Key Control for Businesses: Do Not Duplicate vs Restricted Keys
If you run a business or manage a building, there’s one security problem that quietly grows over time.
It’s not always forced entry.
It’s not always lock picking.
It’s simple: keys get copied and access gets out of control.
At Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd., we work with commercial clients and property management companies across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, helping them improve key control, tighten access, and reduce the risk of unauthorized entry.
This guide explains the real difference between:
- Do Not Duplicate keys
- Restricted keys
- and how proper key control protects your building long-term
What Key Control Really Means
Key control means your business can confidently answer:
- Who currently has keys to the building?
- How many keys exist in total?
- Who is allowed to request copies?
- Are keys being shared or duplicated without permission?
- If staff turnover happens tomorrow, is your building still secure?
If the answer to any of those questions is “I’m not sure,” you may already have a key control problem.
This is extremely common for:
- multi-tenant buildings
- back doors and staff entrances
- property management companies
- businesses with regular staff turnover
- facilities where contractors and vendors come and go
The Problem With “Do Not Duplicate” Keys
A lot of businesses rely on keys stamped:
“DO NOT DUPLICATE”
or
“DUPLICATION PROHIBITED”
The stamp looks official and it sounds secure, but the truth is simple:
A stamp is not a security system.
“Do Not Duplicate” is basically a warning or request. It might discourage someone from copying the key at a retail kiosk, but it does not guarantee it won’t be copied elsewhere.
That’s why we often tell customers:
If you are serious about access control, you need real key control, not just a label.
Why Unauthorized Key Copies Are Such a Big Risk
A copied key is dangerous because you rarely find out right away.
Unauthorized copies can lead to:
- former staff returning after hours
- contractors keeping long-term access
- tenants giving keys to others
- unknown access to storage rooms
- unknown access to offices
- unknown access to back doors
In a commercial building, that can create:
- theft risk
- safety risk
- liability risk
- repeat lockouts and rekeying expenses
- ongoing stress for managers and owners
Signs Your Building Has Lost Key Control
If you notice any of the following, it may be time to upgrade:
- Keys are constantly “missing”
- You have no idea how many keys exist
- A master key has been passed around
- Tenants are sharing keys
- Vendors and contractors have keys
- Staff turnover happens often
- The back door is a weak point
- You’ve had unauthorized access concerns
- You’ve rekeyed the same doors multiple times
Key control problems get worse over time unless the system is corrected.
What Restricted Keys Are (and Why They’re Better)
Restricted keys are designed to create real key control.
Instead of being “easy to cut anywhere,” restricted key systems are controlled so:
- key blanks are not widely available
- keys can’t be duplicated as easily
- authorization is required for additional keys
- duplication is better controlled
- you maintain a tighter access structure long-term
Restricted key systems are a strong option when you want security that holds up over time, not just a quick fix.
Property Management Companies: Restricted Keys Make a Huge Difference
Property managers deal with access constantly:
- tenant turnover
- service contractors
- emergency entries
- staff changes
- and people who “forget” to return keys
Restricted keys help property management companies because you can better control:
- how many keys exist
- who can approve new copies
- who has higher-level access
- which doors need the tightest control
This becomes especially important for:
- shared entrances
- staff-only access points
- mechanical rooms
- storage rooms
- rear doors and receiving doors
What About High-Security Keys?
Many customers ask if restricted keys are the same as “high-security keys.”
Sometimes they overlap, but the key benefit you’re looking for is usually:
✅ better control over who can get copies
✅ reduced risk of unauthorized duplication
✅ more predictable access management
For many commercial clients, the “key control” part is more important than anything else.
Rekeying Still Matters
Restricted keys are a long-term solution.
But if access is already compromised, a restricted key upgrade often starts with a rekey so you can reset everything properly.
Rekeying helps you:
- shut down old keys instantly
- reset access after turnover
- regain control after missing keys
- start fresh with a proper plan
This is especially useful for properties that have been managed for years without a full security reset.
Key Control Works Best When the Door Works Properly
One important thing property managers and businesses overlook:
A lock can be fine, but if the door doesn’t latch properly, the building may still be unsecured.
This can happen when:
- doors sag
- hinges wear out
- closers fail
- panic hardware doesn’t latch consistently
- strikes become misaligned
Key control and door function must work together.
Serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Supreme Lock Solutions provides commercial locksmithing, key control, and restricted key options across:
Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Truro, New Glasgow, Kentville, Bridgewater and surrounding areas
New Brunswick: Saint John and surrounding areas, plus additional service coverage across the province
Want Better Key Control for Your Building?
If you want to stop unauthorized key copies and regain control of building access, Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. can help you choose the right solution for your doors, tenants, and security needs.
Visit: www.supremelocksolutions.com
