 What is going on? Welcome to another episode of the Door Hardware Nerds. We've got a special guest with us today, John Bedard and with Simple K. And we're going to dive a little bit deeper into the software and learn a little bit more about it. I'm honestly really intrigued about this. And I guess it's not new software but it's new to the Osa Abloh family. So I'm excited to learn more about it with all of you. John, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do? Perfect. Well, hello, Benji. And thank you very much again for inviting me on the show today. I am the Simple K application and development manager and newly with the Osa Abloh iSecurity group. I'll be I'll be glad to show you to kind of a little demo of Simple K with you today. Awesome. Yeah. No, I'm looking forward to diving a little bit deeper. Can you tell me a little bit about Simple K and what it does, where it fits into the Osa Abloh iSecurity profile? Right. And to give you just a little background, we started the Simple K project many years ago. It was working on a project for the Government of Canada for Public Works. And they were about to receive new master key system for all their buildings in the province of Quebec. So they were looking to use something different than just Excel spreadsheets to manage their key systems. And so they searched for an existing software solution to do to do the job and didn't really find exactly what they were looking for. So that's where we came into play and we offered them to develop the software and to sell them their first license. So that's how we started working with their locksmiths and security people. And really, our goal at that point was to make it a software that would allow you to manage keys a little bit like you would do with an electronic card access system with all the information, the floor plans and just making it a very efficient tool. So that's how it began. But then from that project, we started working on many other projects for universities, hospitals, airports or correctional facilities, casinos. And then we developed the software through these years with these customers. So that's pretty much about the evolution of simple key that now let me do the share screen. I'll be glad to show you what it looks like today. Yeah, no, please do. I mean, that's that that truly is remarkable that you've worked with the government to help develop this and you worked directly with their locksmiths. So you knew all the pain points of what they were going through. And you knew there was a need for something like this out on the market. Absolutely, we knew it. But I would say key control was not considered so important back in the time or security itself. But then over the last couple of years, of course, we saw the increase in the overall physical security. So more and more people have to do those security audits and part of the security security audits. We have those key audits because you need to know who has access to your building. So who has the keys, where they can go with the keys. Again, pretty much the same way you would do with an electronic access control system. Yeah, I actually tell people all the time you can have the most high security access control system in the world. And if you don't have key control, you don't have security because if you don't have control over who has access to those physical access to those doors, that's that's that's step one. Number one, that's the biggest concern right there. Exactly, and you need to train people, of course, and develop a really efficient process or workflow to make it easy for people. Again, when the issue keys when when you return them to do the follow up and all that, because we know if it's it's too complicated or cumbersome, people won't use it. The idea is to keep the simple, right? That's the name. Exactly. And we have to be careful because in French, when we say complicated, instead of simple, it means complicated. So we we try to stick with a simple key then. That's funny how it worked out that way. And so that's the own page of the software and it's as I said, it's a professional software. It's a Windows application. It works on Windows 10 or Windows Server uses a Microsoft SQL SQL database. And we can see on the left side, we have our main toolbar where we find the main sections of the software. So first are keys and systems. And it's really organized. You have your master key systems or key keying structures. Then the list of keys, list of duplicates or the existing copies. There is a section for the key rings, another one for the cores. And on the right side here is a quick action toolbar that can be customized. And I will show you simple key has all the tools to manage the master keying, but also the workflow. So when you issue keys, but even you can manage the key request, approval process. So really all the steps. But if we talk about master keying, as we're looking at a list of keys here, if I select that key mark system, for example, and open the master key system generator. Because simple key has the generator to allow you to create new keying systems. Most of the time it will be for existing systems also to look at the keying structure or manage the expansion. Of course, if it's a brand new system, then usually you work with the manufacturer to expand the system and provide you with the codes. But then sometime or another example, when we have data only on paper, instead of typing manually all the codes, we could use the generator to recreate that same system just based on the key bitting array, levels of keying, the code of your top master key, and then it will generate the levels like that. Well, that right there is going to save hours of work. That is true. And initially we didn't have a generator within SimpleKate. The main reason was instead of our customers using another software to do this, we wanted them to have all the tools within the same software solution. And most of the time they use it mostly for expansion, so they have an existing system, the imported, but then at least you can see what is still available or another example, looking at the page view. So if you click on a page master like this, open the page view, it gives you that