epyx boosts garage network flexibility for fleets with new SMR enhancement

epyx has boosted garage network flexibility for fleets with the introduction of a new service, maintenance and repair (SMR) enhancement.

It is designed for situations when a driver needs to use a garage not already connected to their fleet's account for 1link Service Network, the epyx platform which supports SMR management for 4.9 million UK company cars and vans at 8,200 garages.

Because of the necessity to manually pay for work using a credit card or open a new account, this would previously have meant administrative and operational delays for the fleet. Instead, users can now be automatically diverted to epyx’s own terms with the garage.

Marc Lees, business development director, epyx, said: “Fleet users of the platform typically define a network of preferred garages that meet their technical, geographical and cost needs. With each, they will put in place negotiated account terms. 

“However, drivers might need to use other garages for a whole host of reasons – from a breakdown in a remote area to repairing a specialist vehicle – so one-off or small volume use of a site can be a relatively regular occurrence.

“However, these instances take up a lot of time for fleets. Anyone within a large organisation who has tried to open a new account with a supplier or reconcile a credit card payment knows they are tasks that can take an inordinate amount of effort. 

“Instead, the new enhancement removes that friction by allowing those jobs to be easily raised on epyx’s own terms with the garage, with work and pricing authorised in the usual fast and efficient manner through 1link Service Network. 

“It’s a move that supports customer choice of supplier and delivers substantial improvements in terms of time, costs and service for everyone in the SMR process – the fleet, the driver and the garage.”

Marc added this new development was the first step in a broader enhancement of the platform which epyx referred to as the Hybrid Network. 

“We’re working on making it easier for fleets to use a wider range of suppliers and build their own garage networks online in a more flexible manner, while retaining the benefits of digital authorisation and payment. There will be more announcements soon.”