WiFi Clocks: The evolution of synchronized time display

In the past, maintaining synchronized time across an organization or industrial facility was a difficult task. Organizations often relied on manual clocks or standalone systems that needed to be reset regularly to keep accurate time. With advancements in technology, these methods became outdated.

Two of the clocks used in the past were mechanical clocks and radio-controlled clocks. Mechanical clocks were used to achieve synchronized time, often connected to a master clock via cables, making the system reliable but cumbersome and requiring regular maintenance. Radio-controlled clocks emerged, offering greater accuracy by receiving time signals from a central station, though their effectiveness was limited in areas with weak or inconsistent radio signals.

The Rise of WiFi Clocks

As wireless communication and network connectivity improved, WiFi clocks began to take hold. These clocks sync with internet time servers, meaning they can automatically adjust to daylight savings time, account for leap years, and remain accurate without requiring manual intervention. The time servers they connect to can either local to the network or Internet time servers like NIST or Network Time Foundation

WiFi clocks use NTP (Network Time Protocol) or PTP (Precision Time Protocol) to maintain precision across different devices and locations. Unlike traditional radio-controlled clocks, WiFi clocks don’t require external antennas or reliance on a standalone radio signal. They simply connect to an organization’s existing WiFi network, making them incredibly easy to deploy.

Available in both analog and digital styles, WiFi clocks are increasingly being used across diverse applications and industries due to their accuracy, ease of use, and versatility. Here are a few notable use cases:

  • Corporate Environments: In large corporate settings, keeping synchronized time across multiple departments or offices is essential for scheduling, meeting coordination, and timekeeping. WiFi clocks ensure consistency across all locations, reducing errors and ensuring that everyone is operating on the same timeline.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers rely on precise timekeeping to coordinate patient care, medication administration, and surgical procedures. WiFi clocks help ensure that these time-sensitive activities are accurately synchronized across departments.
  • Industrial and Manufacturing: In factories and production lines, synchronized time is crucial for coordinating shifts, tracking operations, and preventing costly mistakes. WiFi clocks provide an efficient solution by ensuring that equipment, machinery, and personnel all operate on a unified timeline.
  • Public Infrastructure: For public institutions like transportation hubs (airports, train stations) and government buildings, synchronized clocks help maintain smooth operations. WiFi clocks eliminate the need for manual time adjustments and help prevent delays.

Advantages of WiFi Clocks

  1. Accuracy and Precision: WiFi clocks connect to time servers that provide highly accurate time synchronization. By using NTP or PTP, they ensure that the clocks are synchronized to a global standard, reducing the risk of errors.WiFi clocks can also often connect to multiple time servers, allowing for seamless fallback to a backup or secondary server if connection is long to the primary.
  2. Scalability: One of the main advantages of WiFi clocks is scalability. You can deploy them across large networks, such as multi-floor offices or sprawling industrial facilities, and they will all be synchronized without the need for complex cabling or individual time settings.
  3. Easy Installation and Maintenance: Setting up WiFi clocks is relatively straightforward compared to traditional timekeeping methods. With no physical cables or external signals required, they can be installed and maintained with minimal effort.
  4. Flexibility and Integration: Many WiFi clocks are compatible with modern IoT systems, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into smart building or industrial automation systems. Additionally, they can be customized with features such as large digital displays, custom time formats, and more.
  5. Cost-Effective: Over time, WiFi clocks can save money by eliminating the need for manual calibration, physical maintenance, and additional infrastructure.

As industries move towards smart environments and Industry 4.0, the role of synchronized time will continue to grow. WiFi clocks will play a key role in enabling real-time data exchange, ensuring that machines, devices, and systems operate seamlessly together. They also provide a foundation for high-precision applications, including data center synchronization, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure management.

Synchronized Clocks – What System is Best for my Organization

JDSU Network Instruments Observer Platform 17



Virtually every enterprise can benefit from synchronized time displays, clocks that all display the same correct time. But which system is best for your organization?

There are many options to pick from, depending on your industry and the number of displays required, but which system is best for your organization?

Large Environments



In large environmentslike hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and large offices a wireless clock system may be a good option.This type of system includes a Master Clock that can synchronize to any NTP Server or its own GPS time input. The Master Clock will then generate and transmit its own wireless time signal (900 Mhz) to every clock in all directions and between floors.To ensure each clock can receive the time signal each clock should be able to receive the time signal and then repeat this in all directions, creating a strong mesh network

Small Environment/Office

For smaller facilities such as a small office, medical clinics, an investment in a master controller may not be warranted. In that case, Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Wi-Fi Network Clocks may be a better option.These clocks can connect to your master clock, or any other NTP time source, within your environment to ensure they all display the same time.

Upgrading an existing system



Many education facilities have pre-existing Sync-Wire clock systems. Some of the clocks may be failing, or the clock controller is not functioning correctly.For this we have a couple of options.

Sapling clocks are compatible with most name brand controllers, which allows you to directly replace your clocks. One of the disadvantages of a sync-wire system is the frequency of the time sync which is once every 12 hours. This means that in the event of a power outage or when adding or replacing clocks, it could take up to 12 hours for the clocks to display the correct time.

If your clock controller is failing or you would like to upgrade, you can install a hybrid master clock with a wireless transmitter that also supports your existing wired clocks. This is a cost effective option as you can upgrade your wired clocks to the newer wireless clocks as the older clocks fail or budget becomes available.

