The security of any locking system is dependent upon two important factors:
- Physical strength against picking, drilling, and forcing.
- The controlled duplication of existing keys for that lock or locking system.
Historically, unauthorized key duplication has played a major role in compromising even the most sophisticated security systems. Medeco has eliminated unauthorized duplication of keys by doing three things:
- Medeco manufactures cylinders which use keys that must be made on special key cutting machines or key machines equipped with special key clamps/vise assemblies. These machines must be capable of reproducing the angles cuts and critical tolerances necessary to produce a workable key.
- Medeco sells its high quality, precision machined cylinders and locks only to professional security industries such as locksmiths, locksmith distributors, and contract hardware suppliers. Every Medeco key blank is marked with its name to identify it as an authorized key blank that will work properly in Medeco products and give long product life.
- Medeco has successfully litigated its right to protect against unauthorized manufacture and distribution of its restricted key blanks.
Medeco has developed and maintains four types of Electronic Carded Key Control Programs: Patriot, Liberty, Freedom and Gotham. Each require the presentation of a valid authorization card, along with proper identification, in order for keys to be duplicated by an authorized program certified dealer. The card is electonically scanned and a record of the transaction, including the number of keys supplied is digitally stored.
These programs meet the various needs of locksmiths and their end-users and are described below. Use the DEALER LOCATOR at the top of this page to find a local Medeco Dealer who can help you with your specific needs.
THE PATRIOT PROGRAM - Biaxial
The Patriot Program was originally developed in 1991 to take advantage of the benefits of electronic key management.The Patriot Program utilizes computerized communications between the locksmith’s location and the Medeco factory to facilitate cutting Biaxial Patriot keys.
In order to receive additional cut keys, the end-user must present their authorization card to a participating Patriot dealer. After the locksmith has verified the identity of the individual and has deemed them authorized to request additional cut keys, the locksmith will swipe the authorization card through a card reader.The card reader is specific to the individual dealer and is used in conjunction with a receipt printer. The card reader will connect with the host server, located at the Medeco factory, and will verify the contents of the authorization card.
If the information on the authorization card is valid, the host server will send the bitting information for the authorization card back to the locksmith in the form of a two-ply receipt. Patriot authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail of the keys for an end-users system is generated each time a key is cut. The Patriot program is a nationwide program.
THE LIBERTY PROGRAM - Biaxial
The Liberty Program was originally developed in 1991 to take advantage of the benefits of electronic key management.The Liberty Program utilizes computerized communications between the locksmith’s location and the Medeco factory to facilitate cutting Biaxial Liberty keys.
In order to receive additional cut keys, the end-user must present their authorization card to a participating Liberty dealer. After the locksmith has verified the identity of the individual and has deemed them authorized to request additional cut keys, the locksmith will swipe the authorization card through a card reader. The card reader is specific to the individual dealer and is used in conjunction with a receipt printer. The card reader will connect with the host server, located at the Medeco factory, and will verify the contents of the authorization card.
If the information on the authorization card is valid, the host server will send the bitting information for the authorization card back to the locksmith in the form of a two-ply receipt. Liberty authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail of the keys for an end-users system is generated each time a key is cut. The Liberty program is exclusive to the New York City Territory.
THE FREEDOM PROGRAM - Medeco3
The Freedom Program was developed after the successful Patriot Biaxial Program. The Freedom Program utilizes computerized communications between the locksmith’s location and the Medeco factory to facilitate cutting Medeco3 Freedom keys.
In order to receive additional cut keys, the end-user must present their authorization card to a participating Freedom dealer. After the locksmith has verified the identity of the individual and has deemed them authorized to request additional cut keys, the locksmith will swipe the authorization card through a card reader. The card reader is specific to the individual dealer and is used in conjunction with a receipt printer. The card reader will connect with the host server, located at the Medeco factory, and will verify the contents of the authorization card.
If the information on the authorization card is valid, the host server will send the bitting information for the authorization card back to the locksmith in the form of a two-ply receipt. Freedom authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail of the keys for an end-users system is generated each time a key is cut. The Freedom program is a nationwide program.
THE GOTHAM PROGRAM - Medeco3
The Gotham Program was developed from the successful Liberty Biaxial Program. The Gotham Program utilizes computerized communications between the locksmith’s location and the Medeco factory to facilitate cutting Medeco3 Gotham keys.
In order to receive additional cut keys, the end-user must present their authorization card to a participating Gotham dealer. After the locksmith has verified the identity of the individual and has deemed them authorized to request additional cut keys, the locksmith will swipe the authorization card through a card reader. The card reader is specific to the individual dealer and is used in conjunction with a receipt printer. The card reader will connect with the host server, located at the Medeco factory, and will verify the contents of the authorization card.
If the information on the authorization card is valid, the host server will send the bitting information for the authorization card back to the locksmith in the form of a two-ply receipt. Gotham authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail of the keys for a end-users system is generated each time a key is cut. The Gotham program is exclusive to the New York City Territory.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MEDECO'S KEY CONTROL PROGRAMS, USE THE DEALER LOCATOR AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE. A LOCAL MEDECO DEALER CAN HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT KEY CONTROL PROGRAM FOR YOUR NEEDS.