Network Clock Systems: Which Is Best for Your Facility?
Did you know? According to data company Inrix, the typical American commuter wastes 42 hours in traffic every year, at a cost of $1,400 worth of gas.
Most people waste a lot of time every day without even realizing it. If you’re in the market for a new network clock or clock system for your facility — a system designed to increase efficiency and diminish waste — you don’t want to waste any time in your search.
To help you narrow down your options to the best network clock system for your needs fast, read this handy guide.
WiFi Clocks
A WiFi clock receives a time signal directly and wirelessly from your time server, and it can be up and running within minutes of being unpacked. They can be hung just about anywhere right out of the box thanks.
As you can imagine, WiFi clocks are best for spaces where there isn’t an network port handy. Additionally, not having to rely on wires means that there’s less time to be spent on maintenance.
Power over Ethernet Clocks
Power over Ethernet (or PoE) clocks obtain both their time signal and their energy from your building’s Ethernet cable. PoE clocks are ideal for rooms that are already outfitted with an Ethernet line. By plugging in a Cat 5 cable, you can be sure to get simple, synchronized time across your office.
Analog Clocks
After you have chosen the power and time signal source for your clock system, it’s time to decide what you want your physical clocks to look like. You have two basic options: analog and digital.
Analog clocks lend an academic appearance to any room. They can be beneficial to young students who are just learning to tell time with an analog clock, such as recognizing the hour and minute hands, which makes them perfect for use in schools.
Analog clocks also allow for a much wider variety of styles than digital clocks. Many manufacturers offer several bezels you can pick from, and you can also have the chance to customize the clock face with your company logo or school mascot.
Finally, analog clocks use less electricity than digital clocks usually do. In addition to providing long-term energy cost savings, analog clocks can help reduce your facility’s footprint, bringing you closer to your energy reduction goals.
Digital Clocks
Digital clocks are much easier to read than analog clocks are, which makes them the ideal choice for more time-critical situations.
In a very large room, it may be harder to see an analog clock from the far wall, making a digital clock the preferred option. Unlike analog clocks, which can be difficult to read at fairly short distances, digital clocks can be read from as far as 250 feet away. In nursing homes, where many residents may experience poor vision, a digital clock may also be appreciated.
Digital clocks are also useful in places like production facilities, where employees work together in large rooms and have to watch the time to know when their shift ends. Hospitals typically use digital clocks for similar reasons: time is often of the essence, with doctors and nurses needing to peak at the clock frequently and quickly to do their jobs.
Digital clocks can also offer countdown features, which can help certain specialists do their jobs more easily and effectively.
Often, both kinds of clocks work side by side. Digital clocks can be used in larger rooms where it’s highly important to be aware of the time, and analog clocks can be used in offices and conference rooms.
Next-Generation Network Clocks
If you want to go beyond basic timekeeping, you can get new-age network clocks that feature comprehensive communications and emergency alert systems built-in. These network clocks have LED displays that disseminate custom messages for either routine or emergency situations. These systems provide the peace of mind from knowing that any important communication can be distributed quickly across a facility.
When it comes to network clocks, these are your basic options. Which system is going to be best for you? Rely on TimeMachines for more information today.