Every second counts in healthcare facilities, making precise timekeeping essential. Minor time differences can cause significant problems, like slow emergency responses, inaccurate patient records and mixed-up treatment schedules. Wireless clock systems help prevent these issues by ensuring accurate time across various areas. Discover some tips and explore your top choices.
How Do You Order Wireless Clock Systems for a Healthcare Facility?
Get the most out of selecting a wireless clock system for your facility by following these tips.
1. Assess Your Facility’s Needs
Determine the number of clocks required and the areas that require synchronized time. This includes, but is not limited to, main hallways, administrative offices, patient rooms and waiting areas. Then, health professionals must consider the various types of environments.
Some may want traditional analog clocks for aesthetic purposes, while others require digital displays for easier readability. For instance, a study deemed digital clocks friendlier than analog ones, which require more widespread cognition. Review and understand regulatory and accreditation requirements regarding synchronized timekeeping for various medical procedures and documentation.
2. Shortlist Providers
Once you understand your needs, it’s time to find reputable providers. Prioritize suppliers with a solid track record in the healthcare sector. See if they have catered to companies similar to your organization. Prioritize systems with Wi-Fi compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with your network infrastructure. If possible, request product demonstrations and case studies relevant to your company.
3. Request Quotes
Contact the sales teams of your shortlisted providers. Articulate your facility’s needs and expectations for an accurate proposal. You must provide floor plans featuring clock locations, an outline of integration needs and the quantity of clocks. The more information you provide, the better.
Inquire about customization options. This could mean displaying your company’s logo on clocks or various clock types to support different departmental aesthetics.
4. Evaluate Support and Training
Ask potential suppliers if they provide on-site or remote installation support. Such services support seamless system performance and a lower risk of integration issues. If you have an in-house IT team, consider providing employee training. Confirm that your provider can deliver thorough training programs on system operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and software management.
5. Place Your Order
Once you’ve evaluated your options, place your formal order. Before signing a contract, confirm all finalized details — types of clocks, locations within the establishment and all agreed-upon agreements — and flag discrepancies to avoid costly rework later.
Pay attention to delivery timelines, payment schedules and service commitments. Double-check that these are the terms you agreed upon in your earlier discussions. Once everything is finalized, complete the order through your organization’s procurement process.
6. Prepare for Installation
While waiting for the formal installation, coordinate with your IT team for pre-installation preparations and the facilities team for power requirement management.
After the installation process, thoroughly test the system for discrepancies. Verify with the provider that all clocks are synchronized and all integrated systems communicate as planned. Proactive testing can help you prevent costly redos.
7. Provide Ongoing Support and Evaluation
A wireless clock system requires ongoing attention to achieve optimal performance. Ensure the IT team regularly monitors the system’s accuracy and battery status to detect potential problems before they worsen. Consider installing repeaters to extend the signal's range and provide consistent coverage. Get regular input from staff members who interact with the clocks daily. Doing so can help identify unforeseen issues or areas of improvement.
Top Wireless Clock System Providers for Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare institutions rely on accurate time for optimal patient care and operational efficiency. Discover suppliers that can provide trustworthy services.
1. National Time & Signal (NATSCO)
National Time & Signal is a top option for ordering wireless clock systems for your healthcare facility. Founded over a century ago, NATSCO is a leader in timekeeping solutions and invented some of the earliest clock systems. The company offers top-notch transparency and control, ensuring facility-wide accuracy and easy maintenance. Whether expanding your facility or upgrading your clock systems, NATSCO provides the highest-quality products and support.
NATSCO specializes in cost-effective solutions and low life cycle costs in the industry, and its systems are proven to last over five times longer than those of other providers. The TimeCast™ Wireless Clock System offers two-way RF communication for system health and real-time diagnostics. This comprises a power-over-ethernet (PoE) unit, analog and digital clocks. Wi-Fi clocks that easily synchronize with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) are available.
Why Choose NATSCO?
