Epyx rolls out pilot for next-generation 1link Service Network platform

Epyx has now started piloting the next-generation of its 1link Service Network platform with a small number of core fleet customers.

The original was launched 21 years ago and a redeveloped version is today used to process almost 20,000 company car, van and truck service, maintenance and repair (SMR) job sheets every day from fleets totalling 4.9 million vehicles working with over 8,500 suppliers.

James Thurtle, vice president - UK and international product management at Epyx, explained that while the current platform is in most ways unrecognisable from the 1link Service Network that was first launched in 2003, the core infrastructure and architecture it is built on is reaching its limitations.

Epyx has been working on this “New Evolution” cloud-based revision of 1Link for the past two years.

Thurtle said: “There’s a new underlying dataset that has allowed us to deliver a series of innovations, including a refreshed user interface, a new job sheet journey and a new driver booking process, with work continuing on new rules management and new incident management capabilities.”

Thurtle said the business was not changing things “for the sake of changing them” and that the new platform will still remain familiar to existing users.

However, the next-generation version will bring about enhancements that wouldn’t have been possible using the existing technology.

This new platform will also underpin the ability to deliver "faster and more radical changes in the future”.

Thurtle likened launching a new version of 1Link and continuing to operate the current system to fixing a plane while flying 30,000 feet in the air.

He said: “It’s a question of keeping SMR processing of our finance, leasing and warranty customers fully operational while making these major changes.

“That’s why we are being considered in our approach, ensuring that our customers continue to receive a high quality of service.”

Pendragon Vehicle Management (PVM) is one of the 1Link customers taking part in the pilot phase.

Paul Hickinbottom, head of operations at PVM, said the new platform has helped to tighten the time taken for processing, as well as improving the decision turnaround experienced by its fleet customers and participating garages.

Hickinbottom said: “This is an introductory phase and any feedback we have provided has been taken on board by Epyx.

“Their team has been proactive and efficient in resolving queries and open to developing certain areas to further improve efficiencies.

“Overall, our experience has been almost seamless so far and we look forward to further planned developments for the platform made possible by the new architecture.”

Epyx is planning to roll out the new version of 1Link to more users over the course of 2025 as it continues to resolve any issues with the new system.

Thurtle added: “We believe 1Link is the most widely used specialist platform in the fleet sector, so stability is crucial.”