layout that locksmiths, they really like this where they can find the block master codes, the vertical group masters, horizontal row masters, and things like that. So... Oh, wow! Directly from there you can create those block masters or incidental master keys, see if you need them. For the expansion, let's look at this branch here where you see it's a good example where we're only using one out of four branches. So in the future, if I re-cube building or I just need to add new codes, then I can create another branch here and have the software to generate the next level like that. Oh, wow! It just populated like that with the few clicks of the button. Right, and it will identify if there are max violation codes depending on what type of system it's compatible with the most common manufacturers and system types. And so it will identify with the max and it gives you different other options like that. When you save them, the keys will be created in the database and we can look at them here in that list of keys. The data is always presented in data grids like this in SimpleK. It's very easy to reorganize the grids as you prefer. You can also sort, search. We have these search boxes on the top right. See where you can add multiple search boxes. Select which column you want to do a search. Let's see if we want to sort by or filter by key symbol, anything that begins with. And even if I'm working on a very large master key system, it's very easy to filter and work on one part of the system. Like here, I'm only looking at my AC keys. And if you want to look at the core pinning, let's say an AC4, we want to look at the core pinning of that. Then you have the core pinning calculator right here where you could zoom in if you want it bigger. And it will give you this one is an example of a standard core. So pin for AC4 and the master is above. It is an IC, so it has a control key. And then if you need it, you can print that list. If we work with special cores like cross keyed cores or no master, we can do that under the cylinder section. So we do like this example here, A5X, we do an edit. And it's basically an AA5 core to which we added on the associated keys, two additional keys, eight and 12. And if we look at the pinning chart for this, it will show us that we need to add additional pin segments in these chambers. But the other thing is it will verify for those keys or key interchange. Oh, OK. So we know, yeah, that's hard to calculate by end. Of course, it's easier to have the software double check for you on that. You know, we always try to avoid cross keying. We know that, but when it's required or sometimes to show your end users, like, OK, well, if we need to do a cross keying like that, well, here's what will happen. You'll end up with all kinds of other keys that will operate your core. Yeah, no, I generally never recommend cross keying just because it's so difficult to keep track of those ghost keys when they pop up in your system. But this this makes it a little bit easier to manage. So when you do have that end user that is persistent, like, hey, the president just has to have one key and we don't want to give him a grand master because then if he loses it, then the whole system is gone, right? So we want to that that just makes a lot of sense, makes it easier for cross keying. That's that's awesome. Exactly. So this way, you're aware of what may happen. Or if you're you're fine, there is no key interchange at all. Of course, if you do a cross key in the same block or so. But that's one of the of the other locksmithing tool, I would say that we have in simple key. And other than that, if we just look at our list of keys, we show you if I select the system that when you look at the keys, you have a lot of information that can be displayed in a grid like the number of existing copies to which door it gives access. And if I look at that key, AC two, and I would just go to the duplicates, then here are the physical existing copies of that key. Number one to 10. And this is where we we have the tracking of each of those. So like copy number one is on a key ring. Those ones are in stock. These ones are issued. We can track our lost keys. And when we issue the keys, we can do directly in a grid like this. But normally when we issue the keys, we'll do more as a kind of as a workflow where we could receive a key request if we use the web interface portal and even set an approval process. But then in our list of people, oh, and one quick thing about the list of people, it can be connected to a source database. For example, your active directory. This way, you don't have to manually enter those one by one. You just link, for example, with active directory and have the list of people updated every day. It will even warn you if an account is disabled on the source. See, it will tell you that it's disabled. You can even get a notification like this account has been disabled on AD and that person still has keys. This way, you can follow up to try to recover the keys. Oh, wow, that makes setting up the system so much easier as well. When you're able to just anyone that might be issued a key can just get downloaded into or uploaded into the software. Exactly. And this is how you can get the information and contact info a bit like this. Well, I'll enter it correctly. And for example, having the email addresses, especially if we want to use the notifications or reminders. Pictures also can be interesting. Down here, it will show the list of keys issued, key range items if we have the item tracking module. And when we issue the keys, then we simply select the person's name. In my example, I'll do in two actions. I'll first I'll assign the keys, which we could do by selecting the keys by their key symbols or key names. OK. So when you select it, it shows you if you have some available copies in stock. Oh, OK. Otherwise, you can just add them and it connects with ITL key cutting machines as well. This way, when you virtually add a key to your database, you can physically send the info to the cutting machine, put the key blank in the machine and just grab the key at the same time. Wow, that's like seconds to issue a brand new cut key. That's that's remarkable. Yeah, that's