Telematics provider Trakm8 has launched a low cost and cloud-based 'virtual fleet manager' system.

Trakm8prime has been designed specifically for small fleets. Businesses will be able to use the tool to cut insurance premiums, slash fuel costs and reduce the stress that can surround P11D administration.

The virtual fleet manager is powered by Trakm8’s i10 Micro device, which is self-installed by the customer in around ten minutes, reducing installation time and the costs that surround it. Drivers are able to view their personal data via the easy-to-use Prime app which is available on iOS and Android. Fleet managers can view the overall activity of their fleet vehicles through the Prime Portal or app, allowing round-the-clock visibility and create useful reports. The Vehicle Timesheet Report, for example, is available to download or view onscreen and displays the activity of all active vehicles along with start times, time spent driving or idling.

By monitoring driver behaviour styles, smaller fleets are able to achieve a reduction of up to 15% in fuel costs, a substantial drop in insurance premiums. Through the promotion of safer driving styles, the financial implications of repairing wear and tear and damage through accidents are also greatly reduced.

In addition to driver behaviour monitoring, Trakm8prime is also capable of obtaining vehicle health information. By displaying powerfully accurate battery health information and diagnostic fault codes, transport operators can pre-empt breakdowns and also ensure that problems within fleet vehicles does not impact on the safety of their drivers, not to mention providing a safeguard against vehicle downtime.

By toggling a switch within the Prime mobile app, drivers are able to accurately record journeys that take place in and outside of working hours. What’s more, the data collected can be automatically and easily exported from the Prime portal straight into a .csv file or .pdf format.  This enables fleet managers to create accurate historical records for the completion of P11D mileage forms, avoiding HMRC penalties.

Trakm8prime requires no long term contracts and offers a number of flexible pricing plans from £12.99 per vehicle per month.

John Watkins, executive chairman of Trakm8, said: “Many telematics solutions are developed solely for large businesses with hundreds of vehicles. Our expertise in providing data services to corporate fleets has led to us developing a tool in which smaller businesses can also harness the benefits of telematics and make substantial savings in the process. Whether you own a building company, plumbing business, a fleet of taxis, or a group of delivery vehicles, Trakm8prime’s easy installation and affordable price is a great way to save money.”