Fleet managers have been oversold telematics products in the past, with many of the firms offering too much data and not enough analysis, resulting in many contracts not renewed.

That’s the view of Eagle-i chief executive Ian Walmsley, who believes fleet managers need more targeted information to get the best out of telematics systems.

He said: “The problem has been that some telematics companies sell a huge package that gives a fleet manager too much data, much of which is irrelevant and they don’t need. Being able to sift through all of this information is almost impossible.

“Often the issue is that many of these systems are off the shelf products bought in from abroad and therefore aren’t able to be developed with the specific UK market in mind.”

Mr Walmsley’s view is backed up by recent research from tracking firm Genesis Communications on the telematics industry.

It concluded: “The range of data that is downloadable is huge and, for the first time, enables fleet chiefs to gain real-time cost control over their fleet.

"But, if fleet decision-makers do not set aside time to analyse the data and use it to improve fleet operating efficiencies then the benefits will be lost.

“Top fleet consultants agree that ‘fleet chiefs should decide what they need from a system and buy no more’ or they will disappear in a sea of unused data.”

Eagle-i has developed itself what it is claims is an industry first system, called the Open Telematics Platform, which allows fleet managers to pick and choose - and crucially only buy - what they need.

Mr Walmsley added: “If all they want is to know about is exceptional speeding events, or business and private mileages, then that’s what we will send them. This is all about getting benefits from telematics in a more efficient and cost-effective way.”

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions has announced a three year partnership with Eagle-i to deliver telematics-enhanced fleet management services to Hitachi Capital’s customers.

Simon Oliphant, Chief Executive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said: “Tighter budgets and green targets mean that reducing fuel consumption is now a top priority for fleet managers.

"Our recent fleet research highlights the growing recognition that telematics is a tool that can provide fleet managers with the visibility and control they need to reduce both running costs and carbon footprint of their vehicles.”