The security of any locking system is dependent upon two

very important factors. The first is protection against attacks

such as picking, drilling, bumping and forcing. The second is

the ability to control duplication of existing keys. Historically, unauthorized key duplication has played a major role in

compromising even the most sophisticated security systems.

Anyone with even temporary access to original keys has no problem getting duplicates made for their own use if the keys and key blanks are not patented protected. Even stamping "Do Not Duplicate" on a key merely warns someone not to copy the key - it is not a promise of legal protection or enforcement. The only way to ensure that keys cannot be copied without the consent of the owner is a key system with patented protected keys.

Medeco has counteracted the key control problem by doing three things:

1. Medeco manufactures cylinders which use keys that must be made on special key cutting machines. These machines are capable of reproducing the angled cuts and critical tolerances necessary to produce a workable Medeco key, and are not found at general hardware stores.

2. Medeco sells its high quality, precision machined cylinders and locks only to security industry professionals along with a binding agreement. Every restricted Medeco key blank is custom coined and tracked by Medeco to identify it as an authorized key blank which

protects against unauthorized copies.

3. Medeco invests heavily in research and development to establish strong patents and legal agreements to protect its locks and key blanks from unauthorized distribution or manufacture. In this way, Medeco can litigate to protect its rights and the security of its customers.

Not every user has the same key control needs. That's why Medeco has designed different key control programs and different keyways to meet a wide range of security specifications and key access requirements.

The End User program is for large facilities that have their own locksmith on staff and that want to produce Medeco keys themselves. This program offers individualized control over key duplication procedures.

The Commercial Program is designed for users who use Medeco locks primarily for protection against picking, drilling and other forms of physical attack. Keys may be obtained from any Medeco locksmith without specific authorization.

Additional keys are only available from the Medeco factory and only with the proper signature.

eCylinder systems allow the end user the ability to control their own system to electronically change access to any cylinder or key onsite and obtain audit information. An in-depth discussion of the eCylinder will be for another time.