American Time School Blog

When it comes to maintaining a facility's synchronized time system, industry changes might mean the brand of clock you use is no longer available. Thankfully, even if your brand is no longer being manufactured, you should still be able to find a replacement clock that works with your system. Because odds are, American Time still makes it.

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'

The number of companies offering synchronized clocks has dwindled over the past 30 years, from a high of 15 to fewer than five today, according to Scott DeSmith, product application specialist for American Time. Knowing this, it's more and more likely you'll one day need to replace a brand of clock that's no longer being made. 

Rest assured, when a clock manufacturer stops making what you need, you're in good hands—pun intended. It would be understandable for those on a system with clocks that are no longer being manufactured to worry about finding replacement clocks, but, sure enough, you can still find the clock you need, even after the company runs through its remaining inventory. That's because American Time makes replacement clocks that are designed to work with many other brands and systems.

American Time makes replacement clocks that are compatible with the following brands: Cincinnati, Dukane, Edwards, Faraday, Honeywell, Lathem, MidWest Time, National Time, Notifier, Sapling, Standard Electric and Stromberg. 

When it comes to keeping everyone in your building informed, a dedicated school communications platform can be a powerful tool – so powerful that you may not be using it to its full capacity. With a mountain of audio and video capabilities, these modern communications systems can be deployed for the sake of safety as well as convenience and camaraderie.

For instance, you probably know your communications platform is well-suited to facilitate emergency response – it was likely the major selling point – but the ways it can accomplish this task are deeply nuanced. We'll start there, as we look at five uses for your communications platform that you probably haven't thought of.

When you're shopping for anything new, it's common sense to think about how it will complement what you already have — the same holds true when you're investing in new clocks for your school. Whether you're just replacing a few old clocks, or have a whole new wing to integrate into your existing school clock and bell systems, there are a few factors to consider that will ensure a smooth transition. Short on time? Check out a short video on clock integrations here. 

You wouldn't start writing an essay without thinking of the thesis. You wouldn't put flour in a cake after it's out of the oven. And, you shouldn't design a new school building without baking in plans for your synchronized clock system.

There are a lot of factors to consider when integrating the clocks with a new facility, and it's easiest to address the time system as the building designs are drawn up. Anything after that may create more work. 

Let's look at what factors you should be considering as you build your gleaming new complex.

Like many things in this world, schools have become more complex over the years — evolving from the one-room schoolhouse to the sprawling, intricate facilities we see today.

This is where it becomes essential to embrace new technologies. Among these resources are school notification systems that automatically spread important messages throughout a building, keeping students safe and informed while making life easier for staff.

There is a certain elegance to the energy and efficiency of students moving throughout a school between classes. A bell sounds, doors open, and students and teachers move with purposeful pace. Moments later, the bell sounds, doors close, and lessons begin again. However, that familiar pace isn't possible without a system of clocks to keep everyone on time.

There are many benefits to having a fully functional network of clocks in a school, so pay attention, class: your lesson on everything you need to know about school clocks is about to begin.