Description
BeeKing is a web and mobile phone application that has been developed to aid beekeepers in the management of their hives and the challenges they encounter through manual reporting. Sticky fingers and gloves make the manual recording of apiaries and hives or the handling of digital tools hard for beekeepers. The app allows inspection data or notes to be entered vocally or using NFC sensors and beekeepers, and to control the app in hands-free mode. The app also features a community app for the sharing of experiences, connecting beekeepers with their peers, and thus addressing the lack of access to assistance and a collective information database, allowing beekeepers to benefit from the knowledge and experience of others.
Technology
BeeKing is a web and mobile phone application with several options for data entry, including manual entry, voice (speech-to-text) and NFC tags. It also features a web portal for data analysis, stores records from previous seasons and allows the downloading of reports. The mobile application is available for both Android and iOS devices, and user registration can be completed with just a few clicks.
Target
The main users of the BeeKing Mobile app are beekeepers. As of August 2022, the application has recorded more than 5000 downloads from the Google Play Store. The application is well-suited for beginners and smallholders (free of charge for up to five apiaries).
Business model
The BeeKing Starter Plan (for up to five bee colonies) is free for up to two beehives. The Standard Plan, with which beekeepers can track data for up to 500 colonies and have multi-user access costs EUR 8.6/month (excluding VAT) or EUR 6.6 EUR/month (excluding VAT) if paid annually.
Impact
The BeeKing app aims to ease the administration and management of beekeeping activities. Beekeepers can use the mobile app to keep comprehensive records of their apiaries and hives, to monitor bee health and the amount of collected honey and pollen, and to trace the reasons for closing colonies. The collected data aids in the making of more evidence-based decisions, while also allowing exchanges of information, knowledge and good practices with other beekeepers.
Partners
Latvian Beekeepers Association
Four Betters
Better production
Better nutrition
