Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Is It Possible To Integrate, Segment School Communications?

  • By Fred Bezat
  • 04/01/17

Yes! This is an exciting development in school communication platforms.

Integrators are physically wired to fire panels, lockdown switches, or any electrical “normally open switch” for reliability and fast response. The number of switch inputs that can be monitored depends on your platform configuration.

When integrators detect changes in a switch’s physical status (e.g. a fire alarm is pulled), emergency alerts on the displays of your communications platform are instantly triggered. Detailed instructions can accompany visual displays and automated notifications to authorities may be texted or emailed.

Messages are delivered to displays in either “all-call” or “zoned” deployment. For all-call, a single emergency switch is monitored by one integrator, and a single message is created when the switch’s status changes. Your entire campus receives the same message.

For zoned configuration, multiple integrators are wired to monitor a single switch and the platform triggers different messages when the switch’s status changes. Integrators are assigned to groups of displays, allowing messages to be tailored for particular groups (zones) even if the alerts are triggered by the same alarm. For example, during a fire, all alerts might display “Fire emergency!” but the instructions may be “Exit Door A” for one zone and “Exit Door B” for another.

For routine messaging, communications platforms can deliver tailored daily messages.

Zoned messaging delivers more relevant communications, especially in emergencies. Schools are rightfully giving more thought to granular evacuation protocols, and clear and instant communications are at their core.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Fred Bezat is product manager at American Time, a manufacturer of integrated, custom timekeeping and notification systems. Contact him at [email protected] or 877/666-1208.

Featured

  • Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

    In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

  • Dallas-Area District Debuts Three New Facilities

    The Duncanville Independent School District in southwest Dallas, Texas, recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for three new facilities that resulted from a $170-million bond program passed in 2023, according to a news release.

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.