a good to add on to that. I mean, good addition to the whole workflow. So we select a key or if we do by building in door, what we could do is select the building name. So you should have building. You don't have to know the exact key that you're issuing. You can find it within this issuing system. Exactly. You would select, for example, the building in door and when I select it, it tells me what key it is. It will select the low level key, but I can go and select one of the master if I prefer. OK. And again, select one that is in stock. And in my example, it's like putting those two keys in an envelope, bringing it to the service desk in a temporary status like this. And when I click OK, the software can email that person saying the keys are requested are now ready for pickup at the service desk. Wow. When they go to when the key holder would go to the service desk there, we just click the issuance tool and select that person's name here in a short list of people having keys pending. If we need to manage deposits, we can do it there. And then finally, if we click OK, then we have our key agreement form, which could be fully customized, like you put your own logo, change the information, display your key policy. And then if we use a signature capture device, then we can go and sign the directly there. Wow. The signature is inserted in the document as we click save, it will save it and can send a copy by email directly to the key holder and also to the manager, depending on the options. OK, OK. That's something we have a lot of options to really customize or adapt the workflow. I'm just blown away already. Just figured out all the pain points when issuing keys and you've just nullified it and made it simple. I guess that's the word of the day, right? Simple. Exactly. We try to focus on that. Make it efficient and streamline. Now, as we have the keys issued, if we look here in our list of duplicates, we see that those two keys have been issued. If we look for a PDF file, we can find it here, small files. And then finally, if we do a key return, the same way, we would just select the person's name, hit return, and then we can select all the keys, key rings, or other equipment that we are returning. Oh, and there's an option for lost. So if they did lose the key, it'll keep you right in the same way. Well, if you and if you select lost, then it can pop the last key fee screen, and of course, you can take a lot of different notes if you need to fill some kind of report or something because of the lost of a key. And that's some examples of the workflow. But again, those can be adapted. This let me show you quickly about the buildings and doors because we saw when you selected the door, it selected the key for you. But to to have that option, we need to enter the building and door info. OK. And how we can do this in the buildings and doors. We have that list of buildings, which you can even include pictures. You can set building managers or approvers, what systems are on the buildings. Then you have your floors and doors. Now in the list of doors, again, it can be a lot of information about your doors or you keep it basic with just door number and. Some basic info. OK. But you see, we can include a type of lock, what department it is. What is the designated change key? In that case, the AC nine. And we have the masters above the pictures. Oh, wow. Good way to a good way to enter the picture is using one of our mobile app. For door surveys, so you can do your on site surveys with that and take pictures, door data and door hardware information and upload it to your simple key database. And is that the simple mobile app? Or is that because I know they've integrated with opening opening studios, right? Right, it's still the simple mobile app, but that's true. We are working with the opening studio team to while integrate or at different bridge to transfer some exchange, some data between between simple key and the opening studio. OK. So probably at some point out there, mobile app compatible. I mean, the opening studio mobile app compatible for with simple key as well. But even then having a mobile app when you're creating a system and going out and doing the hardware like checklist as you're going through, this is really great to have. That way, when you look back at it, it's so easy to remember that door because you've got the picture, you've got the hardware set, you've got any information that you might need to reorder or work or maintain that door. And it's easy nowadays. And normally in the process, there is a door survey. If it's a, for example, on a re keying project. And so as they do the door survey, just either do it with a tablet or carry a mobile device so you can please take that information. And the other thing, and I'll show you how we can integrate from Excel spreadsheet. So if you already have an architectural survey in Excel that you would like to upload, then also we can do and that's easy to set up the templates in Excel. Oh, that's the other way we work on getting all the data loaded. Okay. List of keys, keys, you shoot doors. On door, you also have the door hardware. So if we look here, we know what's installed on the door. And if actually that's another section of the back, we see the hardware list. But then if we click on this one or double click, then it can pop with more detail info where we can include also pictures and even PDF technical. Oh, wow. Really to have all the information in one database prior to go on site for repair maintenance, especially if you need to travel a little bit to go to the next building and do a repair, then you can carry all the info you need. The other thing from that list, if we have the floor plans configured, then directly from that list, we can right click. We did a search by door number. Now, we want to know where is that door located. We do the finding diagram and it will just pop the floor plan and I like the door to show you where it's located. Wow. Just just keep keeping it simple, making it easier. And that's the fun part. Exactly. And that's where it looks a little bit like an electronic access control because most of these software, they have something similar where you click on