Customer Reviews (130)

Scullycd • 2024-04-15T16:25:49-07:00

I thought the app would automatically sync between my iPhone and iPad but apparently it doesn’t. Also after entering all my swarm traps and locations I can’t seem to find how to get it to track swarms caught and the how to section doesn’t cover it. I’ll try something else. I’m sure it is great for tracking hive info but it’s not for me

a full jkjhff • 2024-03-30T19:50:30-07:00

I've been using this app for a little over 2 years. It's easy to use and makes it easy to track and go back to reference data on your hives and apiaries.

BvlleAnn • 2024-01-12T04:14:50-07:00

Much improved my record keeping. Pictures are helpful

Summary of Key Insights

BeePlus Beekeeping Manager is generally well-received, with users praising its ease of use and helpfulness in organizing and tracking hive information. The app's strengths lie in its comprehensive features, including photo integration, mapping, and inspection logging. However, users frequently mention issues with data synchronization between devices, photo storage management, and a lack of some commonly desired features like hive archiving and improved inventory management. The overall sentiment is positive, but addressing the identified pain points could significantly improve user satisfaction and app stickiness.

The overall rating, inferred from the score distribution, is approximately 4.37 stars. The score distribution shows strong positive sentiment: 5-star reviews comprise 59.23% of the total, and 4-star reviews make up 25.38%. Negative sentiment is relatively low, with 1-star reviews at 5.38% and 2-star reviews at 2.31%.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 130 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a considerable period, with some mentioning usage of several years. Specific dates for each review are not available.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved a qualitative review of each user review. Keyword extraction and sentiment analysis were performed manually to identify recurring themes, pain points, feature requests, and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Data Synchronization Issues: Many users complain about the lack of automatic or seamless data synchronization between devices (iPhone and iPad). The current manual process of exporting and importing data via Google Drive or similar is cumbersome and frustrating.
  • Photo Storage Management: Users are often surprised and frustrated to learn that the app does not store photos internally. Deleting photos from the device's camera roll also removes them from the app, leading to data loss.
  • Lack of Hive Archiving: Users frequently request the ability to archive hives that are no longer active (e.g., due to death or sale) instead of deleting them entirely. Archiving would allow them to retain historical data for reference.
  • Inventory Management Limitations: The inventory feature is considered basic and lacking. Users desire a pre-populated database of common beekeeping equipment and a more efficient way to assign inventory to hives.
  • Occasional Glitches and Bugs: Some users report encountering minor glitches, such as photos disappearing or the app crashing.
  • Limited Support/Contact: Some users have reported difficulty contacting the developer for support.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Automatic Data Synchronization: A cloud-based synchronization system for seamless data transfer between devices.
  • Hive Archiving: An option to archive inactive hives while retaining their data.
  • Improved Inventory Management: A pre-populated database of beekeeping equipment and a more efficient way to assign inventory to hives.
  • Web App/Desktop Version: A web-based or desktop version of the app for easier data entry and reporting.
  • Voice Command Integration: Voice commands for hands-free data entry during hive inspections.
  • Android Version: An Android version of the app to cater to a wider user base.
  • Queen Photo Storage in Queen History: An ability to add photos of individual queens within the queen history section.
  • Pollen Frame Tracker: An option to track pollen frames during inspections.
  • "Sold" Hive Category: A category to mark hives as "sold" instead of just transferred or merged.
  • Reminder Capability: A reminder feature for scheduled tasks and inspections.
  • Weight of Hive Tracking: A feature to regularly record the weight of the hive.
  • "To Do" List Centralization: A "To Do" button on the main page that lists all tasks from all hives in one place.
  • Ability to Delete Mistaken Entries: A way to delete "To Do" lists and inspections added by mistake.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's user-friendly interface and ease of navigation.
  • Comprehensive Features: The app offers a wide range of features, including inspection logging, photo integration, mapping, inventory management, and financial tracking.
  • Helpful for Organization: Users find the app to be a valuable tool for organizing and tracking hive information, especially for managing multiple hives and apiaries.
  • Photo Integration: The ability to add photos to hive records and inspections is highly valued.
  • Mapping Feature: The mapping feature is appreciated for plotting locations and forage areas.
  • QR Code Integration: The QR code functionality for quick hive identification is considered useful.
  • Customer Support (Generally): While some users have had trouble, others have praised the developer's quick and helpful customer support.
  • Regular Updates: Users appreciate that the app is regularly updated with improvements and new features.
  • Value for Money: Many users consider the app to be a great value, especially since it doesn't require a subscription.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Implement Automatic Data Synchronization: This is the most frequently requested feature and addresses a major pain point for users with multiple devices. Consider using a cloud-based solution.
    • Improve Photo Storage Management: Either store photos internally within the app or provide a clear warning to users about the external storage dependency and potential data loss.
    • Add Hive Archiving Functionality: Implement a feature to archive inactive hives while preserving their data.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Enhance Inventory Management: Add a pre-populated database of common beekeeping equipment and streamline the process of assigning inventory to hives.
    • Address Glitches and Bugs: Investigate and fix reported glitches, such as photos disappearing and app crashes.
    • Improve Support Accessibility: Ensure that users can easily contact the developer for support and receive timely responses.
  • Low Priority:
    • Develop Web App/Desktop Version: While requested, this is less critical than the other issues.
    • Implement Voice Command Integration: This feature would be useful but is not essential.
    • Develop Android Version: While expanding to Android would broaden the user base, it requires significant development effort.
    • Implement other specific feature requests: Pollen frame tracker, "Sold" hive category, reminder capability, weight of hive tracking, "To Do" list centralization, ability to delete mistaken entries, queen photo storage in queen history.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Hive Analysis: Integrate AI to analyze hive photos and identify potential problems, such as diseases or pests.
  • Predictive Analytics for Honey Production: Use historical data and weather patterns to predict honey production and optimize hive management.
  • Beekeeping Community Platform: Create a platform within the app for beekeepers to connect, share information, and ask questions.
  • Automated Inventory Ordering: Integrate with beekeeping supply companies to allow users to easily order equipment and supplies based on their inventory levels.
  • Beekeeping Education Module: Provide educational resources and tutorials within the app to help new beekeepers learn best practices.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Demand for Cross-Platform Functionality: Users increasingly expect apps to seamlessly synchronize data across multiple devices and platforms.
  • Importance of Visual Data: The emphasis on photo integration highlights the importance of visual data in beekeeping.
  • Shift from Notebooks to Digital Tools: Users are actively seeking digital solutions to replace traditional pen-and-paper record-keeping methods.
  • Value Placed on Community and Support: Users appreciate responsive customer support and opportunities to connect with other beekeepers.
  • Feature Requests Indicate Evolving Needs: The requested features (archiving, improved inventory) suggest that users' needs evolve as their beekeeping operations grow.

Conclusion

BeePlus Beekeeping Manager is a valuable tool for beekeepers, particularly due to its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. However, addressing the identified pain points, especially data synchronization and photo storage, is crucial for improving user satisfaction and retaining users. Implementing the frequently requested features would further enhance the app's functionality and appeal. Overall, the app has a strong foundation, and by focusing on the prioritized action recommendations, the developers can create an even more indispensable tool for the beekeeping community.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beeplus-beekeeping-manager/id1018655661?uo=2