● Free cloud diagnostics for TimeCast™ wireless clock systems
● Flexible power options
● Customizable clock faces
● Durable construction and long battery life
Testimonial:
"Our company, Industrial Signs, has used National Time and Signal for many outdoor clock projects. One such project was a 23-foot dial that we installed for a Coca-Cola facility here in New Orleans. Upon returning from the destructive winds of Hurricane Katrina, the clock was still functioning. We feel the reliability of the products manufactured by National Time and Signal is unmatched in the industry." - Paul H.
2. Sapling Inc.
Sapling Inc. specializes in wireless synchronized clock systems, including Wi-Fi and IP-based solutions. It’s a Pennsylvania-based company known for robust support and customization for healthcare facilities, offering an accurate and uniform time source and modern tools. Sapling Inc.’s synchronized clocks are engineered to last for many years, reducing maintenance costs.
They offer systems based on various technologies, such as wireless, IP-PoE, GPS and Wi-Fi. Choose among a wide range of time zones and analog or digital clock options. Check out the TalkBack System, which allows secondary clocks to report their current signal strength, battery levels and alerts, giving the maintenance team time for proactive troubleshooting.
Why Choose Sapling Inc.?
● Patented frequency-hopping technology for signal reliability
● Focus on the healthcare industry
● Custom branding and design
Testimonial:
● “It was a wonderful experience buying a wireless clock for my clinic from Sapling Inc. The clock is well-designed, easy to set up, provides accurate time and the price is also fantastic. In short, the product I purchased is really unique along with good price.” - Philip W.
3. American Time
American Time offers various wireless and networked clock systems, mainly to healthcare and educational facilities. One of the most popular services is the SiteSync IQ wireless clock, which has a controller that can operate wired clocks. Choose from analog and digital wireless clocks to fit each space in your establishment. Customization requests like logos and cases are also available.
The wireless digital clocks have four-digit and six-digit options, date displays, adjustable brightness, and wall and ceiling double-dial mounts. Visit the website to check its case studies in the health care industry.
Why Choose American Time?
● Hybrid compatibility
● Battery lasts up to five years
● Customization options
Testimonial:
“The wireless clock system is pretty much a ‘no brainer’ to install. For us to install the master unit and test with the pager took around an hour. We had an area that worked well for us and didn’t require much work to set up.” - Mark W.
4. Primex Sync
Primex Sync provides synchronized time and monitoring solutions, including wireless clocks. It understands the importance of precise timekeeping in healthcare institutions and ensures clients' timeliness in patient and staff areas. Regardless of your chosen system, you’ll get unified timekeeping to boost staff efficiencies and eliminate time discrepancies.
The company provides powerful signal strengths that can easily pass through common building materials. Clocks automatically resynchronize after daylight saving time shifts and power outages, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. It also offers customization so that you can display branding and logos on analog clocks.
Why Choose Primex Sync?
● Easy-to-install systems
● Time and attendance integration
● Outstanding customer service
Testimonial:
"Our total experience has been great. The products are top-notch, and the people supporting them have been wonderful. Every touch point we have had has exceeded our expectations.” - Phil K.
5. Visiplex
Visiplex specializes in commercial wireless paging systems and emergency alert solutions. Its wireless communication systems include two-way intercoms, wall-mounted panic buttons, mass emergency alerts and synchronized clock systems. The company has completed over 20,000 commercial, government and educational institutions.
Analog synchronized clocks feature high-visibility faces, durable construction and long-lasting battery life. Digital LED clocks offer easy-to-read displays with multiple, customizable digit formats. Many models can also function as LED message boards for emergency alerts or notifications. The wireless clock systems comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II and III, OSHA 1910.165 and the California Senate Bill No. 553.
Why Choose Visiplex?
