Patent Publication Number: US-2022228398-A1

Title: System and Method for Integrating Key Access Control of Legacy Lockable Articles into a Control System and Associated Lock Boxes

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In many types of industries, it is important to be able to control tools, chemicals, and other items used in industrial processes. The ability to control such tools and consumables can be referred to generally as tool control. With enhances in technology, much of tool control can be tracked using electronic or computer-implemented systems. 
     However, even with such electronic systems in place, there can often still be tools that are not directly linked to such systems. For example, standard tool boxes, chemical cabinets, closets, or other such articles (hereinafter referred to as “legacy lockable articles”) can still store tools or other consumables used in many industrial applications. Tools stored in such legacy lockable articles are not part of more modern tool control systems. For instance, a tool from a legacy tool box can often only be checked out and checked in manually or via a dedicated system. 
     Such legacy lockable articles typically are locked and unlocked with a dedicated key. Access to such key is tracked manually, and thus there is little to no practical regulation over access to the key or to the contents stored in the legacy lockable article locked by the key. For example, access to a key could be tracked via an in/out log stored on paper or electronically. The regulation of the key access in this instance is only as good as the adherence of those following the tracking policy. Often, once an article is unlocked, anyone has access to the contents. 
     The results of such systems can lead to tools being damaged, misplaced, or lost. This can also lead to quality control issues for toolbox contamination. In some applications, the importance of preventing the presence foreign objects or debris (“FOD”) leads to the necessary assumption that the missing tool is FOD in a product until proven otherwise, which can be a costly endeavor. Thus, this lack of accountability can result in significant downtime and utilization of additional resources to locate or replace tools. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for integrating legacy lockable articles into a tool control system. 
         FIG. 2  is a front, left isometric view of an exemplary tamper proof lockbox for incorporation into the system shown in  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is a rear, right isometric view of the tamper proof lockbox of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front, right isometric view of the tamper proof lockbox of  FIG. 2  with a front panel removed. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. 
     An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The present disclosure sets forth a system for integrating key access control of a plurality of legacy lockable articles into a tool control system. The system can comprise a plurality of lock boxes each associated with a respective legacy lockable article. Each of the plurality of lock boxes can be configured to selectively lock and unlock access to a key operable to facilitate access to the respective legacy lockable article. The system can further comprise a programmable logic controller communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of lock boxes. The programmable logic controller can be operable to send control instructions to the plurality of lock boxes to lock or unlock access to the key. 
     The system can further comprise a human machine interface communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller. The human machine interface can be in communication with one or more processors and a memory, and can be operable to receive user instructions to lock or unlock the one or more lock boxes. The system can further comprise an internet of things server (as part of an internet of things infrastructure) communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller and the human machine interface. The internet of things server can be configured to receive an unlock or locked status for each of the one or more lockboxes from the programmable logic controller and to send unlock or lock commands to the programmable logic controller based on one or more predetermined conditions. 
     In one example, each of the plurality of lock boxes can comprise a lock box body comprising a mount to attach the lock box body to the respective legacy lockable article. The mount can be accessible from inside a locked portion of the legacy lockable article. Each of the plurality of lock boxes can comprise a key holder comprising a key interface for securing a key to the key holder, and a lock interface for facilitating locking of the key holder to the lock box body. 
     In some examples, each of the plurality of lock boxes can comprise an access opening in the lock box body configured to receive the key holder. The lock boxes can further comprise an actuatable lock disposed within the lock box body operable to interface with the lock interface of the key holder to lock the key holder to the lock box body based on the control instructions received from the programmable logic controller. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a tamper proof lock box is provided. The tamper proof lock box can comprise a lock box body comprising a mount to attach the lock box body to an external structure. The lock box can further comprise a data port disposed on the lock box body. The data port can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller. The lock box can comprise a key holder comprising a key interface for securing a key to the key holder, and a lock interface for facilitating locking of the key holder to the lock box body. The lock box can further comprise an access opening configured to receive the key holder, and an actuatable lock disposed within the lock box body. The actuatable lock can be operable to interface with the lock interface of the key holder to lock the key holder to the lock box body. 
