Monika Upgrades Smart PA Device to Complement New Thermapen® Handheld Probe

Monika, the expert in connecting teams and equipment, has upgraded its handheld PA device to a Google Pixel Smart PA device to complement its new and improved Thermapen® handheld probe.

Powered by Android, the new Google Pixel Smart PA device signals a step away from purpose-built hardware, making them easier to update to ensure Monika customers get the most out of their equipment for longer. Monika’s smart cloud-connected system is set up on the mobile device in advance, meaning it’s ready to use right away.

Lorraine Gamble, Managing Director UK & Europe, comments on the advantages of the upgrade:

“By switching to an Android-powered Google Pixel Smart PA device, we’re ensuring equipment longevity stretches even further than our previous purpose-built models. We’ve carefully selected these devices to guarantee compatibility with our continuous software updates – which provide improved user performance and online security – while maximising customer support. In the unlikely event that a user experiences any issues, the kit is fully supported by Google’s extensive technical customer service team for speedy resolutions.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with many of our customers for over two decades, with minimal equipment maintenance required in that time. We look forward to setting new records with the use of our new handheld PA device and new Thermapen® handheld probe.”

Both the Google Pixel Smart PA device and Thermapen® handheld probe will be rolled out to new customers, while existing customers will have the option to upgrade or continue using their existing hardware. Both components are retrofit compatible, so Monika clients can mix and match – upgrading hardware in phases rather than all at once to help spread costs.

Pairing the Thermapen® with the Google Pixel Smart PA device enables temperature readings to be logged to Monika’s fully auditable central dashboard – eliminating the need for cumbersome paper records. Alternatively, the probes can be used to check a temperature without logging it – for example to see whether food being cooked has yet reached a safe temperature. 

The new Google Pixel Smart PA models benefit from a wireless charging cradle, which enables greater flexibility when it comes to positioning for a clean and tidy kitchen workspace.

Operators can utilise Monika’s PA device in a multitude of ways depending on their Monika system. On the Team Management front, managers can programme a list of bespoke tasks for team members to work through. This can include anything from a close-down checklist to regular handwashing reminders. With the industry facing staff shortages, this is a great way to ensure new staff members adopt best-practice systems without requiring a dedicated mentor.

Additionally, team members can access allergen information from the Google Pixel Smart PA device. Operators can add ‘products’ e.g an ingredient, part of a meal such as lasagne, or a full dish such as lasagne, garlic bread, and green beans. Under each product, managers can list individual ingredients, including the 14 allergens, as well as identifying special diets such as plant-based.

Using the allergen feature, staff can quickly and confidently provide relevant information for customers with dietary restrictions with a quick glance at the PA. By assigning allergen information to individual ingredients and part of dishes, teams can provide detailed breakdowns so they can offer alternative substitutes to suit unique requirements and improve customer experience.