Hey, what’s that?! No it’s not the iPad or Xbox Kinect, it’s a Sapling Master Clock. What in the world is a master clock? Even though it’s not just your run of the mill clock that hangs on the wall, we don’t expect you to know as much about it as your MacBook either. Master clock capabilities, however, are just as innovative as gaming consoles and Apple products in their own way. They allow many firms and organizations in virtually any industry to run better and more efficiently than they ever could have years ago.

Let’s look at the master clock as a whole. A master clock is used for synchronization of other clocks or devices in a system that need time information. Whether a system is wireless, wired, or powered over Ethernet, master clocks commonly receive accurate time from a GPS receiver or NTP server and then send that time out for other clocks to attain and display. Generally, master clocks come in surface mount and rack mount. On the surface, a master clock may not seem like much but the technology inside of it has much to offer.

The features that come with a master clock are impressive. Advanced master clocks, such as Sapling’s, typically come with scheduling capabilities that can often run an entire building with ease due to its interfacing relays. With the use of complementary software, such as a web interface, a master clock can be programmed to automatically ring bells, switch on lights, sound alarms and more at preselected times. In addition to automatic scheduling, master clocks make Daylight Saving changes and account for time zones without the need to configure each individual clock within the system.

Not only does a master clock system make clocks and other interfaced systems within a building practically self-reliant, it allows practicality in their application. Sapling’s master clock software, for instance, allows for multi-zone and multi-schedule programming. Such technology found in master clocks makes setting holiday schedules a breeze and lets different departments of a building run on their individual schedules when necessary. Simply pull up the web interface and set schedules and zones up for every occasion.

Overall, a master clock is more than just a glorified alarm clock or wristwatch. It is pioneering technology at its finest. A master clock ensures an institution that it can run smoothly in practically any application. When time is of the essence, a master clock remains precise and up-to-date. When several systems within a building are expected to collaborate and work together, all at the same time, a master clock facilitates just that. And when flexibility is essential to the flow of daily operations, a master clock can bend to your every need. In synchronized time systems, master clocks are the glue that holds them all together.