Whether you are a facility manager, IT Technician, or administrator, choosing the right master clock system provider for an installation can be an important yet intimidating task. With several manufacturers to choose from, this choice comes down to several factors including price, quality, capability and support. Understanding each aspect is the key to making the right decision for implementing a master clock system within a building or complex. Let’s break down each component and take a closer look.

Price

Choosing a clock system manufacturer that offers the most value for their products comes down to more than just the direct cost of purchasing the system as a whole. There are both upfront costs and long term costs to consider. Upfront includes purchase as well as installation and any red tape (i.e. permits, license, etc.) that may require financial backing. For this reason, selecting a supplier that offers affordable, master clocks and wireless secondary clocks as well as technology that eliminates costs incurred from wiring is ideal. Long term costs may include whether the master clock system will require the frequent repurchase of FCC licensing, battery replacement or electric resources to power the system. A wireless system remains supreme if it runs on an open frequency range (no FCC license necessary), does not require frequent battery replacement or waste additional resources.

Quality

Having a master clock system that lasts is important. Adding a clock system to a facility is an investment and investments are expected to pay off. This means that master clock and all the secondary clocks dispersed throughout the building should last well beyond the date of installation. Picking the right provider should also be based as much on price, therefore, as the quality of what you are getting for your money. A durable and reliable clock system is desirable. Go with the producer that uses the best materials and most well built products you can find with an affordable price tag.

Capabilities

This is where manufactures will most likely vary significantly. Depending on the application, all kinds of different features may be desired. Schools may desire scheduling capabilities for bells, hospitals may wish for timers, and offices may wish to tie their master clock systems in with their alarm and security systems. Using a manufacturer that presents relays as an option on master clocks and provides software for scheduling changes is the best way to go for any of those features. Other options may include NTP timer server synchronization, GPS receivers, easy-to-use programming software and more.

Support

Because master clock systems are used day in and day out, getting backup with top-of-the-notch customer support is extremely important. When things go wrong, facilities managers and maintenance personnel want the support they need to ensure they keep the day to day activities of their organization running. The quality of customer support and care that your supplier is prepared to offer should no doubt be one of your deciding factors. Take the best notes in this department during the shopping period. Find out about policies and procedures. In addition, if you are not impressed with the customer service you received from the beginning, you may find that customer support is no different.

When it comes down to it, choosing between the right master clock system cannot be decided on any one factor. It may be difficult to find one company that is ideal in each category, but if you seek out information on master clocks hard enough, you never know what you might find. Consider all of your options carefully and lay out the pros and cons of each. Be sure to take everything into consideration and then go with your gut feeling!