The Hive Identification Discs (HID) use a Quick Response (QR) 2-dimensional barcode to individually label any hive. The Bee.Watch app contains an embedded QR code reader that allows a smartphone to identify each labelled hive.

The QR codes are printed on weather resistant labels which have marine grade glue. The QR Code labels can be stuck directly onto untreated hives or onto a HID which is screwed to the hive. The QR code should be attached to the front or the back of the brood box and there is no necessity to remove it.

The Bee.Watch app will only identify the User’s own HID. If a hive registered to another Bee.Watch beekeeper is scanned, the app will report an error. When the app reads the hive’s QR code, it either creates a new hive record in the apiary or allows existing colony details to be updated or viewed such as ‘To-Do’ lists and previous inspection data.