     In some examples, the actuatable lock can comprise a linear actuator operable to interface with the lock interface of the key holder to lock the key holder to the lock box body. The lock interface can comprise an aperture, and the linear actuator can comprise comprises shaft that extends through the aperture to lock the key holder to the lock box body. The access opening can comprise a slot in the lock box body, and the linear actuator can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the slot. 
     In some examples, the tamper proof lock box can comprise a key sensor operable to detect the presence of the key holder at the lock box. The key sensor can comprise an inductive proximity sensor. The lock box can further comprise one or more visual indicators disposed on the lock box body. The one or more visual indicators can be operable to communicate a status of the key holder. The one or more visual indicators can comprise LEDs. 
     In one example, a method for integrating key access control of a plurality of legacy lockable articles in a tool control system is provided. The method can comprise providing a plurality of lock boxes each associated with a respective legacy lockable article. Each of the plurality of lock boxes can be configured to selectively lock and unlock access to a key operable to facilitate access to the respective legacy lockable article. The method can further comprise receiving a lock/unlock status from the plurality of lock boxes at a programmable logic controller communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of lock boxes. 
     The method can comprise sending a lock/unlock status from the programmable logic controller to an internet of things server communicatively coupled with the programmable logic controller, and receiving control instructions at a human machine interface communicatively coupled to the internet of things server to lock or unlock access to the key at a first lock box of the plurality of lock boxes and sending the control instructions to the internet of things server. The method can further comprise validating the control instructions at the internet of things server and sending the control instructions to the programmable logic controller and sending a lock or unlock command from the programmable logic controller based on the control instructions to the first lock box. 
     In some examples, the method can further comprise receiving a first indication at the programmable logic controller that the key is removed from the lock box based on an output from a key sensor of the first lock box, receiving a second indication at the programmable logic controller that the key is returned to the lock box based on the output from the key sensor of the first lock box, and receiving a third indication at the programmable logic controller that the key is removed from the lock box for a predetermined time period. 
     In some examples, the method can further comprise displaying a key status at the lock box based on the first, second, and third indications via one or more visual indicators. The method can also comprise attaching the key to a key holder. The plurality of lock boxes can be configured to selectively lock and unlock the key holder. The plurality of lock boxes can selectively lock and unlock the key holder via a linear actuator disposed at each of the plurality of lock boxes. The linear actuator can lock the key holder to the lock box via a shaft that extends through a corresponding aperture of the key holder. 
     To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a system is set forth for integrating key access to a legacy lockable article into a tool control system. A tool control system as referred to herein is a computer or electronically implemented system for tracking the use of tools, chemicals, or other objects or substances to be used during a procedure that can be locked within a toolbox, cabinet, closet or other lockable article (hereinafter “lockable article”). In  FIG. 1 , a system  100  can comprise a company network  102 . The company network  102  can comprise a plurality of computing devices such as servers, personal work stations, and other devices that are networked together over a wired or wireless network. The company network  102  can comprise security networks and protocols to authenticate access to the network to ensure that only authorized users access the network. Thus the company network  102  can be used to manage a plurality of user profiles including authentication information and user access rights for each profile. In some examples, the company network  102  can host and facilitate a tool control system. The network  102  can be established according to any desired network protocol now known or later developed. Such networks can include, but are not limited to, one or more of a LAN, WLAN, WAN or the like. 
     The system  100  can further comprise one or more human machine interfaces  104 . The human machine interface  104  can be, for example, a personal computing workstation connected to the company network  102 . The human machine interface  104  can also be any one of a kiosk, mobile device, or other device that comprises an input device for receiving instructions from a user (such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, card reader, touchscreen, etc.) and an output device to provide feedback to a user (such as a monitor, printer, speaker, etc.). The human machine interface  104  allows the user to interact with the system  100 , such as to log in to the company network  102 , provide instructions to the system  100 , or to obtain a status of one or more devices in the system  100 , as will be explained in further detail below. 
