Focus Mode: mobile-optimized field work interface

QueenBees Focus Mode is specially designed for beekeepers working directly in the field. This mobile-optimized interface streamlines your most common tasks - removing queens from hives and adding new queens - making your apiary work faster and more efficient.

What is Focus Mode?

Focus Mode transforms your mobile device into a powerful field tool that allows you to:

• Quick queen actions in active hives
• Fast queen insertion into empty hives
• Filter and sort hives by location and queen characteristics
• Batch operations for multiple queen orders

The interface uses large touch-friendly buttons and simplified workflows perfect for use with work gloves in outdoor conditions.

Getting Started

1. Access Focus Mode

On any page in QueenBees, look for the target/bullseye icon in the top toolbar and tap it to enter Focus Mode.

2. Select Your Location

If you manage multiple apiaries, you’ll see tabs at the top showing all your locations. Simply tap the location where you’re currently working.

3. Choose Your Operation

Focus Mode has two main operation modes:

Take Out Mode (Queen Removal)

• View all hives with queens ready for removal
• Filter by queen orders if you’re fulfilling specific customer requests
• Tap any hive to see queen details and record removal

Insert Mode (Queen Addition)

• See all empty hives ready for new queens
• Select from available queen batches
• Quickly add queens to multiple hives

Switch between modes using the large buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Working with Queen Removal (Take Out Mode)

Viewing Active Hives

In Take Out mode, you’ll see a scrollable list of all hives containing queens in the selected location. Each hive card shows:

• Hive name and current queen information
• Queen age in days of life
• Queen line (breeding line information)
• Insemination state (MQ, PB, VQ, Cell)
• Action buttons for quick operations

Filtering by Queen Orders

When working with customer orders, use the Queen Order Selector at the top:

1. Swipe through available orders to find the one you’re fulfilling
2. Select an order to see only hives with queens matching that order
3. Choose “No filtering” to see all active hives again

Recording Queen Removal

To remove a queen from a hive:

1. Tap the hive card to view full details
2. Review queen information (age, line, insemination state)
3. Tap the removal button to record the action
4. The queen is marked as removed and the hive becomes available for new queens

Working with Queen Addition (Insert Mode)

Selecting Queen Batches

Before adding queens, choose which batch you’re working with:

1. Use the Batch Selector at the top to browse available batches
2. Each batch shows queen line, quantity, and creation date
3. Select the batch containing queens you want to place

Adding Queens to Hives

With a batch selected:

1. Browse empty hives in the scrollable list
2. Tap the (+) button on any hive to add a queen from your selected batch
3. The system automatically assigns the next available queen
4. Hive status updates immediately to show the new queen

Quick Batch Operations

For efficiency when placing many queens:

1. Select your target batch first
2. Tap hives rapidly - each tap adds the next queen from the batch
3. No need to select individual queens - the system handles assignment automatically

Filtering and Sorting

Access Filters

Tap the filter icon in the top-left corner to open filtering options.

Available Filters

Queen Types:

• MQ (Mated Queens) - fertilized queens ready for production
• PB (Potentially Breading) - queens that are potentially fertilized
• VQ (Virgin Queens) - unfertilized queens for breeding
• Cell - queen cells ready for emergence

Sorting Options:

• Alphabetical - hives sorted by name
• By todo priority - hives with pending tasks listed first

Using Filters Effectively

1. Enable relevant queen types based on your current work
2. Use todo sorting when managing maintenance tasks
3. Filter by specific orders when fulfilling customer requests

Best Practices for Field Use

Before Going to the Field

1. Open QueenBees and let it fully load while on WiFi
2. Check your queen batches and orders are up to date
3. Verify location settings match where you’ll be working

During Field Work

1. Work systematically through one location at a time
2. Use consistent naming for easy hive identification
3. Complete operations fully before moving to next task

After Field Work

1. Ensure actions have synced when you return to connectivity
2. Review completed operations in the main interface
3. Update any additional notes or observations

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

“No Active Hives” Message:

• Check your location selection
• Verify filters aren’t too restrictive
• Ensure hives have queens (for Take Out mode) or are empty (for Insert mode)

Actions Not Syncing:

• Check internet connection
• Force close and reopen the app
• Verify you’re logged in properly

Missing Queen Batches:

• Ensure batches are properly created in the main application
• Check location assignments for batches
• Verify batch has available queens

Focus Mode transforms field work from a time-consuming administrative task into a streamlined operation, letting you focus on what matters most - the health and productivity of your bees.