Amid rising concerns about crime and financial risk, businesses across diverse sectors are prioritizing robust security measures. Data from Security magazine’s "Security @ the Millennium" underscores the gravity of this issue, revealing an annual loss of $603 billion due to theft and an additional $1.1 trillion in lost productivity. Within this spectrum of threats, employee theft, property crime, and access control pose significant challenges to asset protection.
Within the casino industry, these security concerns are particularly pronounced. Casino personnel often require access to varying security levels, making key management critical in safeguarding the substantial amounts of money handled daily. Recognizing this need, the Oneida Bingo and Casino, situated on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Green Bay, WI, took decisive action to enhance its security and achieve comprehensive accountability through the adoption of a sophisticated key management system.
Key Management System Implementation
Like many casinos, Oneida faced inefficiencies related to the management of floor keys. During standard operations, a dedicated team of approximately ten employees would retrieve casino floor keys, often waiting 15 minutes on average for supervisors to release them under security surveillance. This process resulted in significant time, labor, and productivity losses, prompting the need for a re-evaluation of the system.
Like many casinos, Oneida faced inefficiencies related to the management of floor keys
Consequently, "Project Re-Key" was introduced in early 1998 with Tom VanDeHei as the Project Manager, tasked with deploying a new key management solution across the casino. Partnering with Morse Watchman, a security management firm based in Connecticut, VanDeHei explored their KeyWatcher system—a sophisticated key locker system designed to enhance security.
KeyWatcher System Features
The KeyWatcher system offers advanced management capabilities through personal user codes, enabling access to color-coded "Smart Keys" tracked via detailed security reports. The system is programmed to trigger alarms if Smart Keys are not returned within the authorized timeframe.
"I researched the KeyWatcher and found it to be a security system versatile enough to meet Oneida’s specific key control needs. I told the managers, ‘this is the only system I’ve found that can do it all,’" VanDeHei noted. Before installation, the system required approval from the Wisconsin Gaming Commission, necessitating a comprehensive manual detailing its application in the casino.
Training and Implementation
Upon review, the Commission approved the KeyWatcher, paving the way for its deployment
Upon review, the Commission approved the KeyWatcher, paving the way for its deployment. Ten KeyWatchers were strategically placed throughout the casino, all connected to a centralized computer system. A training initiative was rolled out for the casino’s 1,300 employees, ensuring familiarity with the new system and associated procedures.
"The wait for ten employees to get their keys has decreased from 15 minutes to less than 90 seconds. We’ve had three audits since last December and every key has been accounted for, which is unheard of with other systems," VanDeHei reported, highlighting the remarkable improvements in efficiency and accountability since implementation.
Further Advancements and Outcomes
In collaboration with Morse Watchman engineers, custom software was developed to enhance key tracking, enforce policies, and boost employee productivity. Innovations also included special hand readers that replaced the manual input of user codes.
Innovations also included special hand readers that replaced the manual input of user codes
Integration efforts extended to all six of Oneida’s casinos, with the KeyWatchers interconnected to a main server managed by the security department. The transparency and reliability offered by the Smart Keys have facilitated seamless key accountability across various departments and locations.
A Secure Future with KeyWatcher
Reflecting on the collaboration with Morse Watchman, VanDeHei praised the company’s support, stating, "Among the thousands of companies, Morse Watchman is one of the best companies I have ever worked with. They worked closely with us to install the system, program our customized software, and train our employees." He further noted the system’s capacity for high-frequency key access while maintaining 100% accountability.
For high-security environments like Oneida Bingo and Casino, maintaining rigorous control over key access is non-negotiable. Through the KeyWatcher system’s proven success in achieving full accountability, Morse Watchman’s contributions have been instrumental in fortifying casino security.
Try our KeyWatcher Configurator tool to design your ideal system to meet your requirements (Note: if using a mobile device, please turn the phone to landscape mode.)
