In an environment where scripts, footage, and production data are considered sensitive information, securing keys is a vital part of the overall safety strategy.

Inherited key management issues

When the team took over responsibility for the facility in 2021, there was no structured or traceable method for managing keys. More than 1,200 internal and external keys were in circulation, and with duplicates and master keys included, the total approached 5,000. Keys were stored in traditional cabinets, hung on hooks, and tracked manually in spreadsheets with key numbers and user signatures.

– This led to recurring administrative issues. During our last two audits, we discovered that over 500 keys had gone missing over a three-year period, explains a representative from Netflix Studios.

Efficient key management with full traceability

It quickly became clear that control and accountability were the biggest challenges. By implementing Creone’s intelligent KeyBox key cabinets together with the cloud-based KeyWin6 software, the team introduced a digital workflow where every key is registered, issued, and returned with complete logging.

– The ability to assign keys to specific users, productions, or vendors and require them to be returned by the end of the day made a big difference. It meant no one could take a key offsite to make duplicates – everything is logged and monitored, the customer adds.

No network integration required

A major requirement for Netflix Studios was ensuring that no foreign devices or software were installed on their internal network. This was necessary to meet the company’s strict global security policy.

– The fact that nothing had to be installed on our network was the key selling point for our security team. We operate in a closed system where any external component is considered a potential vulnerability, explains the representative.

Fewer keys, higher security

Thanks to integrations with other access control systems, the overall number of physical keys has been reduced. Today, around 400 keys remain in active use, but including duplicates and master keys, the total is still around 1,200 – now all controlled and traceable in the KeyWin6 cloud service.

Key audits have also become significantly more efficient, with real-time visibility into all active keys and users. The solution not only simplifies key management but also streamlines onboarding of new staff and external suppliers, which is especially valuable in a production environment where many different roles and vendors require either temporary or permanent access.