What is a Tracker Board?

A tracker board is a modular construction comprising of tracks, (a bit like LEGO) hence the term Tracker Board.

A single track has 5 retention ports with 5 numbered retention pegs and 5 ports that are used to release the item being retained. In our example we will be referring to bunches of keys.

So lets us look at the track notice the port with the retention peg and the empty port where the release peg is inserted.

There are two types of release pegs, one with a flat end  used mainly with the branded KeyTracker system board and one with a bobble end  these are used with the branded KeyManager system board – both have a cog wheel at the end and both work on the same principle: Securing the keys to the retention peg, there are several ways this can be done but the most popular is by using a wire hasp anti tamper security seal.

PEG OUT releases the keys from the Tracker Board. Now for the clever bit: The coloured peg that has released the keys remains on the board and cannot be released until the keys have been returned. The release peg will have been assigned to an authorised tracker board user and will either have an identifying number or initials etched on the head of the peg. Sometimes the line manager will assign a specific coloured peg to the authorised user. In all instances, the peg that remains on the board will identify who has taken a particular bunch of keys from the board.

PEG IN the retention peg is inserted in the left hand port, the user turns the release peg and that locks the keys securely to the board. Hence the term PEG IN PEG OUT.

These are examples on how the system can be built up  2 tracks 20 ports 3 tracks 30 ports up to a maximum of 60 ports (150 bunches of keys).

Applications:

Tracker boards are popular with motor dealerships and all of the major dealerships across the country use them and they are growing in popularity with service industries, construction , letting agencies, lease hire companies and the Emergency Services., to name but a few. Unless the tracker board is going to be located within a secure room, most users incorporate them within a high security key cabinet  with either a mechanical multi combination lock or a multi combination electronic lock.

Tracker board systems and high security cabinets do not come cheap – so if traceability is not a key factor (no pun intended) you might want to consider a conventional key cabinet system instead, such as the KeySecure range of hook bar key cabinets. Go to www.autokeytracker.co.uk to view and order.