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How to implement an electronic key system

Implementing an electronic key system can be rewarding for many reasons, the most apparent being an improvement in community security; but how exactly does one accomplish this task?

Step 1: Review your community/facility needs

electronic key systemPrior to selecting and implementing an electronic key system, it’s important to review your community or facility’s needs. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

“How many residents does my community have?”

“Which electronic key control features are most important for my community?”

“Do I require bilingual options?”

“Does my community use Yardi software?”

If you have trouble answering any of these questions, that’s okay! We’re here to help. Contact us at your convenience to speak with a sales representative in your area. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and layout all the options suitable for your property.

With these questions answered, it’s time to begin the system selection process.

Step 2: Select a system

Between the Standard and Premium Touch, there’s a system for any sized application or budget. A few of HandyTrac’s notable electronic key system features include:

– Stunning touch screen displays

– Instant reporting

Multi-factor authentication

For a full list of electronic key system features, view our products online or contact us to speak with a representative.

Step 3: Installation

Using the tutorials and resources provided by HandyTrac, installation is a breeze. Simply visit the Resources page to get started. And, as always, if you run into any trouble, give us a call!

Step 4: Training your staff

Once you’ve installed your system, it’s time to gather the troops and begin training. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Emphasize the importance of key control. Present and future staff should understand that key control is a top priority for your community. Emphasize that a key system ensures their protection as well as yours.

Keep the process consistent. Once you have the system in place, make as few changes to the process as possible, with possible exception of completely revamping it for security reasons. Every time you change the procedure, you’ll have to retrain your employees.

Make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. This may seem a little paradoxical considering that a secure system requires multiple steps, but if those steps make sense to your employees, they will memorize the process quickly, and it will become second nature through repetition.

And vualá! Your electronic key system has been implemented, providing valuable security and peace of mind for community managers and residents alike.

For more information about HandyTrac, contact us today.

HandyTrac User Tip: Accessing Your System in a No-Power Situation

No matter the location, your community or facility is guaranteed to experience a power outage at some point. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time by ensuring that you have control of your keys, regardless of the situation. Learn how to access your electronic key system in any no-power situation using these simple steps:

electronic key systemWhat do I do if my system won’t function? (no power or buttons are nonoperational)

1. The first step for any issue is to turn the system off for 60 seconds and then turn back on. Flip the red rocker switch on the bottom or right side of the black box the keypad is mounted on. If you are having trouble locating this switch, unplug the power cord from the outlet. If your system still has no power after this, skip to step 4.

2. Test system by pushing the Blue Enter button or the F5 key on the Touch system after the
system has completed booting and is displaying time and date. If your system is still not operable, skip to step 4.

3. See if you can access the system using your badge and pin or fingerprint on biometric-enabled systems. If you are now able to use the system, we recommend powering off the system and following the next steps to prevent further issues until the emergency is over.

4. Log in and print your key map from handytrac.com.

5. Use one of the keys provided with the system to open the cabinet door, pull and return keys manually based on the key map.

6. In the event you don’t have a cabinet key, you will need to drill out the lock and either order a replacement or swap it out with a compatible mailbox lock.

What do I do if an event is on the horizon (wild fires, hurricane, or flooding)?

1. Log in to handytrac.com to print off your key map.

2. Turn off the system and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery backup. This will ensure that it has sufficient battery life to help pull keys and protect it from lighting strikes or power fluctuations during emergencies.

3. Use the cabinet key and the key map to open the cabinet and pull keys manually.

4. If you do not have cabinet key, you will need to drill out the lock and order a replacement lock from website

For accessing your system in any no-power situation, you will need the key for the lock on your cabinet. We suggest storing the key in a safe location where it can be accessed in an emergency and do not store it in the cabinet. Additionally, make sure to collect the keys from any manager that is leaving or may be unavailable for an extended period of time.

Should you have any further questions regarding your electronic key system, please contact our support team.