     The system further comprises a manufacturing database  106 . The manufacturing database  106  can comprise a memory storing manufacturing information such as process flows for manufacturing processes and documenting completed processes including associated tools and consumable used during such processes. The manufacturing database  106  can be connected to the one or more human machine interfaces  104 . 
     The system further comprises a plurality of legacy lockable articles (e.g., see legacy lockable articles  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c  and  108   n , referred to generally and/or collectively as legacy lockable articles  108 ). In this example, there can be any desired number of legacy lockable articles  108  as designated in  FIG. 1  and represented by legacy lockable articles  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c  through  108   n , with “n” representing any number of such articles. The legacy lockable articles  108  can comprise any type of lockable storage articles, such as a tool box, a storage cabinet, a storage closet, or the like. The legacy lockable articles  108  can be locked via a key. For example, the legacy lockable articles  108  can comprise one or more doors, drawers, boxes, etc. that are lockable via a lock and a corresponding key. By “legacy” it is meant that the legacy lockable articles  108  are not directly connectable to any network device, and are not part of a network tool control system prior to being part of the system described herein. Thus, standing alone and outside of being part of the system described herein, the legacy lockable articles  108  are not capable of being controlled via a tool control system hosted by, for example, the company network  102 . 
     Advantageously, to integrate key access of the legacy lockable articles  108  to a tool control system, the system  100  described herein comprises a plurality of lock boxes  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of a plurality of lock boxes  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c  through  110   n  (hereinafter referred to generally and/or collectively as lock boxes  110 ) can correspond to a respective legacy lockable article  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c  through  108   n . The plurality of lock boxes  110  are operable to lock a key associated with a respective legacy lockable article  108 . Unlike the legacy lockable articles  108 , the plurality of lock boxes  110  are configured to communicatively couple to other networked components of the system  100 , and thus are operable to integrate into a tool control system, such as one hosted by the company network  102 . By doing so, the associated legacy lockable articles  108  are integrated into the tool control system, and are able to be managed via the tool control system along with other lockable articles already a part of the tool control system. 
     The plurality of lock boxes are connected to a programmable logic controller  112 . The programmable logic controller (“PLC”)  112  comprises one or more memories and a processor and is configured to provide control instructions to each of the lock boxes  110 . In some examples, the PLC  112  sends control instructions to the lock boxes  110  via a plurality of respective remote input/output (“I/O”) devices  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c  through  114   n  (hereinafter referred to generally and/or collectively as remote I/O devices  114 ). The remote I/O devices  114  can comprise a digital to analog converter to convert digital control instructions from the PLC  112  to analog signals to control respective lock boxes  110 . In some examples, the remote I/O devices  114  can be omitted and the signals can be sent directly to the lock boxes  110  where the lock boxes comprise an internal digital to analog converter or otherwise operate independent of the remote I/O devices  114 . 
     The PLC  112  can be connected to an Internet of Things (“IOT”) infrastructure  116 . The IOT infrastructure  116  can comprise a plurality of servers and networked connected devices, sensors, and other instruments. In some examples, the IOT infrastructure  116  can be an industrial IOT infrastructure  116 . The IOT infrastructure  116  can be utilized to track a status of devices connected as part of the IOT infrastructure  116  and to provide control instructions to connected devices based on one or more preprogrammed conditions or based on instructions received from a user. For example, the IOT infrastructure  116  can receive status information from the PLC  112  concerning a locked or unlocked state of each lock box  110 , or the presence or absence of a key from a lock box  110 , and provide output to the human machine interface  104  based on the status received. The IOT infrastructure  116  can also relay control instructions entered at a human machine interface  104  to one or more of the lock boxes  110  via the PLC  112 . 
     Thus, the system  100  facilitates integration of key control access of legacy lockable articles  108  into a tool management and control system such as one hosted by a company network  102 . For example, the system  100  allows integration of a user request to utilize substances or tools in a legacy lockable article  108  by controlling access to a lock box  110  and key associated with the lock box  110  and the legacy lockable article  108 . Furthermore, because the system  100  connects together key control of legacy lockable articles  108  with a company network  102 , events at a lock box  110  associated with a legacy lockable article  108  can be associated with specific users of a company network  102  or with specific processes outlined by processes stored in a manufacturing database. 
