The demand for key control is growing fast, estimated at 25% to 30% a year in some areas. Increasingly, institutions ask for “keys that can’t be duplicated” instead of “pick-proof” or bumped locks. Although pick and drill resis- tance remain crucial for many applications, the trend in the market is away from physi- cal security and more toward key control. It’s important for security officers to un- derstand the difference between physical security and key control, and to match these features and benefits to their own needs. Some products are strong in one category and weak in the other. For this reason, some security professionals who specialize in high-security applications have chosen to handle the more sophisticated systems to ensure the ultimate solution. Whatever the reasons, expect to see and hear more, not less, about high security in the months and years ahead. If you plan to pursue this opportunity and invest in a new key control security program, it pays to do your homework. There are many fac- tors to consider. 1. Quality. Inspect the product’s construc- tion. Cutaway cylinders are good for this purpose. Would you feel secure to have this product protecting your valuables? 2. Security. Is the product a true high- security cylinder? Is it both pick- and drill- resistant? The most common qualifier is the UL437 and ANSI 156.30 listing for lock cylinders. 3. Patents. What patents, if any, have been issued to protect the security of the products? What exactly do the patents cover? When do these patents expire? It’s generally agreed that key blank patents are more valuable than cylinder patents. If you have any doubt, ask to receive a copy of the patent(s). 4. Key control. If your facility is interested in key control, what do you have to meet the demand? How good is the key control you have offered? What assurances can you make about the availability of duplicate keys? 5. Product flexibility. Is the design of restricted to your company? If so, how extensive is the restriction? What other end users will use the keyway? Where are they located? program offer a keyway that’s Does the the product flexible? How many different cylinders will you need to keep on hand? Can some products be used for more than one application? 6. Simplicity. Simple function oſten in- dicates reliability. Evaluate the operation of the cylinder. Ask other institutions who may use the product. Are they aware of any special problems? 7. Product assortment. Does the manu- facturer offer a wide range of products to retrofit all types of commercial hardware? Are there any common applications that you will be unable to retrofit with this product? 8. Keyway restriction. Does the program offer a keyway that’s restricted to your com- pany? If so, how extensive is the restriction? What other end users will use the keyway? Where are they located? 9. Key machines. Is a special machine required to cut the keys? If so, what is the cost of this equipment? Can it be used for another purpose? 10. Initial investment. What’s the total initial investment required to be used in your facility? How much of this investment is in usable merchandise, instead of special machines, fixtures, etc.? 11. Annual investment. Is there any mini- mum annual purchase volume requirement? If so, are you confident of reaching this level each year? 12. Serviceability. How easy is the prod- uct to service? How long will it take to rekey a cylinder or to cut a duplicate key? Can it be done easily at the facility, or must you bring it to a service company? 13. Service assistance. Is the manufac- turer able to provide a certified service center to assist you with technical assistance and service contracts as needed? 14. Technical training. How much tech- nical training will be required for you and your staff? Will it be easy to train new em- ployees? Does the manufacturer offer hands- on certification classes, of other instructional aids such as service manuals, videos, etc.? 15. Availability. Are you confident that the product will be available when you need it? Is it in stock at your supplier? Do you know if the manufacturer’s lead times are reasonable? 16. Master keying. How extensive are the product’s master keying capabilities? Is the product difficult to master key? Will the factory assist the facility in the design of systems? 17. Access control. Do you want your me- chanical key system to be able to integrate with your access control system? 18. Price. Is the product competitively priced with other similar brands? Compare list prices, and take into account all items, including pin kits, key blanks, etc. Mechanical cylinders and security are the way of the future. If you’re not involved today, chances are you will be within the next year or two. The more you know, the better choices you can make. And the bet- ter your choice, the more likely you are to have a secure mechanical security system with decades of good service. om Resciniti Demont, C, CAI, CFDI, CFL, CMIL, L, CPS, ARL, has been a ture writer for Keynotes ce 1978. He is president echnical Services Inc., chnical consulting firm he Pittsburgh, PA, area. e is also the president of OA. APRIL 2014 KEYNOTES 23
