Software companies typically follow one of three paths: perfect a single capability, build a broad feature suite, or prioritize flexibility. The third path, offering configurable tools that customers can tailor to their exact needs, has proven most effective in fleet and driver mobility.
Rather than imposing rigid workflows, some technology providers allow fleets to customize pre-built components in mobile apps to match their operations. A clear example is the Action Request feature in the Eleos custom app platform.
An Action Request is a configurable, location- or time-based pop-up that drivers must respond to before continuing in their fleet app. Unlike messages that can be ignored or tasks that can be delayed, an Action Request ensures drivers acknowledge critical information and act immediately.
The visibility, timing, and control advantages of Action Requests provide fleets with a powerful way to address persistent business challenges. Here are five real-world examples.
1. Fix Compliance at the Source
The most common hours-of-service violations are “form and manner,” which often stem from drivers forgetting to log in to their ELD and certify their logs at the start or end of a shift.
Fraley & Schilling, a Rushville, Ind.-based fleet known for lightweight flatbed and dry van hauling, created an Action Request to prompt drivers with uncertified logs. The pop-ups ask drivers to log in to the fleet’s ELD system at their next stop to complete the required step.
The impact has been significant. Before implementing this Action Request, 25% to 50% of the fleet’s drivers had uncertified logs in the daily backlog. This has since dropped to 10% to 20%.
In addition to improving compliance, the fleet reduced manual follow-up and improved visibility of non-compliance trends. The Action Request is “saving time by automatically prompting drivers at scale,” said Nicky Cupp, director of continuous improvement.
2. Close Workflow Gaps in Real Time
Many fleet workflows depend on drivers completing specific steps, such as scanning bills of lading, collecting signatures, or recording weights. Missing any of these can delay billing.
If a driver attempts to leave a location without completing a required step, an Action Request can prompt them to complete the task. This real-time intervention ensures that critical data is captured before it’s lost and reduces the need for dispatchers to track down missing information.
For fleets, the benefits include faster billing cycles, more accurate driver pay, and fewer operational disruptions.
3. Turn Alerts into Required Action
Some communications require immediate attention and cannot rely on passive notifications, such as severe weather events and equipment mismatches.
Fleets can use Action Requests to deliver these alerts, ensuring drivers see and acknowledge them. For example, warnings about icy roads or high winds can be sent directly to drivers, who must confirm receipt before continuing.
Integrations can automatically trigger immediate alerts. For example, if a mismatch between a tractor and trailer is detected, an Action Request can prevent the driver from proceeding in the app until the issue is resolved. In such cases, fleets can disable the snooze function entirely.
At the same time, safeguards ensure that text prompts do not appear while the vehicle is in motion. Text-to-speech functionality can also be used to balance urgency with safety.
4. Simplify Admin and Financial Tasks
Action Requests also reduce friction in administrative processes that traditionally involve multiple touchpoints.
Payroll cash advances follow this pattern. Fleets can send a prompt to drivers asking whether they want an advance, along with a required acknowledgment that it is not a loan. Drivers can respond immediately and complete a pre-filled form in the app.
This creates a clear, auditable record and eliminates the need for phone calls, paperwork, or follow-up.
With this feature, fleets can require various responses from drivers, including yes/no inputs, signatures, or forms, to gather exactly the information they need in a single interaction.
5. Boost Engagement and Driver Coordination
Other creative ways fleets use Action Requests include fun activities to boost driver engagement, such as sending daily questions during driver appreciation week and offering incentives for participation.
Fraley & Schilling also uses an Action Request during new driver training. When drivers complete the fleet’s orientation program, the app prompts them to provide details on when they plan to pick up their assigned tractor and specify any special equipment needs, such as whether they want a passenger seat. These details help maintenance and operations teams prepare in advance and reduce delays.
Fleets are exploring additional edge-case scenarios, including alerts that warn drivers to avoid restricted parking zones. Others use reminders to prompt drivers to do pre-trip inspections and to notify them of vehicle diagnostics, such as low tire pressures.
Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage
The growing use of Action Requests underscores the value of having a flexible, custom app platform. Rather than waiting for new features or working around rigid systems, fleets can configure solutions to meet their immediate needs, all while driving continuous improvement and building a competitive advantage.
Whether you aim to improve compliance, automate workflows, or reduce manual follow-up, Action Requests can quickly put your ideas into motion.
Schedule a custom demo today to see how fleets are solving challenges using the flexibility of the Eleos custom app platform.
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