How does a master key system work?

Think of master key systems in relation to your business’ organisation chart. At the top of the chart is the CEO. They have access to information and oversee all aspects of the business. In a master key system this is referred to as The Great Grand Master Key. This key can access and unlock all of the locks across the business. If it is a multi-site business (eg. many retail stores or offices) it can open all of the premises.

A Grand Master Key has some limited access across the business. It may have access to open all doors on the ground floor. You might have a second grand master key that unlocks the 1st floor. It could also be that the GMA-A opens all locks of your shop in Preston, but GMA-B only unlocks your Fitzroy store. The GGMA has full access to both of these store locations.

The Master Key has access to certain parts of the building. You may have MK-1 for your IT Manager. They can open all server room doors and computer offices, however the HR Manager’s MK-2 can’t. Both of their keys can also only work in the Preston store and not the one in Fitzroy.

It is best that a master key systems’ hierarchy is designed and developed to suit each individual business and their requirements.