In other embodiments, the electronic key 20, 120 is configured to obtain data from a security device 40, 140. For example, the security device 40, 140 may store various data regarding past communication with a electronic key 20, 120 (e.g., key identification, time of communication, etc.), and when a subsequent electronic key communicates with the same security device, the data is transferred to the electronic key. Thus, the security device 40, 140 may include a memory for storing such data. In some cases, the security device 40, 140 includes a power source for receiving and storing the data, while in other cases, the power provided by the electronic key 20, 120 is used for allowing the merchandise security device to store the data. The electronic key 20, 120 may then communicate the data for collection and review, such as at a remote location or device. In some instances, communication between the electronic key 20, 120 and the programming station 60 may allow data to be pulled from the electronic key and communicated, such as to a remote location or device. In other cases, the electronic key 20, 120 may be configured to obtain data from security devices 40, 140, such as an identification of the security device, identification of the items contained within or by the security device, and/or the system health of the security device and/or the items. The electronic key 20, 120 may store the data and provide the data to a remote location or device upon communication with the programming station 60. As such, the electronic keys 20, 120 may be a useful resource for obtaining various types of data from the merchandise security devices 40, 140 without the need for wired connections or complex wireless networks or systems. In other embodiments, the security devices 40, 140 themselves may include wireless communication capability to allow for transmission of the data to a remote device or location.