epyx has introduced a product aimed at eliminating the need for garages to rekey data when requesting fleet authorisation for workshop jobs. The Authorisation and Invoice Interface, which is being launched this week, will be available free of charge to all garages using epyx’s 1link Service Network platform.
The interface allows franchise dealers, independent garages, and fast-fit centres to automatically import data to and from their dealer management system (DMS). This removes the need for manual retyping, streamlining the authorisation and invoicing process.
By integrating directly with fleet customers, garages can now submit work for authorisation through 1link Service Network, a system used by over 8,500 garages to offer servicing, maintenance, and repair services to fleets operating more than four million cars, vans, and trucks.
Tim Meadows, Chief Commercial Officer 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.”
While the interface is free to use, Meadows noted that garages will require their DMS provider to create a compatible interface. However, he added that several DMS companies already offer this functionality, and epyx expects widespread adoption of the new tool.
Meadows highlighted that the Authorisation and Invoice Interface is part of a broader modernisation effort for 1link Service Network, which has been in use for two decades and continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of garages and fleet operators.
He said: “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.”
epyx has been working on its most comprehensive update to 1link Service Network in recent years. A “New Evolution” version of the platform was launched at the end of last year and is currently being piloted with users, receiving strong feedback.
“The new version is designed to retain the familiar and successful approach to work authorisation that has driven the platform’s widespread adoption, while introducing a range of new advantages,” said Meadows.
epyx plans to release further details on the enhanced version of 1link Service Network in the near future.
