Method for operating a locking system, locking system, and tube safe

A method for operating a locking system comprising an electronic key and an electronic lock and a central unit which in locking operation is used locally separately from the electronic key and the electronic lock, the method generates an external authorization code by the central unit by means of an authorization code determination program, the external authorization code is transferred to the electronic key and the external authorization code is saved in a memory by the electronic key, on interaction of the electronic key with the electronic lock, the external authorization code is read out from the memory by the electronic lock and is checked by a processor of the electronic lock in that, using an internal authorization code determination program, the processor itself determines an internal authorization code and compares it with the external authorization code received by the electronic key and, in the event of the determined internal authorization code being identical to the transferred external authorization code, the processor permits an opening process;

• wherein, prior to installation of the electronic lock at its intended location, the electronic lock is activated by the central unit, wherein in so doing the central unit matches the electronic lock identification code and the electronic lock cycle counter status with the identification code saved in the central unit and the stored cycle counter status.