Telematics provider Masternaut has completed its acquisition of data service provider E.Novation BTC.The acquisition will allow Masternaut to combine its tlematics technology with E.Novation's wireless tachograph capabilities, according to the Leeds, UK-based Masternaut.

E.Novation's digital tachograph solutions enable vehicle data to be transmitted wirelessly, as well as archived and analyzed, while monitoring European toll charges and vehicle costs.

With this acquisition fleet management and driving-time compliance will be unified into a single hardware unit, with instant, automatic and remote access to data via wireless transfer, with increased security, according to Masternaut. The next generation systems will enable Masternaut's customers to handle compliance with drivers' hours and working time directive efficiently, while greatly reducing operational costs.

"Fleet managers will no longer have to handle multiple platforms for telematics and tachograph functionality," said Martin Hiscox, chairman and CEO of Masternaut. "With E.Novation BTC's technology now on board, we will significantly reduce the level of time investment required - our next generation systems will deliver telematics and tachograph capability via one central, unified platform."

The solution will also help customers in supporting the move towards EU Smart Tachograph in 2017-2018, according to the company. The ability to store, record and download dynamic driver and vehicle data wirelessly, while automating data compilation and scheduling, improving data reliability and reducing IT complexity will significantly reduce operational and administrative overheads. It will also enable logistics companies to gain driver time and maximize fleet efficiency while improving driver safety while ensuring deadlines are never missed.

"Tachograph solutions are, of course, a necessary spur to improve road safety, but despite advances with digital systems, high administration costs are still crippling the industry," added Hiscox. "Our systems will not only greatly reduce the cost burden, but unlock the potential for tachographs to transform fleet management and maximize fleet efficiency."

This acquisition is the latest in a series of growth announcements for Masternaut, in response to increasing demand for its telematics solutions across the European transport and logistics market. Masternaut has also taken over E.Novation BTC's Berlin office, opening its first German R&D base in order to accelerate product development in the region.