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The Basics of Key Management and Control

marcela-using-ht-touchIt’s never too late – or too early – to implement a key control and management strategy. A good key control and management system is organized and formal, and addresses both access to and control of a property’s keys.

When deciding which system best suits your needs, keep these 8 basics in mind:

1. Tracking: A tracking system lets you know where keys are and who has them. The system records who took keys, when and for how long.

2. Cost: An electronic key management system can pay for itself when compared to the cost of loss and/or replacing keys on a regular basis in addition to the ROI gained from improved security.

3. Security: Key management systems are designed so that only authorized users can access keys and the management of keys is controlled.

4. Scalability: As your needs grow, the system can be expanded to accommodate more key cabinets. HandyTrac offers single and double cab options for all it’s key control systems.

5. Convenience: A key management and control system is easy to use and can accommodate a variety of keys. Biometric fingerprint verification, touch screen display and lighted cabinets add to the ease of use.

6. Integrity: Rugged 18 gauge steel cabinets and tamper-proof doors enhance the reliability of the system.

7. Access: PINs, access control cards, biometrics or any combination of the three are the most commonly used methods for accessing keys.

8. Aesthetics: Well designed key systems and cabinets make key management simple for all users. The HandyTrac Touch features a large touch screen display, biometric reader and badge reader for ease of use and maximum security.


About HandyTrac

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smartphone.


This article was originally posted by Key Control Systems

Happy Holidays from HandyTrac

Happy Holidays ac


It’s a wonderful time of the year to spend with loved ones and think about all the things we are thankful for. We would like to thank our partners, family and friends for whom we would be nothing without. Thank you for your support and trust in our services for the past 22 years.

Happy holidays!

– The HandyTrac Team


About HandyTrac

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smart phone.

Why All Multifamily Properties Should Have Key Control

keysonatableApplications for key security, control and asset management are limited only by one’s imagination. In any situation where there is a need to control access to keys, a key security system can be deployed. One of the most common and practical implementations though is in the multifamily industry.

Just think about it. Multifamily housing developments are found in nearly every municipality across the country and offer housing to thousands of people. Due to high tenant turnover and lack of technology, theft is a worsening issue.

Key control systems were designed as a replacement for manual tracking and storage of keys. Keys are filed in a cabinet that is virtually tamper proof and access and return of keys is electronically monitored. This type of locking system is intended to put a stop to thieves attempting to steal unit keys. In other cases, key control with electronic monitoring will prevent an employee from inadvertently taking a key home at the end of the day instead of returning it.

2016-report-by-employeeKey control can offer further value to multifamily because the systems can also provide management with secure, archived audit trails. For example, reports can be generated to help determine when a key was pulled and for what reason. The ability to track who took a key, for what purpose, when, for how long, and when it was returned is critical for maintaining a reasonable level of security, and reducing the chance of premises security liability.


About HandyTrac

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smart phone.

How Key Control Boosts Your Multifamily Security Plan

keysinthekeyholeSecurity should be a top priority for any property. Multifamily properties have hundreds, sometimes thousands of residents to protect at a time. Thieves could target any property that has perceived weaknesses, so an important aspect of a property’s security plan should be protecting unit keys.

When casing a property, criminals will first consider the easiest way of gaining access to the units: using the key. Keys provides crooks with full access to private units, allowing them to steal from unsuspecting residents or worse.

A thief — and perhaps some accomplices — can easily case a multifamily property simply by posing as a prospective resident. They will take note of the key control system and ask themselves:
– Where are the keys stored? An open pegboard is much easier to access than a locked pegboard. An electronic key control system is even more difficult — maybe impossible — for criminals to thwart.
– How is the staff held accountable for keys? Do they have to sign out a key or enter a PIN to get access?
– If a key goes missing, how long would it take the staff or management to figure this out? (How much time would the criminal have before the missing key was noticed?)
– Is the key management system being used correctly, or are staff members defeating it?
– How is the spare key handled? Is the filing cabinet locked? Who has access?

A large part of security is personnel training. Leasing agents should be trained always to accompany customers on property walks. Keys should never be left in the door when touring a unit. If all staff members know they are accountable for the keys in their possession, they will be extra careful about protecting and returning keys.

Criminals posing as prospective residents may try to steal the key after a unit tour. At a property with an electronic key control system, leasing agents will be more alert to this tactic. The key is signed out in their own name (PIN). They know they need to return the key after the unit tour. The last thing they want to hear is their name associated with a missing key or worse.

Leasing agents, maintenance personnel, and other authorized staff members need quick, reliable access to the keys. An unlocked pegboard is a tempting solution, but it is also tempting to thieves. The need for quick access needs to be weighed against the need to keep control of the keys. Missing keys create chaos for everyone. Lost keys mean lost property and lost residents.

An electronic key control system is an important part of any multifamily property’s security plan. Each staff member is held accountable for the keys they have checked out. The system is tamper-proof and locked. And management can run a live key report at any time. This discourages criminals, who will likely move on to an easier mark.


About HandyTrac

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smart phone.

