A set of master keys that opened the doors to most dorm rooms on a campus in Virginia went missing and gave the students, their families, and the administration more than a few sleepless nights. It cost the college over $500,000, along with an immeasurable loss of reputation.
No one was physically hurt, so even though this episode had a happy ending of sorts, it could have ended much differently. Colleges and Universities manage multiple keys for a number of high-risk items including prescription medications, laboratory chemicals, and private student data in addition to utility housing. Along with keeping students safe, an electronic key access system not only makes sense but is imperative in today’s collegiate climate.
What is intelligent key management and how could it support institutions of learning? Intelligent key management offers:
Increased Security
- Employees pick up and return keys to a secure key box. Access is gained by using an integrated smartcard reader. Extra layers of security can be included with the addition of a PIN or biometric verification.
- Locations of key boxes can be strategically placed on campus in areas that offer easy access for those who use keys the most. This enables and encourages employees to carry fewer keys, accessing them only as needed.
- Electronically keep track of every key. If a key is not returned at the assigned time, alerts can prompt the management to contact the employee and learn if the missing deadline was an oversight or a lost key.
Time and Resource Savings
- Conventional methods of assigning and manually documenting key transactions opens the university to increased risk. This process involves a high level of management and could reach as far as the university president. A decentralized, web-based management system simplifies administration and reduces opportunities for error.
- Employees do not have to waste time searching for keys. They can easily retrieve one by accessing a conveniently placed, secure key box with their badge and/or PIN.
- Usage reports provide pinpoint accuracy on when a key was used and by whom, simplifying audits and event investigation.
- Employees do not have to monitor keys as they are safely locked up.
University security professionals perform a balancing act to keep students and faculty safe while not sacrificing the relaxed and fun campus experience. Electronic key management makes that ideal easier to accomplish.
Now Available – Color keyTags
Deister keyTags are now available in five colors including the original black, yellow, blue, green, and red. Color-coding keys is a great way to indicate which security level a particular key has or define fixed colors for entire key groups and areas. Each color is available in a set containing 16 keyTags, 16 key rings and 25 seals. To inquire, contact us with the form below or give us a call.
