Create a closure plan: explanation, template and tips

 In a locking system, each key has its clearly defined authorizations. However, in order for this to be the case and for the system to be able to fulfil its function to the full extent, a closure plan is necessary. In this article, you can find out what this is all about, how to create a locking plan and why electronic locking systems prove to be particularly advantageous.

What is a locking plan?

A locking plan is structured documentation that determines which key is allowed to open which door of a locking system. It forms the basis for the organisation and management of a locking system, from a simple residential building to a complex company building. The locking plan is already essential when planning or ordering a system, as it is individually tailored to the respective building structure.

A complete locking plan includes:

• an overview of all doors with a clear designation,
• the assignment of keys to locking cylinders,
• Determination of locking functions (e.g. master key),
• technical information such as cylinder lengths (dimensions A and B) and
• Information on the construction of the locks.

In modern buildings, the locking plan is usually created and managed digitally in order to ensure an overview and security in the long term.

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Locking plan for digital locking systems

With a conventional locking system, it is set in stone which keys open which locks. Therefore, the locking plan must already be presented when the system is commissioned. It is also much more time-consuming to make sensible planning. After all, everything has to be thought through carefully, as errors lead to a functional limitation of the locking system. Nothing can be changed here afterward  – unless you spend a lot of money on the replacement again.

Digital locking systems offer significant advantages here. They impress with a high degree of flexibility – both in terms of planning and use. Of course, you have to create a locking plan here as well. However, the authorizations of the access media can be changed at any time at will.

Instead of conventional keys, an electronic locking system such as BlueID uses key cards, apps, transponders or fingerprints. It is possible to set individually at any time which access medium has which authorizations. You can even block access completely, which is quite practical, especially if you lose your key.

Digital locking systems are managed with special software. Here, building operators can create their locking plan and change it flexibly. This gives you a locking system that always meets your own needs.

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Create a locking plan: This is how it works

To create a locking plan, you start with the structured recording of all relevant doors in the building. Each door is given a unique designation to avoid confusion. In the next step, the required keys are  defined – for example, individual keys, group keys or master keys. Then it is determined which key is allowed to open which door. These so-called closing functions form the core of the plan. It is also important to record technical details such as cylinder types, cylinder lengths (dimensions A and B) and special functions such as emergency and hazard functions. Ideally, the locking plan is presented in the form of a matrix or table in which the locking authorizations can be seen. In modern systems, planning is usually done digitally – so the locking plan can be easily updated in the event of changes and managed in the long term.

Planning a closure plan: What matters

If you  want to plan a locking plan, you should first define the requirements of the locking system precisely. This includes the number of doors, the number and type of keys required and the desired locking authorizations. A structured process is crucial: First, it is determined which people need access to which areas. These access rights are then assigned to the corresponding keys. Future expansions should also be considered, for example through spare keys or additional doors. To avoid errors and safety risks, it is advisable to plan the locking plan together with a specialist company or with the help of a software solution. The result is a clear, future-proof and adaptable locking system.

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Locking Plan Example and Template

You can think of the locking plan of a locking system as a table. In addition to general information about the system, it contains detailed information on the doors to be locked and the authorizations of the keys.

A locking plan can look like this:

If appropriate abbreviations are included, a legend must always be used. For our example, this looks like this:

• MK = Master Key
• MGK = Main Group Key
• GK = Group Key
• DC = Double cylinder
• HC = Half cylinder

Of course, when creating the locking plan, each user must pay attention to which authorizations make sense and which do not. Each company has different premises and necessary access rights.

For example, it is common for the holder to have the master key, which can be used to operate any lock. A close office employee or assistant receives the main group key, which can be used to enter not all, but many rooms. Employees with a less extensive field of responsibility only receive a group key, which can be used to unlock only the offices, for example.

If you don't want to create a locking plan for a company, but for a private household, you have to take other things into account. There are often significantly fewer locks here than in a company. In addition, the authorizations are often not so strict. The situation is different with apartment buildings : Here, a key usually closes the entrance door and an apartment door, but not other apartment doors.

Conclusion

In order for a locking system to fully fulfil its purpose, a locking plan must be drawn up. While this often proves to be complicated with conventional systems, users of an electronic locking system enjoy the advantage of maximum flexibility. Contact BlueID and get tailor-made solutions for your locking system to create a locking plan easily and easily.

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