Fill in the form and our specialists will help design a secure, scalable master key system tailored to your site.
✔ Free consultation
✔ Scalable solutions
✔ For commercial and industrial sites
✔Range of patented key profiles
A master key system is a structured locking solution that allows different keys to open different doors, while a master key can open multiple or all doors within a building. It’s a proven way to control access across offices, schools, healthcare sites, and commercial buildings without the complexity of managing large numbers of individual keys.
By creating a clear key hierarchy, master key systems improve security, simplify day-to-day access, and reduce the costs associated with lost keys and rekeying. Authorised staff can access the areas they need, while sensitive or restricted spaces remain protected.
At DOM UK, we design and supply bespoke mechanical master key systems using high-quality security cylinders tailored to your site, risk level, and operational requirements. Whether you’re securing a single building or a multi-site estate, our scalable solutions are built to grow with you, supported by an experienced UK partner network to ensure correct design, installation, and long-term key control.
I wanted to thank Emma Chapman and the team for all their help, particularly with large commercial projects over the last few years, couldn’t have done this without you and the range of product that DOM supply.
Roland Golby - Director - A1 Seecure Locksmiths
Thank you for your great service on our recent order. Everything was correct, cylinders all labeled up and fast delivery time.
Its a shame other companies aren't as efficient as DOM!
A master key system simplifies building management by allowing owners or facility managers to access multiple areas with a single key. This removes the need to carry large key bunches and makes day-to-day access quicker and more practical across your premises.
Master key systems offer precise access control through clearly defined key hierarchies. Individual keys can be assigned to specific doors or zones, while authorised personnel retain master-level access. This ensures staff only access the areas they need, without compromising overall security.
DOM UK supplies high-security mechanical cylinders with controlled key profiles. Keys can only be duplicated through authorised DOM dealers, helping to prevent unauthorised copying and maintain long-term control of your system.
When keys are lost or staff change, replacements can be issued quickly without the need to replace entire locking systems. This keeps ongoing maintenance costs low while preserving security across the site.
A professionally designed master key system supports smooth daily operations by reducing delays, simplifying access, and maintaining security. For organisations managing multiple doors or buildings, this results in a more efficient, organised, and secure working environment.
Master key systems are widely used in schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and multi-site commercial estates where security and access control must work together.
Master key systems are used across a wide range of sectors where secure, structured access is essential. Common applications include:
Offices and commercial buildings
Schools, colleges, and universities
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Apartment blocks and residential developments
Student accommodation and multi-occupancy housing
Warehouses and industrial sites
Retail and public buildings
Whether managing a single building or a multi-site estate, DOM master key systems provide scalable, long-term security tailored to your environment.
A master key system is ideal for small to medium-sized buildings where access needs to be controlled across multiple doors while remaining simple to manage. This type of system allows one master key to open all locks, while individual sub-keys are restricted to specific doors or areas.
For example, a managing director, facilities manager, or site supervisor may hold the master key, granting full access across the building. Staff or contractors are issued keys that only operate the doors relevant to their role, such as offices, storage areas, or plant rooms.
DOM UK master key systems are fully bespoke and can be built around any of our high-security mechanical cylinders. Each system is designed to match your building layout, access requirements, and future expansion plans. Whether you’re securing offices, commercial premises, or light industrial sites, a single-level master key system delivers:
Clear access control and accountability
Reduced key quantities and simplified key management
High security using patented DOM cylinder technology
This structure provides an effective balance between security, convenience, and control, making it one of the most commonly specified master key solutions for commercial environments.
For larger estates or more complex access requirements, additional master key hierarchies can be introduced.
A Grand Master Key (GMK) system is designed for large organisations or multi-site estates that require structured, high-level access control across multiple buildings or departments. This advanced hierarchy allows senior management or estates teams to maintain full oversight, while ensuring staff and contractors only have access to the areas relevant to their role.
For example, an estates director or facilities manager may hold the Grand Master Key, providing access across all buildings. Site managers or department heads are issued Master Keys for their specific location, while staff, maintenance teams, or service contractors receive Sub-Master or individual keys limited to designated areas.
A typical Grand Master Key hierarchy includes:
Level 1 – Grand Master Key (GMK): Opens all cylinders across all buildings or sites, providing complete access for senior management or central facilities teams.
Level 2 – Master Key (MK): Opens all cylinders within a specific building, department, or site, typically issued to site or facilities managers.
Level 3 – Sub-Master Key (SMK): Opens selected areas or zones only, allowing controlled access for staff, contractors, or service teams.
Each cylinder is also supplied with its own individual key for day-to-day use, ensuring secure access at the door level.
DOM UK Grand Master Key systems are fully bespoke and designed around your estate layout, operational structure, and future expansion plans. Ideal for hospitals, universities, local authorities, housing groups, and large commercial organisations, a GMK system provides:
Structured access control across multiple buildings and departments
Clear accountability and controlled key distribution
Reduced key quantities and simplified management
High security using patented DOM cylinder technology
This type of hierarchy delivers scalable, long-term control for complex estates where security, efficiency, and flexibility are essential.
Common Entrance Systems are designed for multi-occupancy buildings where controlled key access is required to shared areas without compromising the security of private spaces. They are widely used in apartment blocks, student accommodation, social housing, and residential developments.
