while maintaining individual lock security.
Key Control
Restricted keyways prevent unauthorized key duplication.
Scalable Design
Systems designed to grow with your business and facility changes.
Enhanced Security
Maintain security while simplifying key management for staff.