If you're tasked with selecting a clock system for your organization, the idea might be easy at first: You just buy some clocks and hang them on the walls, right?
But synchronized clock technology offer many options, and the best decision for you depends on the needs of your organization. Here, we'll help determine which type of clock is best for you depending on your industry and the type of building you're responsible for keeping on time.
Healthcare
In a facility as large as a hospital, synchronized time is critical. A wireless clock system may be good option, in which individual clocks stay in sync by receiving a radio signal from the master controller as opposed to connecting via wiring. A quality wireless system will have a signal strong enough to easily cover a facility as expansive as a hospital, all while avoiding interference with medical equipment by using its own radio frequency.
Always consider the size of your facility when picking out a synchronized clock system. In a facility the size of a clinic, for instance, an investment in a master controller may not be warranted. In that case, IP network clocks such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Wi-Fi Network clocks may suffice. Rather than requiring a master clock, IP network clocks connect directly to your LAN or WLAN to receive a time signal for a fast, efficient way to get synchronized time.
Once you've selected your clock system, you'll need to decide between analog and digital displays. Analog clocks may be designed with images or a logo, which makes them a good fit for waiting areas or other patient-facing rooms, whereas the brightness of digital clocks is helpful in places like surgery rooms or low-light areas.
Digital can also come with enhanced functionality, such as a time-elapsed setting that allows staff to track how much time has gone by during a specific task. This can prove vital during events like time-sensitive surgeries.
Read more: How Surgery Teams at this Hospital Benefit from Power over Ethernet Clocks
Education
Synchronized time in K-12 and higher Ed schools is important for keeping students and staff on time. Choosing between wired and wireless depends on the status of your building. For new construction, a wireless clock system presents the ideal option due to the flexibility and ease of integration it offers.
If you are outfitting a pre-existing building that already has a wired clock system installed, pick a clock model that's compatible with the existing master controller. American Time's AllSync Plus® clocks, for instance, are compatible with most name-brand controllers like Simplex, Lathem, National and others. If you’re doing an expansion, the American Time SiteSync IQ Wireless System can work with your legacy wired system and with the new wireless system in your expansion.
On the flip side, if your old master is dying but the original wired clocks are working, you can purchase a hybrid master that works with both wired and wireless clocks. This way you can replace your wired clocks as they die gradually, instead of replacing them all at once. It’s a popular and cost-effective option.
Read more: School Expansion Keeps Students Punctual with Wireless Clocks and Bells
Manufacturing
IP network clocks should also adequately serve a production facility. In this sector, though, you need to carefully consider your display format.
Office settings do fine with analog, but digital is most suitable for a factory floor because of its enhanced readability, making it easier for personnel operating heavy equipment to keep track of the time while doing their job safely.
Small Business
Wi-Fi clocks are a fast and economical choice for nearly any small business that need synchronized clocks with little fuss. Just connect the clock to your Wi-Fi network and hang it where needed - no master clock required.
Batteries are good for up to five years. Beyond that, you don’t have to give your Wi-Fi clocks a second thought. They'll stay in sync with the official time as set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Read more: Wi-Fi Clocks Deliver Easy, Fast Synchronized Time for this Health Center
Reimagining Clocks for Safety and Protection
There are synchronized time options that turn your clocks into something so much more. EverAlert from American Time is an advanced, powerful communication platform that delivers better communication and productivity through daily messaging, emergency alerts and synchronized time.
This multi-functional technology keeps everyone in your building informed, safe and secure.
- Create and deliver routine or custom messages facility-wide or by department, area or room every day.
- Keep employees more efficient and on schedule with built-in synchronized clock displays - both traditional analog and digital readout clock options.
- Deliver immediate visual and audio alerts prior to and during emergencies across a building or campus.
Learn more: Discover the benefits and capabilities of EverAlert!
Gain Essential Knowledge
Ready to learn more about your clock options? Get the Essential Guide to Synchronized Time for a more in-depth look at the technologies that might be best for your building.
