Freeway’s next-generation walkaround check app
Fleet maintenance software provider Freeway has launched its new SaaS Driver Walkaround Check (DWC) app, which it says offers a modern solution to challenges in asset management.
Fleet managers, drivers, and workshop staff have long relied on paper-based checks, outdated digital tools, and often risk missing faults or conducting incomplete checklists, says Freeway – while connectivity problems, awkward interfaces, and inflexible workflows have hindered progress and increased compliance risks.
Its new DWC app is said to offer a customisable and powerful tool that is thorough and user-friendly, and designed for reliability.
“At the core of Freeway’s DWC app is a fundamental principle: inspections are about more than just ticking boxes; they’re about ensuring safety, protecting assets, and maintaining consistent operations,” said the company.
“This app goes beyond a simple checklist; it’s a fully integrated tool that supports every stage of the inspection process.”
One of the main challenges with digital checklist tools, says Freeway, has been their reliance on internet connectivity. For drivers working in remote areas, underground locations, or dead zones with no mobile signal, this has meant that checks either cannot be logged at all or lead to frustrating delays and lost data.
The company has tackled this problem head-on with offline functionality.
“This ensures vehicle checks can be conducted without interruption, regardless of internet access. Data is safely stored on the device and automatically synced back to the system once a connection is reestablished. This is a game-changer for fleet operators, providing them with confidence that defects are logged accurately and on time, without compromise.”
Freeway’s DWC app functions on any mobile device or tablet capable of accessing a web browser. This allows users to perform vehicle checks conveniently from the palm of their hands.
Extending beyond the driver walkaround, Freeway’s app is designed to cover a wide range of inspection needs, making it a fully integrated tool for operational and workshop teams.
Drivers can quickly log recurring issues, saving time and enhancing communication between frontline operations and the workshop.
The app enables detailed defect logging, including photos and notes, allowing technicians to review and address issues before they develop into serious failures.
In the event of a collision incident, drivers can submit immediate reports via the app, complete with geolocation, photos, and defect notes, ensuring swift and accurate incident management.
The app also integrates effortlessly with planned maintenance and compliance checks, says Freeway, reducing the likelihood of oversights and boosting compliance.
“Defects are categorised efficiently, unlocking deeper analytics for trend spotting and ensuring each inspection identifies the driver. Instant access to comprehensive data supports incident claims and driver performance reviews,” the firm continued.
“Optional NFC capabilities make driver and vehicle identification quick and seamless, while multi‑factor authentication and single sign‑on options provide secure access for remote log‑ins and integration with third‑party systems.
“This versatile approach simplifies reporting, improves interdepartmental communication, and reduces the risk of overlooking mandated compliance.”
Freeway says its app is designed with the end user in mind, whether that’s a time-pressed driver, a busy depot manager, or a workshop technician managing multiple priorities.
“The interface is clean, responsive, and easy to navigate. Customisable checklists guarantee that each asset or vehicle type is inspected based on its particular requirements, while automated prompts and guidance help less experienced drivers carry out thorough driver walkaround checks.
“For managers, the benefits are equally compelling. The data collected integrates seamlessly into Freeway’s broader fleet maintenance platform, offering real-time visibility of fleet condition, pending defects, asset history, and compliance status. This reduces admin time, enhances decision-making, and bolsters fleet resilience.”
A common challenge in fleet management is the communication gap between drivers and workshop teams, says the company; logged defects in notebooks or unclear digital notes can lead to miscommunications, repair delays, and compliance issues.
“Freeway’s DWC app helps close this gap by integrating inspection data directly into the maintenance process. Workshop engineers can review detailed reports, complete with images and notes, before the vehicle reaches the depot. This improves scheduling, speeds up repairs, and enhances understanding of recurring problems.
“One of the app’s key features is the built-in step counter, which provides real-time digital mapping of the inspection process. Movement tracking, combined with GPS tags and timestamped data, allows fleet managers to verify that a walkaround inspection has been properly conducted, rather than just signed off without actual physical checks. It introduces a level of accountability and transparency often missing in other solutions. “
The app is said to support compliance by ensuring that every check is recorded, auditable, and directly linked to the maintenance cycle.
“This not only helps operators remain compliant with DVSA and other regulatory authorities but also fosters a culture of safety across the organisation.”