     As mentioned above, the plurality of lock boxes  110  are utilized to facilitate key access control to the legacy lockable articles  108  via the tool control system, thus integrating the plurality of lock boxes  110  with the tool control system.  FIGS. 2-4  show an exemplary lock box for use with the system  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4  a lock box  210  (similar to lockbox  110  from  FIG. 1 ) can comprise a lock box body  220 . The lock box body  220  comprises a tamper proof structure to securely house the components of the lock box  210  and to secure the lock box  210  with respect to a legacy lockable article (such as legacy lockable article  108  from  FIG. 1 ). 
     The lock box body  220  can comprise a main portion  224  and a cover  222 . The cover  222  can be secured to the main portion  224  in any suitably secure manner including adhesives, fasteners, welding, or the like. The cover  222  and main portion  224  can be formed from durable materials, such as steel or other metals, and suitably sized and configured to prevent tampering. An outer surface of the cover  222  defines a front surface  226  of the lock box  210 . The main portion  224  comprises a back surface  228  of the lock box  210 . 
     The lock box body  220  is configured to be associated with a legacy lockable article, such as securely mounted to a legacy lockable article. In some examples, the lock box body  220  can be mounted to the legacy lockable article. For example, the lock box body  220  can be mounted to the legacy lockable article such that the mount or mounting hardware is only accessible from within a locked area or compartment of the legacy lockable article. Thus, the mount or mounting hardware is not accessible without access to the key, increasing the security of the lock box  210 . In this example, the lock box body can comprise mounting apertures  230   a ,  230   b ,  230   c ,  230   d  that extend from the front surface  226  to the back surface  228 . The mounting apertures  230   a ,  230   b ,  230   c ,  230   d  can facilitate the mounting of the lock box body  220 , such that the back surface  228  abuts against the legacy lockable article and the mount or mounting hardware is accessible only from within the legacy lockable article. Of course, other mounting methods including permanent and removable mountings can be utilized without limitation. 
     The lock box  210  can comprise visual indicators  232 ,  234  that provide feedback to a user concerning a status of the lockbox  210 . The visual indicators  232 ,  234  can be disposed on the front surface  226  of the lock box  210 . The visual indicators  232 ,  234  can be LEDs that light based upon a predetermined condition of the lock box  210 . For example, the visual indicator  232  can be an LED indicator that lights based on a locked or an unlocked condition of the lock box  210 . The visual indicator  234  can be an LED indicator that lights based on the presence or absence of a key at the lock box  210 . These visual indicators  232 ,  234  can be part of an internal electronics system (comprising various electronics components, such as circuitry and circuit components, sensors, batteries, switches, etc.) supported by the lock box  210 . 
     The lock box  210  can further comprise an access opening  236  disposed on or otherwise formed in the lockbox body  220 . As shown in this example, the access opening  236  can comprise a slot formed in the cover  222  extending from the front surface  226  of the lockbox body  220  through the cover  222 . The access opening  266  can be sized and configured to receive therein an inserted key or key holder to facilitate the key or key holder being locked by the lock box  210  as will be described below. 
     The lockbox body  220  can comprise a data/power port  238 , such as the data/power port  238  shown that is disposed or supported on the main portion  224 . The data/power port  238  can communicatively connect to a data/power source via one or more wires, cables or other type of data/power carriers that facilitate the transfer of power to the lock box  210  and the transfer of data to and from the lock box  210  (such as the transfer of control instructions from the PLC  112  in  FIG. 1  to the lock box  110  and the transfer of a status of the lock box  110  to the PLC  112 ). The data/power port  238  can be communicatively coupled to the internal electronics of the lockbox  210 . 
     The lock box  210  can comprise an actuatable lock  240  to lock a key or key holder to the lock box body  220 . As shown in this example, the actuatable lock  240  can comprise a linear actuator having a motor  240  and a shaft  244 . Upon actuation, the actuatable lock  240  can activate the motor  240  to extend the shaft  244  to engage or interface with a key or key holder to lock the key or key holder to the lock box body  220 . The actuatable lock  240  can also be controlled to unlock a key or key holder by retracting the shaft  244  from the key or key holder, thereby releasing it from the lock box body  220 . The shaft  244  can be disposed within the main portion  224  so as to be transverse (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the slot defining the access opening  236  of the lock box body  220 . This facilitates the shaft  244  to easily interface with and lock the key holder as described in more detail below. 
