5 Common Applications of KVM Splitters
KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) splitters allow multiple users to control a single computer, or to allow one user to control a single computer from various locations. The benefits to deploying KVM splitters include reducing equipment cost and space needs, lowering manpower requirements, and providing users flexibility in accessing the computer. Since KVM splitters offer users a way to access one computer from many workstations, they have many applications in cleanrooms, naval ships, manufacturing facilities, medical offices, and industrial facilities. Oftentimes, KVM splitters are paired with KVM extenders to locate the keyboard, monitor, and mouse up to a fixed distance away from the computer, thus allowing more complex applications.
Cleanrooms
Cleanrooms, which are controlled environments often used in manufacturing or scientific research, have highly restricted access where personnel must enter and leave through airlocks and wear protective clothing. Using a KVM splitter, staff can access projects from both inside and outside the cleanroom at two separate work stations. This eliminates the need to re-enter and exit the cleanroom, hence reducing the amount of potential contaminants to the room.
Ships
Large ships often consist of multiple levels and require regular checks and patrols to ensure smooth operation. When technicians work through several levels, having multiple workstations located at key areas enable them to consolidate information on one computer. Additionally, if the data needs to be retrieved at any time, there are many access points available in case of an emergency. This configuration would require a combination of a KVM splitter with a few KVM extenders that will support the distances needed for each station.
Manufacturing Facilities
Most factories have multiple product lines that need to be checked and managed, such as canning and tire inspection lines. To save on manpower at multiple stations, KVM splitters can be installed to let a single user access the same computer from different locations. Thus, a single staff member can rotate around the various stations and still be able to enter all the desired information into one computer. KVM extenders can be added to the set up to allow stations to be located further away from each other.
Medical Offices
Medical offices are constantly looking to improve their patient flow and minimize wait times between various processes. KVM splitters can be used to set up multiple work stations that are accessible by the nurse or assistant, who can pull up the patient’s file and relevant history, while the doctor in his office can review the file and update it as needed. Such configurations also help reduce manpower and time needed as the nurse or assistant does not need to be present in the doctor’s office to pull up the patient’s file.
Industrial Facilities
Machine rooms that house elevator equipment, generators, boilers, or air-conditioning equipment tend to operate at higher or lower temperatures and humidity that may be detrimental to computers. Using a KVM splitter, work stations can be set up inside and outside the machine rooms with the computer at a regular multi-function work area away from adverse environments. This helps to reduce the wear on computers and save on costs. With supplementary access via a keyboard, mouse and monitor, users can key in data from inside the machine room, and process the information later while sitting outside.
Thus, KVM splitters offer a lot of flexibility in configuring various work stations while reducing overall hardware and manpower costs. There are many other possible applications for KVM splitters depending on the industry and user needs. By combining splitters with extenders, a wide range of remote configurations are achievable for diverse requirements.
