Careful Site Survey Is Needed Before Implementing the System
To implement a mechanical access control solution, it is important to conduct a thorough site survey. The purpose is to identify areas of potential threat, areas of vulnerability and determine installation requirements. 

It is critical to survey each and every opening and to be aware of potential concerns or possible hitches. These may include any door opening issues such as frames or hinges breaking down, malfunctioning door closers, plus what fire codes, life-safety requirements and ADA applications need to be addressed. Also, there are myriad smaller items that need to be determined at this stage, including the handing of doors, backset of the lock, proper cam on the back of a mortise cylinder, and the door and frame material. 

The site inspection will provide the information to design a sound keying system. Being the foundation of a mechanical access control system, a well thought-out keying system is critical. Not only will it support the rest of the security system, but it will also help create that balance between control and convenience. Furthermore, it will provide an inexpensive way to maintain security in some areas as well as allow for cost-effective ways to regain security if and when an area is compromised. 

A sound keying system is one that is not only secure, but also usable. When designing a quality keying system, there are a few basic design principles that need to be addressed. The following are some useful suggestions regarding the general design of a keying system: 

• Keep the design as simple as possible; the more complex the keying system, the more likely it can be compromised 
• Although often difficult to achieve, design the system around the function of the building, not the organization 
• Project where, when and how people will be moving throughout the building. It is always important to limit access to those who require it 
• No system should be considered static; plan for any future expansion that may be needed 

Take an Orderly Approach to Masterkeying Facilities, Buildings
The early design of a keying system can be approached in a very systematic manner. Keeping some of the masterkeying basics in mind, begin to establish the hierarchy of keys. Generally, most manufacturers begin with some sort of grandmaster level. Sometimes this is referred to as a “great grandmaster” or “great-great grandmaster.” In basic terms, this is the highest level of operating key that can open virtually every door. 

Next, determine how the facility or the organization’s buildings are to be grouped. A university, for example, can be grouped by buildings. At a hospital or high-rise office, the building can be grouped by departments or floors. This initial grouping helps in establishing the next level of control, called the “master level” keys. Further subdivision of the initial master level results in what is called the “submaster level.” For example, a residence complex on a university campus could be divided by building, divided by floor and then each individual room.

Once all the l
evels of control that are required have been created, the size of each level of control is determined. As stated earlier, it is important to keep in mind the system size when structuring the levels of control because the entire mechanical access system is finite. An advantage of a masterkeyed system is the ability to design special levels of access or restriction into the system, such as selectively allowing a building maintenance key or janitor key. Because each facility is unique and has a variety of security requirements, it is best to approach each project using the outlined steps. 

When thinking of access control, it is important not to focus on the high-tech, but think basic requirements and price. Many times, the basics will translate into a mechanical access control solution that will be the foundation for a well-balanced access control system with long-term functionality.

Larry Pryor is a 20-year veteran of the security industry, having held sales and training positions at Best Access Systems previous to Stanley Security Solutions.

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