THE amount of data handled by UK fleets has multiplied 30 times over the past 10 years on average and is set to increase by the same level again in the next decade.

According to research by cfc solutions, 10 years ago the only data imported into fleet software by most companies was a floppy disc containing fuel card information.

Today, data feeds both into and out of fleet management software interfaces with a multitude of sources including maintenance providers, insurance companies, tyre networks, human resources systems, accident management specialists, vehicle procurement sources and more.

Jason Francis, managing director of cfc solutions, said: 'We are implementing a new system for a customer with six different data interfaces, which is the most ever. The mass of information that now confronts the fleet manager is potentially overwhelming.

'Future growth will partially come from a desire for greater control through telematics systems and partly through Government policy changes such as congestion charging and even the satellite tracking of road use that has been recently mooted.'

He added that this will lead to a greater reliance on fleet software to cope with the vast amount of data being generated by company cars.