This type of system allows residents, staff, or authorised personnel to use keys for main entrance doors and communal areas, while ensuring individual flats, rooms, or private units remain secure and independent.
For example, residents may hold a key that opens the main building entrance and shared facilities such as bin stores or cycle areas, but not other private dwellings. Facilities managers, caretakers, or maintenance teams can be issued higher-level keys to access additional service areas when required.
A typical Common Entrance setup includes:
Individual resident keys for the main entrance and permitted shared areas
Separate private cylinder locks for individual flats, rooms, or units
Optional higher-level keys for building managers, caretakers, or maintenance staff
DOM UK Common Entrance systems are fully bespoke and can be configured to match the layout and key hierarchy of your building. They are particularly suited to:
Apartment blocks and residential developments
Student accommodation and halls of residence
Housing associations and local authority properties
Mixed-use or multi-tenant buildings
For added flexibility, Common Entrance cylinders can also be integrated into a wider Master Key or Grand Master Key hierarchy, allowing building owners or managing agents to maintain full key control across multiple properties or sites.
This approach delivers:
Secure, controlled key access to shared spaces
Privacy and independence for individual occupants
Simplified key management for building operators
Scalable mechanical security using patented DOM cylinder technology
Keyed to Differ (KTD) cylinders are designed so that each lock is operated by its own unique key. No two cylinders share the same key combination, ensuring individual security and clear separation between doors or areas.
This solution is ideal where access must be restricted to specific users, such as private offices, plant rooms, equipment stores, or sensitive areas where shared access is not appropriate.
Where required, Keyed to Differ cylinders can also be incorporated into a wider master key system. In this arrangement, the individual user key will only operate its assigned door, while authorised personnel can use a master key to access multiple locks as part of the overall key hierarchy.
For example, a staff member may hold a key for their own office only, while a facilities manager or site supervisor has a master key that provides controlled access across the building.
DOM UK Keyed to Differ cylinders are fully compatible with our patented mechanical systems and can be specified to match your security structure, building layout, and future expansion plans.
This approach provides:
Maximum individual door security
Clear key accountability and restricted access
Flexibility to integrate into master key or grand master key systems
Reliable mechanical protection using patented DOM cylinder technology
Keyed Alike (KA) cylinders are configured so that multiple locks can be operated using the same key. This provides a simple and efficient solution where convenient shared access is required across several doors.
Keyed Alike systems are commonly used where the same user or team needs access to multiple areas, such as external doors, plant rooms, storage areas, or multi-door access points within a single site. Instead of carrying several keys, users can operate all relevant locks with one key, simplifying day-to-day access.
Where additional control is required, Keyed Alike cylinders can also be incorporated into a wider master key system. In this structure, groups of doors share a common user key, while authorised personnel retain higher-level access through master or sub-master keys.
For example, maintenance staff may carry one key that opens several service areas, while a facilities manager holds a master key providing access across the full system.
DOM UK Keyed Alike cylinders are fully compatible with our patented mechanical ranges and can be specified as part of a bespoke security design tailored to your building layout and operational requirements.
This approach provides:
Convenient access to multiple doors with a single key
Reduced key quantities and simpler key management
Flexible integration within master key or grand master key systems
Reliable mechanical security using patented DOM cylinder technology
How much does a master key system cost?
The cost of a master key system depends on the number of doors, cylinders, and the level of key hierarchy required. Because every DOM UK master key system is bespoke, pricing varies by project. Use the enquiry form to request a tailored quotation based on your building layout and security requirements.
Can a master key system be expanded later?
Yes. DOM master key systems are designed with future expansion in mind, making them ideal for growing organisations, building extensions, or multi-phase developments.
Are master key systems secure?
DOM systems use high-security mechanical cylinders and, where required, patented key profiles. This ensures keys cannot be copied without authorisation and helps maintain long-term control over your site’s security.
Who designs the key plan?
Your master key system is designed by authorised DOM dealers and security professionals. The key hierarchy is carefully planned around your building layout, access requirements, and operational needs to ensure efficient and secure access management.
Fill in the form and our specialists will help design a secure, scalable master key system tailored to your site.
✔ Free consultation
✔ Scalable solutions
✔ For commercial and industrial sites
✔Range of patented key profiles
Designing a Master Key System involves careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure it meets the unique security needs of your premises. At DOM UK, our Master Keying department offers expert support to help design tailored and efficient solutions for projects of all sizes.
For easy and efficient planning, we provide DOMXL, a free and user-friendly design tool available to all DOM dealers. Compatible with Microsoft Excel, DOMXL enables the creation of both simple and complex Master Key charts. Developed in-house, DOMXL provides building owners with valuable insights into cost efficiency and offers a solid foundation for planning and implementing Master Key Systems.
Key Features of DOMXL include:
Relationship Management: Streamlined control of profiles, design, type, and lock length.
Locking Function Control: Customisable locking functions to suit diverse security needs.
Comprehensive Cost Overview: A detailed view of costs, including gross pricing, for informed decision-making.
Hardware Import Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with existing hardware for easy planning.
Extensions to Existing Master Key Plans: Effortlessly extend or modify your current Master Key System to accommodate future requirements.
