Master Key Systems
Make premises more secure and building management more efficient
What is a master key system?
In a master key system, every key can unlock one or several openings. Each key’s reach is determined by their position in a carefully designed hierarchy.
Keys may be issued according to authority or function. For example, the CEO and security manager hold a master key which unlocks everything. IT staff keys unlock the server room and its contents, but no other offices or services. Cleaners can unlock every room, but cannot access cupboards, machines or letterboxes.
When properly configured, a master key system is secure, flexible, scalable, convenient and cost-effective.
How does a master key system benefit me?
How does a master key system benefit me?
A master key system helps you manage and filter access to multiple openings without software or wiring. Everyone opens the doors they need without carrying multiple keys. Only those with authorization get in.
Because a single key may operate multiple locks, effective master key system design reduces the number of keys you need to cut, track and replace at your organization. It saves you time and money.
A master key system frees building users from bulky keyrings and saves them time hunting for the right key. Users enjoy the convenience of carrying one key to unlock doors, lockers, letterboxes, padlocks, cabinets and more.
And with fewer keys in circulation, the problem of lost and stolen keys is reduced.
Implementing your master key system
Implementing your master key system
An effective master key system starts with understanding the size and complexity of the access permission levels you need.
You must account for all entry and exit points across a site which need keyed locks. A security hierarchy is then created to establish who may enter which areas.
Master key systems are popular choices due to their convenience and affordability – and because they offer an easy, scalable solution for many sites. Your chosen system must be flexible enough to incorporate potential extensions, so additional user groups can be easily added.
It is also important to record who has been issued with keys, as well as to establish in advance who is responsible for issuing new access permissions.
The importance of patent protection
The importance of patent protection
A master key system’s legal protection against unauthorized key copying is achieved through patent protection.
If keys are misplaced or duplicated without your knowledge, a master key system could become compromised. For this reason, master key systems with a long-life patent are recommended for maximum protection.
When the manufacturer controls key copying, opportunities for illegal key cutting are limited. In the event of unauthorized duplication, patent protection enables legal action to be taken.
In addition, the distribution of registered key blanks – only supplied to system owners through registered dealers – maintains a high level of security around master key suites.
ASSA ABLOY: Trust the original
ASSA ABLOY Group companies have been manufacturing locks and keys for more than 140 years.
ASSA ABLOY master key systems are built on decades of investment and innovation in security technology. They meet the toughest requirements of standards such as EN 1303 and resist cylinder attack. Patent protection makes unauthorized key copying illegal.
Our proud history of invention includes the Euro profile cylinder. Patented by an ASSA ABLOY company in 1928, it has become an industry standard in Europe and beyond.
Customer stories
From customer success stories discussing the efficiencies that our master key systems have delivered to sites across New Zealand and beyond, to articles about our history of trust and innovation, you'll find this content below.
- Customer case
How Tātaki Auckland Unlimited upgraded security at the Viaduct Events Centre with Protec2 CLIQ
2025-09-08
- Blog
Opening and Closing Forces on Fire Doors
2025-07-21
- Customer case
Smart key upgrade gives South Otago High School full control in a day
2025-07-17
- Customer case
Maddren Showhome – A Showcase of Style and Security with ASSA ABLOY
2025-06-23
- Customer case
Hangar doors for tough conditions in coal terminal
2025-05-22
- Customer case
Reduced energy use in chilled warehouse
2025-05-05
- Customer case
Overhead sectional doors increase operational efficiency and reduce energy loss at Scandinavia’s largest wholesale market
2025-05-05
Explore more case studies here
Featured products
Access Control
Managing access is a critical requirement for many businesses, both large and small. Lost credentials can pose a security risk, especially without the ability to quickly restrict access or monitor user traffic throughout the building.
With technologies developed for both standalone systems as well as open standard products that integrate with existing access control systems, ASSA ABLOY offers an intelligent, yet simple step up from keys which enables administrators to control access to secure areas through physical, logical, electronic, offline, online and wireless access control solutions.
- ABLOY
ABLOY PROTEC2
Symmetrical 11 Disc. - ABLOY
ABLOY PROTEC2 CLIQ
Symmetrical 9 Disc with CLIQ Intelligent Electronics. - ABLOY
ABLOY NOVEL
- ABLOY
ABLOY SENTRY
Symmetrical 11 or 9 Disc. - Traka
Traka21
Traka21 is a complex, fully self-sufficient key management system with innovative RFID technology and robust design that enables small and medium-sized businesses to manage up to 21 keys or sets of keys easily and efficiently via plug & play. - Lockwood
Lockwood Generation Six Restricted Keying System
Explore more of our products and solutions here.
Let’s talk
Questions about our products, solutions, services or anything else regarding ASSA ABLOY NZ? We would love to hear from you.