Key Control on a Budget

budgeting-picThe budget process involves revenue and expenditure forecasting and often a review of company-wide operational costs. For many organizations, both large and small, the ongoing costs of replacing lost keys is a glaring expense, in addition to safety and security issues – but one that can be easily remedied with a purpose-built key management system.

Key control systems help to eliminate the problem of lost or misplaced keys through automated management. Keys are stored in tamper-proof cabinets that can only be accessed by authorized users with pre-programmed PIN codes, access cards or biometrics. All access activity is automatically logged including time, date and identity of the individual accessing the cabinet. Additional information such as when a key is scheduled to be returned or the location of a stored key (i.e. which key cabinet in the system), is also available.

The use of physical keys is exceptionally cost effective and it therefore makes sense from a cost as well as a time standpoint to ensure keys are safeguarded and to additionally take advantage of the increased level of security they offer. The ability to store and track keys provides an immediate improvement to a dealers safety and security and the systems are much more controllable in terms of managing costs – an important factor when preparing or reviewing budget costs.

Key management systems can also be integrated into the overall security system for additional savings and protection. Administrators can access, program and monitor the system over a network from anywhere. This convenience allows managers to access reports, change users, establish permission levels for each user code, monitor data or configure the systems from virtually any location.

With a key management system like HandyTrac in place, operational expenses can be better controlled and budget planning can be made easier.


About HandyTrac

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smart phone.


This article was originally posted by Key Control Systems

HandyTrac Sells 10,000th Key-Control System

alvarezApril 19th, 2016 – After a record-breaking start to 2016, Steve Alvarez, Vice

President and Partner at HandyTrac Systems, LLC sold the company’s

10,000th key-control system. “As a Certified Apartment Property Supervisor,

Certified Manager of Housing, and multifamily veteran, Steve has played a

major role in HandyTrac’s success for over 20 years. We’d like to thank,

and congratulate him today on this milestone,” says John Lie-Nielsen, CEO of

HandyTrac.

Founded by apartment industry veterans, HandyTrac has utilized its industry experience and

insight to build a loyal base of customers who demand a high tech, yet affordable, method of

managing and safe-guarding their keys.

“Our success has been built upon our company mission: to create high quality products that

combine first-rate security with intuitive controls and cost efficiency,” says Lie-Nielsen. “Over

the years, through the new technologies we implement and the customer service we provide,

we’ve built a name that people know and trust.”


HandyTrac Touch: Key Control Will Never Feel The Same

Integrating secure and reliable biometric technology with an easy-to-use touch screen, the

HandyTrac Touch streamlines the key control process for both staff and managers alike.

Features include:

  • Biometric technology and a large display in one unit to offer the highest level of

    security, reporting, and flexibility.

  • Instant reports showing keys out, reasons, and other transactions completed by staff.

  • Ability to review individual work orders with one touch.

  • Visual codes that eliminate typing errors, while streamlining the entire process.

  • Integration of Android’s One Touch Building Pull:

    • Lists units for each building, allowing for quick and easy access when pulling

      multiple keys.

  • Easy to use and doesn’t require additional desktop or wall space.

  • Ability to use bar code employee badges if desired.

  • Built-in WiFi connection available.

With over 3 million keys secured, you can trust HandyTrac for your key control needs. For more

information, visit www.handytrac.com or call 800-665-9994.


About HandyTrac

The HandyTrac Key Control System provides apartment industry key control, as well as student

housing and military housing with a secure, low cost, key control and key tracking system. Their

patented online key management system is the first and only key control solution that ensures

all of clients’ data are backed up with an audit trail.

HandyTrac’s Key Control System Just Got Even Better

admin-ajaxIn 1995, HandyTrac CEO John Lie-Nielsen set out to secure his first key control contract with Alexander Properties in Atlanta for his start-up product, the HandyTrac Classic. Today, HandyTrac protects over 5 million units nationwide, and is the leading key management and control system in the multi-housing and commercial property industry.

After experiencing remarkable success with the HandyTrac Classic, Lie-Nielsen decided to take property security one step further with the HandyTrac Biometric; a system that enhances audit trail credibility and security while eliminating the frustration of lost or damaged employee badges. This system would quickly become the most trusted system in the country, but Lie-Nielsen still felt there was work to be done.

Introducing the HandyTrac Premium Touch. Integrating secure and reliable biometric technology with an easy-to-use touch screen, the HandyTrac Premium Touch streamlines the key control process for both staff and managers alike. With the HandyTrac Premium Touch, key control will never feel the same.

Features include:

– Biometric technology and a large display in one unit to offer the highest level of security,
reporting, and flexibility.

– Instant reports showing keys out, reasons, and other transactions completed by staff.

– Ability to review individual work orders with one touch.

– Visual codes that eliminate typing errors, while streamlining the entire process.

– Integration of Android’s One Touch Building Pull.

         – Lists units for each building, allowing for quick and easy access when pulling multiple keys.

– Easy to use and doesn’t require additional desktop or wall space.

– Ability to use bar code employee badges if desired.

– Built-in WiFi connection available.

With over 5 million keys secured, you can trust HandyTrac for your key control needs. For more information, visit www.handytrac.com or call 800-665-9994.