● Easily expand into additional zones or buildings as the facility grows
● Battery backup and reliability
● Combines time sync with bells, emergency alerts and voice paging
Testimonial:
“We've already got a clock system that we're happy with, which I don't have to support, but we've never been satisfied with our PA. Visiplex is an RF system, with each speaker having its own receiver and, if desired, battery backup that they claim is good for up to a couple of days of standby time without power.” - User TheMadTinker
6. Pyramid Time Systems
Pyramid Time Systems provides reliable wireless synchronized clock systems for healthcare facilities. Founded in 1969, the company has grown into a reliable supplier of synchronized wall clocks. It offers various systems, such as RF wireless, wired master clocks, digital count-up and count-down timers and battery-operated LCD clocks.
The RF-synchronized clocks receive accurate signals from a wireless transmitter. They use frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, ensuring all clocks receive the correct time despite frequency interference. The supplier has well-known clients, including The Walt Disney Company, The Ohio State University and Columbus Regional Health.
Why Choose Pyramid Time Systems?
● Comprehensive warranty
● 99% on-time and accurate shipments
● Scalable configurations
Testimonial:
“I wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how happy we are with the synchronized wireless clock system we purchased from Pyramid. It works as advertised and the transmitter was very easy to set up.” - John B.
Summary of the Best Wireless Clock Systems for Healthcare Facilities
Here’s a roundup of top-notch companies for your wireless clock system needs.
|
Company |
Key Offerings |
|
National Time & Signal (NATSCO) |
● TimeCast™ Wireless Clock System ● Wi-Fi clocks using the building’s existing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network |
|
Sapling Inc. |
● Wireless clock system with flexible installation ● TalkBack clock system with self-diagnostic features |
|
American Time
|
● Wi-Fi and PoE IP network clock systems ● SiteSync IQ wireless or AllSync IQ wired clock systems |
|
Primex Sync |
● Wireless synchronized analogue clocks ● Wireless synchronized digital clocks |
|
Visiplex |
● Facility-wide wireless clock with integrated functionalities ● Double-sided wireless clock with integrated functionalities |
|
Pyramid Time Systems |
● Radio Frequency (RF) Wireless ● PoE IP Networked |
Methodology for Selecting the Top Wireless Clock System Providers
Ordering wireless clock systems for a healthcare facility requires a stringent evaluation process that goes beyond simple product features. It demands an understanding of the unique demands of the healthcare environment, where precision, reliability and compliance are essential. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing the best provider for your facility’s needs.
1. Healthcare Industry Expertise
Look for providers experienced in healthcare settings, like hospitals and long-term care facilities. A good company must possess a robust portfolio of successful installations and cases. Check if it’s also recognized by publications or associations.
2. System Reliability
Look for robust methods like Network Time Protocol (NTP), GPS or specific radio frequency technologies (RF) that are less susceptible to interference. Check if the company can deliver reliable strength and signal reach. Determine if their system can cover your entire facility, including rooms with thick walls and areas with multiple floors. It’s also essential that the wireless clock system does not interfere with sensitive medical equipment.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
Can the system accommodate your center’s future expansion? If you have existing wired clocks, can the supplier offer solutions that integrate wired and wireless clocks? The right company must cater to your organization’s unique needs. For instance, some options provide automatic time updates and even message board capabilities.
4. Compatibility
Ensure that your provider’s system is compatible with your existing IT network, nurse call systems, building management systems and even electronic health records for time stamping. For advanced requirements, inquire if the company offers Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or Software Development Kits (SDKs) to allow for customization.
5. Professional Installation and Support
Does the company offer professional installation services and guidance for your internal IT team? These services are essential for keeping the system operational and troubleshooting problems. Review warranty terms for hardware and software. A strong service level agreement must include estimated response times for support and escalation processes.
Order Wireless Clock Systems for Your Healthcare Facility
Installing a wireless clock system ensures top-notch patient care and staff efficiency. Aside from having synchronized time across all areas, a well-chosen system builds a culture of precision and helps meet healthcare standards. Create a shortlist of your preferred suppliers and contact them today.
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