Design and construction of a 5-code key box for multiple occupancy office of the Mechanical Engieering Department.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The increased need for secure and efficient management of shared resources in institutional environments has prompted the development of automated systems such as electronic key boxes that eliminate the inefficiencies of manual key handling. In the Mechanical Engineering Department, shared offices and laboratories faced challenges of key loss, unauthorised access, and accountability, leading to reduced operational efficiency and security concerns. This project focused on the design and construction of a 5-code electronic key box that utilised a microcontroller-based control circuit integrated with a keypad, display unit, servo motor and solenoid lock to regulate access to the office key through personalised codes. The system enhanced safety by logging user activities, triggering alarms during unauthorised attempts, and allowing only verified users to retrieve or return the key. The study also emphasised cost-effectiveness, modularity, and future scalability to accommodate IoT integration for remote monitoring and data access. Through the implementation of this system, the project contributed to digital transformation in educational institutions, promoted responsible access management, and supported sustainable technological advancement aligned with the goals of innovation and institutional efficiency.