Key control is exactly that: the control of the keys to your lock. Getting there is much more difficult than you think. You may think that if you have it with you, then you are controlling it. There are many other considerations that go into full key control, they are:
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How many total keys were cut for that lock code?
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Can you account for all your keys and who has them?
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Has that lock code ever been repeated?
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Do you have a high security lock?
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Are your locks patent protected?
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What does the patent protect?
Lock security is as strong as key control. You could have the best and strongest high-security lock, but if you can’t control your keys, that expensive lock isn’t very secure. It doesn’t matter what kind of lock you buy. You can make it safer by practicing good control.
It is more difficult in a business. The rules are the same, but there are more people involved. This is where lockable key fobs and tamper-evident key fobs are used. With lockable rings, you put them on a ring and they are usually locked with a high security padlock. For tamper-evident rings, keys are placed on the ring, then the ring is clamped shut. Each ring has a unique serial number. The only way to get the keys out of the ring is to cut it. By wearing these rings you will be able to keep track of your keys, they also help prevent key loss.
When a key is lost or cannot be accounted for, a decision must be made. Should you rekey these locks or risk the wrong person not finding the lost key? This decision is made depending on what that lock was protecting and what that value is to you. Changing the key in the lock is less expensive than replacing it. Rekeying involves changing the lock pins and cutting new keys to match. Older keys will no longer operate the lock.
High security locks come with registered lock codes and provide a higher level of key control. Key control is generally held in a computer database and keys can be tracked until they reach the end user. What happens afterwards is the responsibility of the end user.
Take key control seriously, without key control there is no real lock security.