Smart Key Management Starts With the Right Tools

Aside from coin handling solutions, did you know that LJ International offers you a host of other smart technologies to help your business operate safely? Even as we enter the digital age, key management is a critical part of the physical protections every business needs, yet is one of those aspects of daily operations that quickly spiral out of control. Here’s some tips on key management systems to help you.

What is a Key Management System?

Think of a key management system as a cost-effective way to keep your access control on point. You track, secure, and intentionally distribute keys. Remember that keys often help control who can access your assets and, possibly, sensitive locations in the building. We often lose track of who holds what keys, not to mention that staff don’t always treaty them as safely as needed. It’s not enough to scribble a note here and there. Electronic key management systems offer a better, faster way to do it. Key management systems also securely store the keys when not distributed, and can help you build an accurate picture of who uses what in your organization, allowing you to streamline processes. Typically they consist of the following:

• Key Cabinet: A secure area to present unauthorized access through safety features.
• Smart Terminal: Allows for user authentication before allowing keys to be removed
• Key Fobs: Typically seen in higher-end systems, key fobs track the individual key sets using technology like RFID
• Software: An overall automatic system to allow you to monitor incidents and track how keys are being used.

What Benefits are there to Key Management Systems?

What benefits does implementing proper key management bring to the table?

Access Control

Take control of who can enter spaces and interact with assets. This especially allows you to keep track of people who only temporarily need access to these spaces, and makes sure you don’t have security-defeating sets of keys simply floating around aimlessly.

Risk Management

The software used in key management allows you to track key usage, who’s accessing them, any irregularities and losses that crop up, and so much more. You can audit key use in real-time, too. This enhances accountability and helps manage risk.

Loss Prevention and Cost Lowering

No costly key replacements, no security scares, no time spent hunting for that set of keys you know you have somewhere. Sensitive keys can be given a ‘curfew’ as needed, automatic alerts can be sent when keys aren’t returned, and so on.

Improved Operations, including Fleet Management

Do you find security personnel are held up at shift change waiting for key handovers? Can your staff not access key areas due to clumsy key handling practices? Those will be a thing of the past with an automated key management system. Not to mention, you can use them to take control of your fleet, too. Everything from truck assignments to forcing mileage/maintenance logs to stay up-to-date can be handled through your key system.

As you can see, a key management system, like your note sorting machines in your front office, do so much more than merely handle keys. They will soon become an integral part of your organisation. Keen to embrace the many benefits of key management today? The LJ International team is here to help!