     The lock box  210  can comprise a key sensor  246 . The key sensor  246  can comprise an inductive proximity sensor to sense the presence of a key or a key holder at the lock box  210 . As mentioned above, the visual indicators  232 ,  234  can be configured to light based on the status of the actuatable lock  240  and the key sensor  246 . 
     The lock box  210  can comprise a corresponding key holder  250  that is operable to interface with the lock box  210 . In one example, the key holder  250  can comprise a head portion  252  having flanges  254 . The flanges  254  form a stop by interfacing with the front surface  226  of the lock box  250  upon the key holder  250  being inserted a distance into the access opening  236 . Indeed, when the key holder  250  is inserted into the access opening  236  the key holder  250  moves into the access opening  236  until the flanges  254  of the head portion  252  abut the front surface  226  of the lock box  210 . This aligns the key holder  250  for locking. The head portion  252  further comprises a key interface  256 . In one example, as shown, the key interface  256  can comprise a key aperture facilitating attachment of a key to the key holder  250 , wherein the key is operable to lock and unlock the associated legacy lockable article. In one example, the key can be attached or tethered to the key holder  250  via a tamper proof cable or other tethering structure or device that is inserted through the key aperture of the key holder  250  and secured to itself, such as via a cable lock or more permanent fixture (e.g., a cable connector, crimping sleeve, and others). In this way, the key can be fixed to and caused to be inseparable from the key holder  250 . Of course, less tamperproof and less permanent methods are contemplated (e.g., securing the key to the key holder  250  via a zip tie, rope, or other less tamperproof solution), but these may be less desirable. 
     The key holder  250  can further comprise a locking portion  258  that comprises a lock interface  260 . The lock interface  260  can be defined by a cylindrical aperture formed in the locking portion  258  that is operable to receive the shaft  244  of the actuatable lock  240  to selectively lock and unlock the key holder  250  to the lock box body  220 . For example, when the key holder  250  is inserted into the access opening  236  and the flanges  254  seat against the front surface  226  of the lock box  210 , the lock interface  260  defined by the cylindrical aperture aligns with the shaft  244  of the actuatable lock  240 . In this position, the shaft  244  can be actuated by the motor  240  to move the shaft  244  into engagement with the lock interface  260  to lock the key holder  250  to the lock box body  220 . The actuatable lock  240  can be actuated based on a lock command received from a PLC (such as PLC  112  via remote I/O  114  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The lock command from a PLC can be initiated via user request generated via a manual input at a human machine interface (such as human machine interface  104  in  FIG. 1 ) requesting access to the key associated with the key holder  250  and lock box  210 . The lock command from the PLC can also be initiated autonomously based on one or more predetermined conditions such as via information from a manufacturing database (such as manufacturing database  106  of  FIG. 1 ) pertaining to a process or a step in a process, and/or via preprogrammed conditions monitored in an IOT infrastructure (such as IOT infrastructure  116  of  FIG. 1 ) or tool control system hosted by a company network (such as company network  102  shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as when the IOT infrastructure sends an unlock command to the PLC to unlock one of the lock boxes  210  based on a monitored condition of another connected device in the IOT infrastructure. 
     The above described system and lock box thus facilitate integration of legacy lockable articles with a tool control system. A method for integrating the legacy lockable articles with a tool control system will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     Where there are a plurality of legacy lockable articles  108  at a facility or across multiple associated facilities, the method first comprises providing a lock box (e.g., lock box  110  or lock box  210  as discussed above) associated with a respective legacy lockable articles  108 . Each lock box  110  is operable to control key access to each of the respective legacy lockable articles  108 . In this example, a key for each respective legacy lockable article  108  can be attached to a key holder  250 . The key holder  250  can be selectively lockable to the lockbox body  220  of respective lock boxes  210  via the actuatable lock  240 . The actuatable lock  240  can be a linear actuator comprising a shaft  240  that is inserted into a corresponding lock interface  260  of the key holder  250  (e.g., one defined by a cylindrical aperture) to lock the key holder  250  to the lock box body  220  and that is removed from the lock interface  260  to unlock the key holder  250  from the lock box body  220 . 
