One of the biggest challenges for any facility manager or building owner is key control. When an employee or tenant returns his or her keys (assuming they return them at all), it’s not uncommon to discover the originals have been replaced with unauthorized duplicates. The owner or manager must then decide whether to incur the cost of rekeying the entire building.
There are several solutions to this problem, many of which involve the installation of electronic access control systems. However, a simpler and more affordable option is to install patented restricted keyways.
As with any security measure, there are benefits and drawbacks to installing restricted keyways, both for locksmiths and end users. “One of the biggest challenges to restricted keyways is often just trying to assess the countless makes and models that are available,” says Monte Salway, Key Systems Product Manager for Allegion.
For the end user, these are fairly straightforward. They will spend a bit more for each keyway, but offset the cost by reducing the frequency and hassle of rekeying a facility, assuming no keys are lost or break-ins occur.
It’s important for locksmiths to thoroughly explore the details of the available options before committing to a specific manufacturer.
“Restricted keyways are only as effective as the degree of difficulty with which someone can obtain a duplicate key,” says Salway. “It is well known that for many locksmiths, the words ‘Do Not Duplicate’ are more of a challenge than a deterrent.”
Not all restricted keyways are patented, but only those that are offer the legal protection necessary to restrict the availability of lock mechanisms and key blanks to authorized locksmiths or locksmith distributors. Part of the cost of these products is enforcement as it is the patent holders’ responsibility to protect their patent rights. Some companies are more aggressive than others in protecting these rights. Also patents do expire and many companies require customers to upgrade or replace expired key systems.
Another factor to consider when selecting a patented restricted keyway is what sort of specialized equipment may be required to service the cylinders and originate keys. Be sure to note the cost of a keying kit and replacement pin tumblers.
One of the more common benefits offered with restricted keyways is geographic exclusivity, either for the locksmith or a large facility. Exclusivity can be by region, area code, zip code, state, time zone, the entire country or even worldwide, depending on the lock manufacturer. However, this exclusivity is typically conditional and the contract will often stipulate that rights can be revoked if a specified amount of product is not sold every year, or if the locksmith fails to maintain the security of key blanks. The degree of exclusivity, the initial buy-in and the annual purchase requirements all factor into the final price.
While restricting the supply chain improves key control, it can also create headaches for both the locksmith and the end user.
“It’s important for locksmiths to understand that there are a lot of things that make it ‘restricted’,” says Salway. “Depending on the degree of exclusivity, the locksmith’s ability to stock that material in the supply chain is controlled by that end user. If they want you to stock their key blanks, the end user has to approve that. It’s important to know in advance what you need to keep in inventory to meet the end user needs.”
Some restricted items are closer to the field than others, and the ability to get keys or cylinders is faster with some manufacturers than others. “If you need to reorder, what will be your typical lead time for that product? Is the ordering process cumbersome or easy? Is your end user going to dread the process every time they need keys?”
Before choosing a restricted keyway system, Salway recommends asking the following questions:
- What patents apply to the product and when do they expire? How rigorously are they enforced?
- How many distributors have rights to sell the product and where?
- How much exclusivity is available at what cost?
- What special equipment will be needed to service the locks and duplicate keys?
- What are the terms of the exclusivity contract?
- How fast is the supply chain and how easy is the ordering process?
- Does is meet the security and exclusivity needs of the end user?
As with any security measure, some conveniences are sacrificed and it’s important to ensure end users understand that same-day rekeys and same-day key copies may not be available. However, with the right products, restricted keyways allow locksmiths to offer their customers an affordable way to maintain total key control over their facilities and avoid the cost and hassles of regular rekeying.
Minu Youngkin is a Marketing Manager for Allegion. For more information about restricted keyways, visit us.allegion.com or contact your local distributor.
