Rekeying issue solved as epyx makes interface available free

Removing the need to rekey data when asking fleets to authorise workshop jobs is the aim of a new product being launched by epyx this week.

The Authorisation and Invoice Interface means that franchise dealers, independent garages and fast fit centres using the company’s 1link Service Network platform can import data automatically to and from their dealer management system rather than having to retype.

Importantly, this means that work submitted to fleet customers can be authorised through the system, which is used by more than 8,500 garages to offer servicing, maintenance and repair to businesses operating more than four million cars, vans and trucks.

Tim Meadows, CCO at epyx, said: “We recently held meetings with our major dealer users, asking them what they would like to see changed about 1link Service Network, and removing the need for rekeying was repeatedly mentioned.

“As a result, we’re making the new product available to all our garage users free of charge. It provides the means to create, submit, gain authorisation and then invoice for work required on vehicles without rekeying into both 1link and their DMS.

“It does require a further interface to also be created by the garage’s DMS provider but a few of the companies in that market already provide the means to do this, and we are anticipating adoption to be widespread.”

He added that other feedback received about the system from dealer users in the meetings was highly positive as the company launched what is being described as a “New Evolution” version of 1link Service Network at the end of last year.

“The current platform was created two decades ago and has been continually enhanced to meet developing garage and fleet needs. The Authorisation and Invoice Interface is a good example of that process of ongoing improvement.

“However, for the last couple of years, we’ve been working on the most comprehensive rethink of 1link Service Network yet undertaken. Pilots with users began last year and have so far seen very strong feedback. It’s probably epyx’s biggest-ever project.

“The new version is very much designed to retain the familiar and successful approach to work authorisation that has been behind the widespread adoption of the platform, while bringing a whole range of new advantages. We’ll be releasing more details soon.”