Key management can eat up a frustrating proportion of a security team’s time as well as that of facilities managers having to contend with bulging bunches and ever-expanding key cupboards to address the challenges of efficiently managing facilities such as hotels, resorts and residential compounds.

A well-designed master key system provides a time-saving alternative that is flexible and secure, says Assa Abloy, a global leader in access solutions, which has just launched the new CYS10 master key system which can meet these challenges.

Without the complexity of traditional access control systems and intrusive wiring, master key systems can filter access to multiple openings and make buildings more secure, says the Sweden-based company.

Staff and contractors with varying levels of authority get granular access to match their authorisation without carrying around large keyrings – with all the security risks that those bring. Master keys can also help improve safety. In an emergency, managers can access every opening with a single key, it adds.

Daily management benefits 

A master key system helps facilities staff manage and filter access intelligently, without issuing a separate key for each lock. Everyone accesses the doors they need without carrying multiple keys or wasting time finding the right key. Because a single key may open multiple locks, effective master key system design reduces the number of keys you need to cut, track or replace. It saves building managers time and money. With fewer keys in circulation, time spent re-establishing security after a lost or stolen key is also reduced.

“Assa Abloy Group companies have been manufacturing locks and keys for more than 140 years,” says Kirsi Solehmainen, Product Manager Mechanical Cylinders at Assa Abloy Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Our history of invention includes the Euro profile cylinder, which has since become an industry standard.”

CYS10 system

In Assa Abloy’s new CYS10 master key system, both keys and cylinders are designed to maximise flexibility and safety. The system is suited to premises of any size – including large buildings or multi-site campuses – where affordable security is needed for all kinds of opening.

“The new six-pin technology CYS10 system helps streamline the creation and implementation of even large master key systems with up to 63 different profiles. Customers can get advice on designing the security hierarchy from their locksmith partner or directly from an Assa Abloy master key system expert,” says Solehmainen.

CYS10 cylinders and locks meet major European security standards: EN 1303:2015, EN 12320:2012 and optional SKG*** quality mark certification. The secure anti-pick design with 15 kN pulling resistance, five minutes’ drilling resistance and third-party tested bump resistance – even for the master key suite – offer a high level of security, she adds.

The CYS10’s high-quality nickel silver key is protected against unauthorised copying by two separate patents, adding an extra layer of safety.

For convenient building management, the CYS10 range enables facilities staff to equip almost any opening. Keyholders only need to carry one CYS10 key to unlock everything they need. Their own key unlocks every appropriate lock, and no more.

The device range includes single, double, thumbturn, screw-in and rim cylinders for interior and exterior doors, switch cylinders for control panels, plus cam locks for letterboxes or furniture. The CYS10 Padlock secures gates, lockers, and more.

“Almost every locking point inside and outside a building has a CYS10 solution with security you can rely on. It is a modern and affordable master key system to put security managers in control while reducing their key admin burden,” Solehmainen concludes.

The Assa Abloy Group operates worldwide with 48,500 employees and sales of SEK84 billion. The group has leading positions in areas such as efficient door openings, trusted identities and entrance automation. Its innovations enable safe, secure and convenient access to physical and digital places.

Assa Abloy Opening solutions leads the development within door openings and products for access solutions and homes, businesses and institutions. Its offering includes doors, door and window hardware, locks, access control and services.