Keycafe's MS5 SmartBox is transforming key management in the automotive sector with its comprehensive solution for dealerships dealing with fleet sizes from a few to hundreds of vehicles.
Its secure and traceable system is gaining traction among automotive businesses globally, offering new standards in key management and control.
Enhanced security and traceability
The system is accessible through PIN codes, QR scans, or the Keycafe mobile app
Developed with a robust steel-reinforced enclosure and sophisticated electronic locking, the MS5 SmartBox ensures secure storage for vehicle keys, accessible only to authorised personnel.
The system is accessible through PIN codes, QR scans, or the Keycafe mobile app, with all activities being instantly logged to the cloud, enhancing traceability.
Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera, and motion sensor, the MS5 creates a visual log of interactions, adding a verification layer and supporting precise audit trails. The cloud-based platform allows managers real-time monitoring and control over key access, maintaining operational integrity even during network disruptions through offline functionality and battery backups.
Tailored to dealership needs
The MS5 is specifically designed for the dynamic environment of automotive retail and service. The system's modular structure caters to managing 9 to 429 keys per base station, facilitating seamless movement of keys across various dealership departments.
Features such as role-based permissions and automated return reminders ensure department-specific access and timely key return, streamlining operations. Additionally, its integration with Zapier allows for enhanced automation and synchronisation with other business applications.
Proof of efficacy in the industry
Feedback highlights a notable reduction in key losses and improved key management processes
Dealerships worldwide, including Somerville Auto Group in Canada and Nicole Competizione in Japan, have successfully integrated Keycafe's technology, achieving significant improvements in security and operational efficiency. Feedback highlights a notable reduction in key losses and improved key management processes.
For instance, Nicole Competizione efficiently managed smart key fobs with the SmartBox, enhancing their operational efficiency, while Autohouse Kingston reported faster key handoffs and improved departmental communication.
Optimising Dealership Operations
Traditional management methods including pegboards and manual logs are increasingly seen as vulnerable, contributing to unnecessary risks and loss of customer confidence. The MS5 SmartBox addresses these issues with real-time digital tracking, offering dealerships complete oversight and control over their key inventories.
Amidst the ongoing shift towards connected and data-informed practices in automotive retail, the MS5 SmartBox proves to be a vital solution, safeguarding assets and maintaining dealership accountability and efficiency round the clock on a comprehensive platform.
Keycafe, a global pioneer in cloud connected key management, continues to expand the success of its MS5 SmartBox, an advanced solution already trusted by automotive businesses worldwide.
Built for teams managing anywhere from a few to hundreds of vehicles, the MS5 has become a new benchmark for key management, control, and traceability.
“Every lost or misplaced key can disrupt workflow and damage customer confidence,” said Jason Crabb, CMO and Co-founder of Keycafe. “The MS5 SmartBox gives dealerships an easy, secure way to manage key access, track usage, and build a more reliable, professional experience for both staff and customers.”
Security and accountability at the core
Constructed with a steel-reinforced enclosure and advanced electronic locking system, the MS5 SmartBox provides controlled, tamper-resistant storage for every vehicle key. Only authorised users can access keys using a PIN code, QR scan, or the Keycafe mobile app, and all activity is recorded instantly in the cloud for complete traceability.
The MS5 SmartBox includes a 7-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera, and optical motion sensor that enhance both usability and access control. Each interaction can generate a visual record, adding an extra layer of verification and supporting accurate audit trails.
Through the Keycafe cloud platform, managers can monitor and manage access in real time. Even during connectivity interruptions, the MS5 remains operational with offline mode, a fail-safe release, and battery backup, ensuring continuous access and workflow reliability.
Designed for dealership operations
The MS5 system was purpose built for the fast paced demands of automotive retail and service operations. The system can scale modularly to manage from 9 to 429 keys per MS5 base station.
The Keycafe key management system allows for multiple locations within a single dealership for keys to flow between different departments easily. Keycafe designed the MS5 to give dealerships precise control and greater efficiency through smart, automated features:
- Role-based permissions allow sales, service, and detailing teams to access only the vehicles relevant to their work.
- User access limits keep vehicles available by preventing staff from holding more keys than needed.
- Automatic return reminders alert users when a key is overdue, removing the need for manual follow-ups.
- Field swaps let staff transfer key custody directly through the app without returning to the SmartBox.
- Zapier integration connects the system to hundreds of business tools for automated workflows, alerts, and data synchronisation.
This combination of controlled hardware, cloud oversight, and automation gives dealerships an effective balance of access control and agility, improving both security and daily performance.
Proven results across the automotive industry
Dealerships around the world have already adopted Keycafe’s technology to modernise their processes and strengthen internal security.
At Somerville Auto Group, a multi-location fleet operator in Canada, the company eliminated key loss entirely after implementing the system. “The responsibility and savings that come with not losing your keys and knowing where they are at all times is fantastic,” said Dean Earle, Director of National Fleet Operations. “We couldn’t be happier”.
Growing challenge
In Japan, Nicole Competizione, the country’s largest Ferrari facility, faced a growing challenge managing new smart key fobs that couldn’t be hung on traditional hooks. The dealership adopted Keycafe’s SmartBox to store and track keys individually with secure credential-based access.
“Operational efficiency has improved dramatically with Keycafe,” said Akinori Sasaki, who oversaw the implementation. “Each key is stored in its own compartment and available only to authorised personnel, giving us complete peace of mind”.
Meanwhile, Autohouse Kingston, a family-owned dealership in Canada, reduced lost keys and improved handoff speed between departments. “Since installing Keycafe, my key issues have disappeared,” said Tyler Burley, Digital Asset Manager. “It’s a simple way to keep everything secure and monitored, the best customer service of any third party I’ve dealt with at a dealership”.
These real world results show that smart key management has become an essential part of dealership security and daily operations.
Advancing access control for dealerships
Traditional pegboards, key hooks, and manual logs have long been a weak link in dealership management. Lost or misplaced keys not only increase replacement costs but also expose businesses to risk and reduce customer confidence. Keycafe’s MS5 SmartBox delivers a clear upgrade by providing real-time digital tracking to give dealerships full visibility and control over their key inventory.
As automotive retail continues its shift toward connected and data-driven practices, the MS5 SmartBox stands out as a practical and scalable access control solution. It enables dealerships to protect assets, maintain accountability, and keep operations on track at all hours within a single, unified platform.