Clock Selection

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 and different sizes which makes them a good fit for waiting areas or other customer facing locations, whereas the brightness of digital clocks is helpful in places with low light areas.

Digital clocks can also come with enhanced functionality, such as an elapsed-timer that allows you to track how much time has gone by during a specific task. This can prove useful for meetings, timing events or time sensitive events like code blue in a hospital environment.

Clocks that Keep Everyone Safe and Informed



Your synchronized digital clocks can now do so much more, by bringing visual notifications to your facility especially in busy noisy environments. The OnAlert system is an advanced, powerful communication platform that during normal operation can present time of day but can be switched to a high priority message which replaces all other messages during times of crisis.

Considering your options contact us to discuss which is best for you

Unlocking the Potential of Synchronized Clock Systems in Hospitals

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, every second counts. From managing patient appointments to coordinating emergency responses, precise timing is crucial for efficient hospital operations. This is where synchronized clock systems come into play. Installing a synchronized clock system in a hospital can offer a multitude of benefits that enhance overall performance, improve patient safety, and ensure regulatory compliance. Here are five advantages that healthcare administrators should consider:

1. Enhanced Coordination

In a hospital setting, coordination among various departments and staff members is vital for providing effective patient care. Synchronized clocks ensure that everyone is working on the same schedule, which minimizes delays and miscommunications. Whether it’s coordinating surgeries, aligning shift changes, or scheduling patient consultations, having all clocks in sync ensures that everyone is on the same page. This cohesive approach reduces the likelihood of errors caused by timing discrepancies and enhances overall operational efficiency.

2. Improved Patient Safety

Accurate timekeeping is critical for managing patient care. Medication schedules, appointment timings, and emergency responses all rely on precise timing to prevent errors. A synchronized clock system ensures that all staff members follow a unified schedule, which helps in administering medications on time, managing patient treatments effectively, and coordinating emergency responses swiftly. By reducing the risk of timing-related mistakes, hospitals can enhance patient safety and ensure that care protocols are followed accurately.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Hospitals are subject to various regulations that require precise timekeeping for record-keeping and reporting purposes. Accurate and synchronized clocks help ensure compliance with these regulatory standards. For instance, many healthcare regulations mandate precise time documentation for patient records, medication administration, and procedural logging. A synchronized clock system simplifies adherence to these regulations, helping hospitals avoid potential penalties and audits. By maintaining accurate time records, hospitals can demonstrate their commitment to compliance and quality care.

4. Reduced Operational Costs

Operational inefficiencies related to time discrepancies can lead to increased costs. Missed appointments, delayed procedures, and errors resulting from unsynchronized clocks can all contribute to higher operational expenses. By implementing a synchronized clock system, hospitals can minimize these inefficiencies and achieve better financial performance while focusing resources on enhancing patient care.

For healthcare administrators looking to optimize their hospital’s performance, investing in a synchronized clock system is a strategic move that can lead to more efficient operations and better patient outcomes.

By embracing technology that streamlines time management, hospitals can not only improve their internal processes but also provide a higher standard of care to their patients. In a sector where every moment matters, synchronized clocks are a vital tool for achieving excellence in healthcare delivery.

If you’re considering upgrading your hospital’s time management system, now is the time to explore the benefits of synchronized clocks. The positive impact on coordination, safety, and operational efficiency can be transformative for your facility.

Synchronized Digital Clocks: Advantages and Considerations

When it comes to choosing clocks for your facility, you have a choice between digital or analog displays. Both styles have their merits, so it’s important to consider your needs and priorities. Here’s a look at some key characteristics of digital clocks, that can help you decide what to use.

Easier to Read

Digital clocks are super easy to read at a glance. This makes them a great choice for large spaces like gyms, auditoriums, or open floor plans where you need people to be able to tell time from far away. A 4-inch digital display can be read clearly from over 250 feet. You can also choose between different colours Red, Green, Amber or White.


Sapling Synchronized Digital Clock in School Setting

Low Light Rooms

Digital clocks are better suited for dark rooms or rooms with dim lighting, like auditoriums during presentations. No need to strain your eyes – digital clocks glow bright so everyone can keep track of time even when other lights go down.

When Seconds Count

Digital clocks are precise down to the second. This is handy when seconds really count, like during exams, a time sensitive production process, or critical medical procedure. No more estimating – everyone will know exactly how much time is left.

Advanced Features

Digital clocks can accomplish some additional features that analog clocks cannot. You can use a digital clock as an elapsed timer to help everyone track how much time has passed. This can be invaluable to monitor medical procedure time, keep students moving between classes or help manufacturing gain visibility into task durations to improve efficiency.

Messaging System

Digital clock can also be used to display messages, this can provide an important messaging capability. During normal operation the clock can display accurate time and switch to mass message capability across your facility for critical alerts or general messaging. Message clock systems can bring visual notification to your facility, especially in busy noisy environments like hallways, lobbies, gymnasiums, stairwells, or office spaces.

Budget

Of course, digital clocks usually cost more than analog. Be sure to consider your budget, especially if outfitting an entire building. Analog clocks have a classic esthetic look. So weigh technology needs versus style preferences.

In the end, digital clocks offer unbeatable readability and functionality in most situations. Just account for the potential higher price tag. Now you have what you need to choose the display format that’s right for your facility!