About
BEEP (Bijenmonitoring) is a mission-driven, open-source platform developed by Stichting BEEP, a Dutch non-profit organization dedicated to modernizing beekeeping through digital tools. The platform consists of two main components: the BEEP app and the BEEP base sensor unit. The BEEP app acts as a digital hive logbook, replacing traditional paper inspection forms. Beekeepers can record detailed colony observations, customize digital hive cards based on colony health models, and access all data from any device at any time. The app is completely free to use. The BEEP base is a hardware sensor system placed under a hive that automatically measures and transmits weight, temperature, and audio data to the BEEP app via LoRa connectivity. This enables remote, real-time monitoring so beekeepers can spot issues — like swarming or starvation — without physically opening hives. For researchers, BEEP provides standardized data collection, automated data gathering, and tools to design custom hive cards that can be shared across research groups. BEEP is collaborating with the European B-GOOD project to advance pollinator science. Funded by crowdfunding and grants, BEEP is built on openness and collaboration, with the goal of improving bee health, supporting nature conservation, and inspiring a new generation of beekeepers through data-driven hive management.
Key Features
- Digital Hive Logbook: Replace paper inspection forms with a fully customizable digital hive card app, accessible on any device. Log inspections based on structured colony health models.
- Automated Sensor Monitoring (BEEP Base): The BEEP base hardware unit measures hive weight, internal temperature, and colony sound, transmitting data automatically to the app via LoRa for remote monitoring.
- Multi-Location & Multi-Colony Overview: Get a single-dashboard overview of all your colonies, inspection histories, and hive locations with one click.
- Research & Data Collection Tools: Design custom hive cards, standardize data collection, and share datasets within research groups — making BEEP a robust platform for scientific pollinator studies.
- Open Source & Non-Profit: Fully open-source codebase developed by a non-profit foundation, funded by crowdfunding and grants, with no paywalls or profit motives.
Use Cases
- A hobby beekeeper uses the BEEP app to replace paper inspection forms, logging colony health observations after each hive visit from their smartphone.
- A professional apiarist with multiple apiaries installs BEEP base sensor units under hives to remotely monitor weight changes and detect swarming events without daily site visits.
- A university research team uses BEEP's standardized hive cards and shared data collections to gather consistent colony health data across multiple participating beekeepers in a pollinator study.
- A beekeeping association deploys BEEP across member beekeepers to aggregate regional colony health data and identify trends in bee population health.
- An environmental NGO uses BEEP's sensor and inspection data as part of a nature conservation initiative to improve care for managed honeybee colonies and support pollinator biodiversity.
Pros
- Completely Free to Use: The BEEP app has no subscription fees or premium tiers — it's free for all beekeepers, funded by grants and crowdfunding.
- Combines Manual & Automated Data: Seamlessly blends manual inspection records with real-time sensor telemetry (weight, temperature, sound) for a comprehensive picture of colony health.
- Research-Ready Platform: Supports scientific research workflows with standardized data formats, shared hive cards, and integration with European research projects like B-GOOD.
- Cross-Device Accessibility: All data is synced and accessible from any device — smartphone, tablet, or desktop — at any time.
Cons
- Hardware Required for Full Features: Automated sensor monitoring requires purchasing the BEEP base hardware unit, adding cost beyond the free app.
- Primarily Dutch-Language Interface: Documentation, the website, and parts of the interface are heavily Dutch-oriented, which may present a barrier for non-Dutch-speaking beekeepers.
- Niche Audience: Purpose-built exclusively for beekeeping; not adaptable to other livestock or agricultural monitoring use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BEEP app free to use?
Yes, the BEEP app is completely free to use. Stichting BEEP is a non-profit organization funded by crowdfunding and subsidies, so there are no subscription fees.
What is the BEEP base?
The BEEP base is a hardware sensor unit that you place under a beehive. It automatically measures the hive's weight, internal temperature, and colony sound, and transmits this data to the BEEP app via LoRa wireless technology.
Can I use BEEP without the sensor hardware?
Yes. The BEEP app works as a standalone digital inspection logbook without any hardware. The BEEP base sensors are an optional add-on for automated remote monitoring.
Is BEEP open source?
Yes. BEEP is an open-source project. Openness and collaboration are core values of the foundation, and the source code is publicly available.
Can researchers use BEEP for scientific projects?
Absolutely. BEEP supports research use cases with standardized data collection, automated data gathering, custom hive card design, and the ability to share data within research groups. BEEP is also a partner in the European B-GOOD research project on pollinators.
