Smart solutions for key and equipment management

ISJ hears from Jordan Andrews, Sales Manager, Morse Watchmans.

Effective asset management is fundamental to maintaining security, efficiency and accountability in modern organisations.

Whether in aviation maintenance facilities, correctional institutions or public works departments, controlling access to tools, keys and equipment helps prevent loss, streamline operations and reduce risks.

Advanced locker and key management solutions provide a seamless way to secure and track assets, ensuring that organisations maintain visibility and control over resources.

Asset management for any industry

Morse Watchmans’ SmartKey Locker Touch is a solution designed to secure, manage and track essential assets such as laptops, cash trays and hand-held radios.

Organisations can start with a single cabinet or customise their system with multiple lockers, choosing from radio locker modules, single-door locker modules, dual-door locker modules and PC locker modules.

As needs evolve, the system can be expanded or reconfigured easily, with networked cabinets placed across an enterprise.

SmartKey Locker systems integrate with security and business systems, enhancing efficiency through built-in Ethernet connectivity. Advanced access options, including card, hand or fingerprint readers, touchpads and facial recognition, ensure only authorised users can retrieve assets.

Additionally, administrators can receive automatic alerts when an item is not returned and transaction reports can be generated instantly for auditing purposes.

By integrating with access control systems, SmartKey Locker Touch prevents unauthorised exits until all assets are returned.

Ensuring tool accountability in aviation

Secure asset tracking is essential for industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable, such as aviation maintenance.

United Airlines’ jet engine rebuild and test facility near San Francisco International Airport utilises Morse Watchmans’ KeyWatcher system to maintain control over its extensive inventory of specialised tools.

Each day, trained mechanics rely on specialised tools and equipment worth thousands of dollars to rebuild and test aircraft engines. Before implementing KeyWatcher, managing these tools was a challenge – lost or misplaced equipment could lead to costly delays and even safety risks.

Now, toolboxes are secured and keys are electronically tracked, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access the necessary tools.

“Our aviation clients need absolute accountability when it comes to tool management,” said Tim Purpura, VP of Global Sales & Marketing at Morse Watchmans. “With KeyWatcher, they gain real-time visibility into tool access, which helps prevent losses, improve efficiency and ensure compliance with strict industry regulations. It’s a game-changer for maintenance operations.”

The KeyWatcher system creates an audit trail, logging each key’s removal and return while giving managers insight into tool usage patterns. Since its implementation, the facility has nearly eliminated missing tools. “With the KeyWatcher, the tools stay in their designated locations,” said Bob Brown, Senior Specialist for Continuous Improvement at United’s facility.

“We know the actual person who is using the tools and we can hold them accountable. That’s why we’re not missing anything. They take pride in what they do and everything’s there for the next person.”

Enhancing security in correctional facilities

Correctional facilities require stringent security measures and effective key and asset control is fundamental to maintaining order.

Rockland County Correctional Facility (RCCF) in New York implemented Morse Watchmans’ KeyWatcher system to enhance accountability for facility keys, firearms and critical equipment.

Lieutenant John Hickey, who oversees key control at RCCF, recognised the need for a better system after experiencing issues with misplaced keys and unsecured sensitive items.

The facility now uses multiple KeyWatcher systems strategically placed throughout the building, each customised to store different types of keys and assets. One of the most crucial applications of KeyWatcher at RCCF is firearm storage.

Twelve KeyWatcher lockers securely store Glock handguns and magazines, with SmartKeys permanently attached to the lockers. This ensures strict oversight and accountability, as each weapon removal is logged and officers must note ammunition usage.

“In a correctional setting, losing track of a key or asset isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a serious security risk,” said Purpura. “With KeyWatcher, facilities can enforce strict oversight, ensuring that weapons, keys and restricted tools are only accessed by authorised personnel. This level of control helps reduce security incidents and supports safer daily operations.”

Additionally, kitchen utensils, often an overlooked risk in correctional facilities, are now locked in a KeyWatcher cabinet with clear plexiglass doors. Staff can verify what’s inside and any overdue item triggers an audible alarm, ensuring rapid response.

The ability to track key and asset movements in real time has significantly improved RCCF’s security operations. “The accountability and reporting made possible with KeyWatcher was a deciding factor in modernising our facility,” said Sheriff Louis Falco, III.

Municipal operations and fleet management

Beyond high-security environments, Morse Watchmans’ solutions also play a crucial role in municipal operations. The Walworth County Department of Public Works in Wisconsin upgraded its key management system with key management lockers, ensuring seamless tracking of fleet vehicle keys and maintenance equipment.

Previously, the department struggled with an unreliable system that lacked manufacturer support and was poorly implemented. Transitioning to Morse Watchmans’ system, with guidance from Hoffman Security Solutions, provided a dependable, well-supported system that has improved operations.

“After seeing the success of the KeyWatcher Touch solution at the Department of Public Works, other departments within Walworth County have also begun installing their own KeyWatcher Systems,” said John Miller, Walworth County’s Senior Project Manager. “These boxes are starting to catch on, and departments are really thinking about how they will use them for vehicles and building keys.”

The system’s KeyAnywhere feature allows personnel to retrieve and return keys at multiple locations, minimising downtime and improving workflow efficiency. Additionally, Walworth County has implemented Morse Watchmans SmartKey Locker systems to store maintenance equipment and job-specific tools, ensuring that high-value assets are accounted for and available when needed.

“Municipal departments rely on a wide range of vehicles and equipment to keep operations running smoothly,” said Purpura. “Morse Watchmans key management lockers not only help them track who has access to fleet vehicles but also ensure that high-value tools and maintenance gear are securely stored and easily retrievable. That level of oversight reduces inefficiencies and improves overall accountability.”

Future-ready asset management solutions

SmartKey Locker systems extend secure asset management beyond keys to include laptops, firearms, and cash trays. These systems integrate with existing security infrastructure, ensuring that assets are properly tracked and returned on time.

The networked capability allows managers to monitor asset usage remotely and generate reports that provide insights into access trends.

One of the key advantages of Morse Watchmans’ solutions is their scalability. Organizations can start with a single cabinet and expand as their needs grow. The ability to integrate SmartKey Locker systems with other security systems, such as access control, adds an additional layer of security.

For example, facilities can configure the system to prevent employees from exiting the premises until they return a checked-out asset, reinforcing accountability.

“Organizations are looking for flexible security solutions that can scale with their needs,” said Purpura. “Morse Watchmans’ SmartKey Locker systems offer that scalability while seamlessly integrating with access control and other security infrastructure.

“This ensures that assets are tracked, secure, and accessible only to authorized personnel—without disrupting operations.”

Advancing security

For organisations prioritising security and efficiency, Morse Watchmans’ asset management solutions provide advanced tech to optimise the control of keys, tools and high-value equipment.

Whether managing aviation tools, correctional facility keys, municipal fleet operations or sensitive electronic devices, these innovative systems are transforming how organisations secure and track critical assets.

Businesses and government entities can minimise losses, streamline workflows and strengthen security by implementing a centralised, automated asset management system.

The real-world applications at United Airlines, Rockland County Correctional Facility and Walworth County Department of Public Works showcase the versatility and effectiveness of these solutions.