KeyTrak Uses Innovative 'Embedded' Technology for its New Key Control System
28 September 1999
KeyTrak Uses Innovative 'Embedded' Technology for its New Key Control System
ATLANTA--Sept. 27, 1999--hospitals, postal services, pharmacies, and apartment
communities
KeyTrak(R), Inc. (www.keytrak.com), announced today that the company has developed a lower priced, streamlined version of its computerized key control system.
Called KeyTrak EZ, the new system uses an embedded controller device with a user-interface pad and built-in display panel instead of a PC, keyboard, and monitor to connect with its locking, steel key drawer. The new key control system will be introduced at the ASIS security conference in Las Vegas, September 27-29.
KeyTrak EZ consists of the embedded controller device, proprietary software, semi-conductor button technology, and an electronic steel drawer that protects keys from unauthorized use. Keys are stored inside a computerized locking steel drawer with access to the drawer strictly controlled. The system, based on technology patented by KeyTrak, records which key is taken, when that key is removed, and who has removed the key.
"Ever since the first lock was invented thousands of years ago, men and women have struggled to keep up with their keys. The challenge of key control has definitely intensified with the invention of the automobile, with the introduction of high rises and multifamily communities, and with the need to secure valuables," explained KeyTrak's CEO, Mark Singleton.
"Now, we've developed a system that uses new technology to solve an age old problem. KeyTrak EZ not only simplifies the task of tracking large numbers of keys, but it helps users control access to those keys," Singleton said.
"Over the years, there's been a revolution in keys or access control devices. In fact, many of the keys we use today to access offices, apartments or other structures, aren't what we traditionally think of as 'keys'. And, in many cases, the keys themselves are intelligent devices, with computer chips and intelligence built-in," he said.
"The key industry has utilized the latest technology to make keys smarter. But even smart keys are lost, misplaced, or misused. At KeyTrak, we've taken today's technology to develop a computer-savvy system that tracks and controls keys, letting a user know who has a key, where that key is, and how that key's been used," Singleton explained.
"What we've done is replace the old stand-alone, stupid key cabinet with an electronic, intelligent key control system," he added.
KeyTrak EZ is the ideal key control system for medium size and small businesses, government agencies, apartment communities, postal services, pharmacies, and hospitals, said Singleton. Because a keyboard, monitor or PC isn't required, the system takes up less space.
EZ limits access to keys and other property stored within the system, tracks key usage, and tightens security. Keys are attached to key tags and the tags are placed in computerized slots within the EZ drawer. The key tags carry no markings and are identifiable only by an attached computer chip that tracks the key or keys.
Access to the EZ drawer is controlled by user I.D.'s and passwords. EZ automatically records the identity of the person who removes the key, tracks which key was taken, the reason for its removal, and the date and time of removal. An internal alarm sounds to alert administrators to unauthorized access. In addition, EZ users can track assets with reports that are printed or displayed on the system's built-in display panel.
KeyTrak EZ also overcomes the language barrier that other key control programs and systems encounter. Because EZ is primarily numeric based, language is not a problem, little training is needed and installation is easy.
KeyTrak, Inc.
KeyTrak EZ is the latest innovative product from KeyTrak, Inc., the world leader in computerized key control. KeyTrak systems manage over three million keys each day at 5,000 installations worldwide for automobile dealerships, government agencies, the housing industry, government facilities, security firms, casinos, and commercial buildings.
Customers include The Pentagon, Federal Express, AFN/Porsche, the U.S. House of Representatives, Yale University, University of Michigan, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Birmingham International Airport, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Federal Reserve, Budget Rental Cars, AutoNation, Post Properties, Trammell Crow, the Trump Organization, Columbia University, The Empire State Building, and Securicor Cash Services.
KeyTrak, Inc., with almost 100 employees and distributors, is headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Orlando and Tampa, Fl., and the UK.