Case Study: High Security Locks

For years, a large condominium community had been operating under the assumption that their master key system was secure. But when a routine audit revealed that more than 50 master keys had been duplicated over the past 15 years, the board realized they had lost control of access to nearly every unit on the property.

Between former managers, vendors, board members, and long-gone maintenance staff, there was no way to know who still had access—or how many unauthorized copies might be floating around.

That’s when the association turned to Key Security Services.

A Modern Solution to an Aging Problem

Key Security Services began by conducting a full review of the existing key system, lock hardware, and areas of concern. They quickly recommended a transition to the Schlage Primus high-security platform—a system trusted across commercial, institutional, and multi-family properties for its proven protection and flexible design.

“Primus gave us the control and confidence we were missing. No one can copy these keys without authorization, and we know exactly who has what.” - Lisa, BOD President

The Power of Schlage Primus

The association was drawn to Primus for more than just its name. Schlage Primus offers critical security features that made it the right choice for a community of this size and complexity:

• Resistance to picking, bumping, and drilling

• Patent-protected keys that cannot be duplicated without authorization

• Key tracking and auditing for accountability

• Flexible master keying for controlled staff access

But perhaps the most important benefit was backward compatibility. Primus cylinders are designed to work alongside standard Schlage locks. This meant the association could focus the high-security upgrade where it mattered most—the unit doors—while keeping lower-priority areas like stairwells, utility closets, and storage lockers on a more affordable standard platform.

This hybrid approach, guided by Key Security Services, saved the association over $50,000 without compromising unit security.

Planning for a Seamless Transition

With over 1,500 locks on the property, the board was initially concerned that coordinating the upgrade would create confusion and disruption.

Key Security Services eliminated that concern by creating a detailed lock conversion schedule weeks in advance, mapping out unit numbers and common areas to help the property manager communicate clearly with homeowners and staff.

Installation was handled methodically, with Key’s technicians checking in every morning and afternoon to provide real-time updates and flag any issues that needed follow-up.

“They didn’t just rekey the locks and move on. Key’s technicians lubricated the doors, adjusted hardware, and made sure everything was closing and locking properly. And if a door needed more attention, they provided photos and reports so we could make informed decisions.” - Sara T., CAM

More Than a Lock Change—It’s Peace of Mind

This project wasn’t about replacing hardware. It was about restoring control, ensuring accountability, and giving the association and homeowners a renewed sense of peace of mind. Homeowners now know their unit doors are protected by a patented, high-security key system that can’t be duplicated at a hardware store. Staff now work within a clearly defined master key system, and managers have full confidence that access is documented and secure. Common areas now close and lock properly. Old vulnerabilities have been addressed. And thanks to Key Security Services, what once felt like a logistical nightmare was handled smoothly, professionally, and with care.

“This project was one of the most complex we’ve ever done—and yet, it was one of the smoothest. Key Security Services was organized, proactive, and reliable from start to finish. We finally have a secure system that works the way it should.” - Sara T., CAM

For communities looking to modernize their lock systems without sacrificing budget, control, or appearance, Schlage Primus and Key Security Services deliver a solution built for real-world challenges—and real peace of mind.