a door and you have all the info. This one, the same thing, doing an edit would pop the door information. We already saw you have the core pinning calculator, a core change tool and very important, the list of who has access. So quickly, you can know who has a key to that door. And here is the list. We'll just do the cross reference search and get to the list of key holders having a change key or one of the master. Wow. And that's an example on this. Right. In the documents, you do have many different reports that can be created, of course, and you generate those reports in grids that you can print, export to Excel, history data. It has the full audit trails of all the main transactions on keys, key range doors, so you know who did it, when you can keep that track. The forms are those documents that we can customize. And you see there are different other sections. Quickly about data import, the way it works. You create your template in simple key. Let's say we have a door survey and you just go and select the columns you need. So if in our door survey, we have the building, the floor, door number. And I say we need to add a door description column. We just do it like that. We need to have the department we selected. Then we can just go and save. And that will create an Excel file with all these columns in which we can paste our data and load it to simple key. So if they already have like a facility management software that has all that information logged in there, they can simply just copy and paste it into simple key, right? Exactly. Wow. Exactly. And we do some time from all kinds of old software databases. So as you said, as long as we can extract it in text, CSV, XML that we can work it, put it in a spreadsheet, clean it up a little bit and then we can load to simple key. So we use that on pretty much all the projects. Other imports will be different preset import methods from different file formatted. You can import directly in simple key. OK. Finally, one last thing, maybe the security section. It's a multi user software and it allows you to create your different users, groups of users and assign your permissions by group where you can really select what each group can see and can do in simple key. It can be a very limited access or like a general access on which you define for every section that read, add, modify, delete or even go in detail and set read and write on some on all the fields. This way you can really share the data with everyone involved in key management without disclosing too much or disclosing any of the the sensitive information like the key cuts, key ways, angles, keep that only for the locksmiths who need that and not the other users. Yeah, you definitely wouldn't want that information getting to the wrong hands. That's right. But we need to involve the other people that are part of the key management. Everyone's involved in key management. If you have a key involved in key management. Well, that's true. And we also have tools to do like key audits. And there's a web interface, which is an add on to simple key that allows to do like a key request, look at personal key inventories. And one of the tool is for the annual key audit. So if you, for example, for example, you want simple key to email your key holders, they can send them an email with a link for them to review online their list of keys and they have to accept or if they deny or decline one of the key, then you can put a reason and you do a follow up. So it helps with again, the annual key auditing. Wow. And yeah, it was a short, very short overview. I try to show you some of the main features, tools. It has a lot more, of course, any we could spend hours looking at this. This is a locksmith's dream right now. I'm like in a I'm speechless. It's so simple to use. Yeah, I'm trying to think if people were interested in a software solution like this or tool, how would you recommend them taking this to the next level or starting a conversation? Right. Well, first on the website on the simple key dot com, there's all the information in the contact section. A trial version is available for download. So this way it's pretty much a full feature. It's limited on time and also it uses a different type of database so that you don't have to install an SQL server for the demo. But but you can you can try with this. And also we'll we'll make some new online tutorials available shortly. The other thing is that you can schedule an interactive web presentation with one of our specialists or experts in key control, so we would be glad just because sometimes customers they have the different questions about their current situation or current data, how they can gather or organize the data that they have now and migrate to a tool like simple key. And our team is there to assist them and help them in the process. Yeah, and I would also just add on now that you're part of the Osable family, you've got the door security solutions team that is going to be out there assisting you with this process as well. So I know I know we're doing some trainings to get them up to par to understand how simple key works. But I would imagine they could reach out to their local Osable rep. And yes, that's true. They will be able to answer most of the questions very shortly. And if I can just say this has been a need in the market for too long. I'm glad to have simple key part of the Osable family. Right. No, thank you very much. And that's true. Again, it's kind of a niche market or it's really a specialized part of it, which is becoming more and more important, I would say. And we we've developed the expertise in that. And but and of course, we'll keep developing simple key because I mean, it's they're still we still have a lot on our suggestion list or wish list. We should be busy for the next couple of years still. Yeah, well, I'm excited to see how you grow and how it all falls into place. I'm looking forward to it. And thanks for spending some time with me today and showing me a little bit more about simple game. This was very informative and hopefully it's informative for the other hardware nerds out there as well. Absolutely. And thank you very much for the opportunity and G with a real pleasure.