     The method further comprises receiving a lock/unlock status from the plurality of lock boxes  110 ,  210  at the PLC  112 . The PLC  112  is connected to the plurality of lock boxes  110 ,  210 , such as via a remote I/O device  114 . The PLC  112  can send the status of each lock box  110 ,  210  to an IOT infrastructure  116 , such as to an IOT server forming part of the IOT infrastructure  116  that is communicatively coupled to the PLC  112 . The IOT infrastructure  116  can thus track a status of each lock box  110 ,  210  including whether the lock box  110 ,  210  is locked or unlocked, or whether a key sensor  246  detects the presence or absence of the key holder  250  at the lock box  110 ,  210 . 
     When a user requires a tool, chemical, or other object or substance stored in or at a legacy lockable article  108 , control instructions can be received from the user via the human machine interface  104  to unlock the lock box  110 ,  210  associated with the legacy lockable article  108 . Or, alternatively, when a user is finished with a tool, chemical, or other object or substance and that object or substance is returned to the legacy lockable article  108 , control instructions can be received from the user via the human machine interface  104  to lock the lock box  110 ,  210  associated with the legacy lockable article  108 . 
     The control instructions can be validated at an IOT server of an IOT infrastructure  116  prior to sending the instructions to the lock box  110 ,  210 . For example, the human machine interface  104  can validate a user profile via user identifying information (such as via biometrics, a password, an access card, etc.) via a company network  102  and send validated instructions to the internet of things server of IOT infrastructure  116 . The validation can be based on whether the user profile has sufficient access rights to access the lock box  110 ,  210  at the requested time. The IOT server of an IOT infrastructure  116  can forward the validated control instructions to the PLC  112 , and the PLC  112  can send a lock or unlock command to the specified lock box  110  based on the control instructions. 
     method can further comprise monitoring the status of the lock boxes  110 ,  210 . For example, the PLC  112  can receive an indication from one or more of the lock boxes  110 ,  210  regarding the removal of a key holder  250  and associated key from the lock box  110 ,  210  based on feedback from the key sensor  246 . Similarly, the PLC  112  can receive an indication from one or more of the lock boxes  110 ,  210  regarding the return of a key holder  250  and associated key from the lock box  110 ,  210  based on feedback from the key sensor  246 . In this manner, the system can track the removal and return of keys and can associate the events with one or more user profiles and with one or more tools or substances to be removed from the legacy lockable article in accordance with a procedure stored in the manufacturing database  106 . 
     The method can further comprise receiving an indication that the key holder  250  and associated key has been removed for a predetermined time period. The method can be set to ensure that a legacy lockable article  108  is not left unlocked allowing unregulated access. Thus, the system can track whether a key has been removed for certain time period at which an indication is sent to the PLC  112  so that corrective measures can be taken. It is noted that the indication can originate from a lock box  110 ,  210 , the PLC  112 , or the IOT infrastructure  116  as desired. As mentioned above, the visual indicators  232 ,  234  at the lock box  210  can be operable to provide visual feedback corresponding to the above mentioned indications. 
     The system and method set forth in the disclosure provides several advantages. For example, by controlling key access using the above described system, method, and lock box, contents such as tools, chemicals, or other substances can be integrated into a regulated, tool control system. Safeguards to unregulated access of legacy lockable articles can be controlled based on the feedback from the lock boxes to the system. The feedback can include a locked and unlocked status of the lock boxes and a detection of the key within the lock boxes. This can also include indications of when a key is removed for longer than a predetermined time period. Further, each event can be associated with a user profile providing accountability to those using the system. 
     Reference was made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description. 
     Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The use of “or” in this disclosure should be understood to mean non-exclusive or, i.e., “and/or,” unless otherwise indicated herein. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features and operations described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the described technology.