Connected Hive Scale: A Key Tool to Reduce Your Trips

Managing an apiary also means managing your time. Between visits, transhumance, and unexpected events, travel can quickly add up—sometimes for no reason. Thanks to connected hive scales, it is now possible to monitor hive conditions and colony activity remotely, without disturbing their balance or wasting a full day in the field.

The data, sent every hour, helps anticipate key moments such as the start of a nectar flow, a drop in reserves, swarming, or simply a slowdown in activity. By relying on these indicators, beekeepers can schedule their visits based on what is actually happening in their apiaries.

Fewer Trips, More Savings

In a context of rising fuel prices, optimizing travel has become a priority for many beekeepers. A connected hive scale helps reduce unnecessary trips by transmitting reliable data remotely. The result? Fewer kilometers traveled, lower costs, and significant time savings.

Concrete Figures: The Real Cost of a Trip

On average, a round trip to an apiary covers about 300 km, costing approximately €293 (fuel, time, vehicle wear and tear, etc.).

During a three-month transhumance period, beekeepers typically make six round trips:

• 1,800 km traveled
• €1,758 spent

With connected scales and data transmitted via the mobile app or web platform, beekeepers can cut these trips in half by only intervening when truly necessary.

*Costs may vary depending on activity, vehicle type, fuel consumption, etc.

Proven Profitability from the First Season

Let’s take a simple example with the Dual Connect scale from HoneyInstruments:

• Cost of the scale: €500
• Savings in one season (3 months): €879
• Net profit in the first season: €379
• Net profit in subsequent seasons: €843

*Sigfox network subscription at €36/year, free for the first year.

Profitability is achieved within the first season, and tangible benefits start from the second season onwards.

For more details, check out our infographic on the topic.

Peace of Mind Without Sacrificing Precision

With automatic data transmission, it becomes possible to continuously weigh the hive, track reserve evolution, detect nectar flows or swarming, and anticipate necessary actions. This not only optimizes visits but also preserves the tranquility of the colonies.

To better understand the importance of hive weight measurement in overall apiary management, check out our article on why monitoring hive weight is essential in beekeeping.

If you're wondering how to choose the right model, whether an individual scale or a multi-hive pallet version, feel free to check out our guide on selecting the right connected scale.

Smarter Management, Starting Today

Connected scales are not just gadgets; they are essential tools for managing your beekeeping operation. Reduced costs, time savings, better anticipation—the technology available today provides beekeepers with simple, effective, and rapidly profitable solutions for working with greater peace of mind.