Journey Of Master Keying

Master keying became possible with the introduction of the pin tumbler cylinder, invented in 1848, and updated in 1861 by Linus Yale Jr.

For most locksmiths, calculating master key system design was complex, and regarded as a bit of a black art. Pinning charts and key cutting tables were created manually, by adding and progressing chamber designations one by one.

Some locksmiths used books of code tables or lists, but often the locksmith would draw up their own grid or list and write up the codes by hand. Cross referencing (to avoid cross keying, where a key opened a lock it shouldn’t have) was an arduous task, and anything more than a basic system would require meticulous checking.

By the 1980’s, some locksmiths started to use computerised tools to develop master key systems. The earliest versions came from America, but they weren’t very good, and they weren’t easy to use.

Overseas, companies like HPC offered programs like MasterKing, and Keysoft offered Masterkey Pro. In Europe many locksmiths and manufacturers used “Lockbase”. But none of these were a patch on the local offerings, with MasterKing being old fashioned and too simplistic and MasterKey Pro not much better than a spreadsheet. Lockbase was too hard to use.

In 1996 a rebadged Multi-Master was launched as Key Mastery. It took until version 4.0 before it was really Windows compatible. Lots of customers still preferred the DOS version because for experienced users, it was quick and easy to enter data into.

In 1998 WH-Software launched ProMaster3. This was another huge step up, and introduced the “Interbase” database engine – moving the data into a proper, structured relational database with security, performance and flexibility like never before. Proper “multi-user” operation was introduced for larger companies.

ProMaster4 and 5 followed, with Pm5 moving to the “Firebird” database engine to keep pace with developments in IT technology in 2003. The program was continuously updated, and design modules added to support even the most complex of coding types. Pm5 became an industry standard, and anyone running a serious master keying operation soon switched to it. With ProMaster7, WH-Software introduced concepts like on-screen pinning (to avoid printing pinning charts) and further enhancements to speed up calculations for the very largest of systems.

Locksmiths in Australia may not know it, but some of the largest lock companies in the world were now using ProMaster, including multiple arms of the big three. Locksmiths could use the exact same program as those used to make the biggest and most complex systems in the world.

Today, WH-Software offers ProMaster8, and you can push encrypted job instructions through a secure server to mobile devices, and keep your customers automatically synchronised with Key Manager.

If Linus Yale Jr could have dreamed of the complexity achievable with his simple invention over 170 years ago his head would spin.

Our industry remains streets ahead of most other markets. Virtually all locksmiths in Europe and the USA just “install” factory built and calculated systems. A few of the Eastern countries do their own thing, and locksmiths in the UK and Ireland make systems like we do.

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Journey Of Master Keying

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