Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Master Key System?

Essentially, a Master Key System is when you have a one key system and therefore, you will only need one key to access all your locks (think of it like a skeleton key).
However, a Master Key System also enables you to give access to selected locks/doors with lower level keys. Therefore another single key might access everywhere except your office; and another single key might access the front entry and the cleaning cupboards; or you may only want your staff to have access to the front door and nothing else. In essence, everyone has just one key, but that key will only access their areas.
You can also create keys that you think you might need in the future. Maybe for a personal assistant you plan on hiring next year; or a warehouse manager's key that will also work the new warehouse when it's finished. You dont have to order these keys straight away, or ever, it just allows for ease of expansion and without having to change your existing locks.

What is a Restricted Key?

Restricted keys, also known as Registered or Security Keys, are legally and physically protected from manufacture, distribution and duplication by a variety of patents, registered design, contracts and licenses. Different brands of Restricted Keys have varying degrees of protection and timeframe left on their legal protection.

Why do I need a Restricted Key System?

Each key for your system is individually numbered and recorded - you can be certain that no one still has keys to your premises.
Your keys cannot be copied without your consent – there are no extra keys that you don’t know about.
You can create a ‘Master Key System’ – each person carries just one key that will let them access only their designated locks.
All keys are code cut to factory specifications – no more ‘jiggling’ badly cut keys.
Enhanced physical security – tight manufacturing tolerances helps prevent picking, manipulation, and unauthorized entry of your locks.
The majority of existing locks are compatible with our systems – you probably won’t be up for complete new locks, just the necessary components.
New keys can only be obtained through Matrix with correct authority verification. The authorised people are set up in the initial stages of creating your system.
Extra locks can be ordered through Matrix and can be made to work off all or any of your existing keys, or new keys.

What will stop someone from going to a locksmith and copying the master key?

Restricted (also known as ‘Registered’ or ‘Security’) keys are protected by a variety of patents, registered designs, contracts and licenses. Depending on the brand, each product will have varying degrees of protection and timeframe left on their legal protection.

To even obtain a Restricted keyblank the locksmith must be a member of an approved industry organisation as well as a registered dealer for that specific key blank, which involves extensive licensing contracts with that particular manufacturer. The company details of the locksmith are embossed onto the keyblank making it permanently traceable. No member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia has even been convicted of duplicating an unauthorised key.
We are so confident in our products that if you are able to obtain a Matrix legally protected Restricted key from anyone but us, we will refund the cost of all your keys plus change all your locks free of charge.

Why should I get a Restricted Key System when I can get a ‘Do Not Copy’ key cut at my local hardware!

‘Do Not Copy’ or ‘Do Not Duplicate’ stamped on a key means nothing! Your hardware store was probably quite within their rights to cut it for you. Many standard keys have this stamped on them in a vain attempt to stop people getting them cut. However they are just a standard key blank that any key-cutter can buy and there is no legal protection.
A true Restricted key will not be able to be cut at a hardware; they won’t even have the keyblank.

How do I know what brand of Restricted system is the right one for my needs?

The size, complexity, and security features required will determine the brand of restricted product we use for your system. Different brands offer different master-keying capabilities, legal protection, physical security etc. We will quote you on various products so you can make a more informed choice.

Can I transfer my current system to Matrix?

We get enquiries every day from people wanting us to take over the management of their key system. Typically it’s because their current supplier hasn’t designed efficient, or sufficient, coding for the system; new keys are taking a week or more to be supplied; the client wasn’t taught how to manage their system and it’s now in a mess; or they are simply being charged too much.
From a legal point of view, yes; you own your key system and can request your current supplier to transfer it to Matrix. However it’s not always that simple, give us a call and we will see what we can work out for you.
If it’s not feasible to transfer your existing system we will quote you on an exchange system at a discounted rate.

Why is Matrix so much cheaper than other suppliers?

Good question! Maybe you should ask your supplier why they charge you so much! Rest assured though that we are not skimping on quality or cutting corners. It’s probably the fact that we solely specialise in Restricted Master Key Systems and therefore we don’t have to rely on inflated profits to keep other areas of business afloat.

How do I know if my existing locks are compatible with Restricted locks?

The vast majority of commercial quality locks on the Australian market are compatible; this means that instead of replacing the entire lock we only need to install a Restricted barrel or cylinder into your existing lock. In the case of non-compatible locks, e.g. most of the Chinese knobsets, we will supply a complete lock that will fit in place of your existing one.

How much does it cost?

Unfortunately there are too many variables to list prices here.
The size and complexity of your system will also determine the best way to organise your quote.
Contact us.

What can I do if my current Restricted Key System has run out of legal protection?

Patents last for 20 years and Registered Design for 10 years. After the legal protection expires, the product will usually still be covered by contracts and licenses that physically control distribution of the keyblanks and componentry. Some brands have been out of legal protection for years but their ongoing contracts and licenses have maintained their integrity thus far.
If you would like to upgrade your system to a legally protected product please contact us.

How do I know who has each key?

This part of the record keeping is up to you. We individualise each key in your system, it’s up to you to record who you give that key to. If you don’t, your investment in a Restricted Keying System is largely wasted.
Depending on the size of your system you could do this in different ways.

Manually, in a book or register
On an electronic spreadsheet like excel – we can supply a sample free of charge
Our user-friendly KeyManager® software – highly recommended especially for larger systems. Contact us for a free trial version.

I like the idea of a Master Key System but I don't want the hassle of the Restricted part.

That's fine, we can supply you with a Master Key System on standard keys. That said, let me try and talk you out of it.
Standard keys can be copied at any hardware, shoe repairer, etc that use inferior and uncalibrated machines, plus untrained staff. A year or two down the track you’ll have,

badly cut keys, which at best will wear out your locks
no idea who has keys and how many keys have been cut
lost all the keys to a lock and you’ll have to call a locksmith, where as with a Restricted system we could simply send you a new key

If you sack a staff member, you’ll have to change all the locks. If you had a Restricted system, all you'll have to do is get back their key

Wide manufacturing tolerances in standard keys and cylinders will cause problems.
Price wise, you might save a bit initially, but in the long run it’d probably be more expensive.
So long as you’re the authorised person, it’s not a ‘hassle’ to get another key. It's actually easier than going to the shops!

How do I get another key for my system?

Simple. In the initial stages of your system you set up ‘signatories’, these are the people that are authorised to obtain new keys through us.
The actual process of ordering keys will vary depending on the security features you require. Some examples include:

Signature verification – same as checking a credit card signature
Email verification – orders will only be accepted from specific email addresses
Email confirmation – an email will be sent to all signatories to say we received an order
Call back – we ring a pre-determined number to confirm the order
Static delivery address – keys will only be sent to a pre-determined address
Password control – for phone confirmation
Web ordering – only for users of our Key Manager software

Do I have to use a new phase even if I know the lost key will never be found?

No, of course not. If, for example, a key is dropped over the side of a boat, you may choose to not use a new phase, and simply order a replacement key. The key will eventually be deleted anyway when you do go onto the next phase.

How do I know if my existing locks are compatible with a Matrix Key System?

99% of commercial quality locks in the Australian marketplace are based on a standard barrel design and spacing incremental system; this means that instead of replacing the entire lock we only need to install a Matrix barrel or cylinder into your existing lock. In the case of non-compatible locks, e.g. inferior & 'hardware store quality' locks, we can supply a complete lock that will fit in place of your existing one.

So how do you 'know'? Firstly have a read through our Products page for descriptions of the various types of cylinders. If that doesn't help or you're unsure then the best way is to email us a photo of your lock(s), or call us on 1300 564 464 and we'll sort it out.