Epyx, provider of fleet authorisation tool 1link, is devoting "all available resources" to fully restoring the functionality of its service network following a 24-hour outage.

Leasing companies and fleet management firms have been unable to manage SMR bookings and approvals via the 1link Service Network system since Monday morning, and the company has now told Fleet News that "limited functionality has been restored".

UPDATE 3pm May 18: the full system has been restored.

Steve Greene, managing director at Epyx, acknowledged and apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused.

He said: "It is an issue that, as you would expect, we take incredibly seriously. However, this is the first outage of the system of this type since its launch more than a decade ago."

The company says the 1link Service Network system is the only platform that is affected, with its other networks, including Hire, Vehicle and Disposals operating as normal.

Greene continued: "The issue lies within our database which means filtering through a large amount of data to deliver a fix but our global team of engineers and consultants are working day and night to restore full functionality.  

"The fact is that occasional outages affect all e-commerce platforms, and we are not immune. However, we expect to have full system functionality restored shortly."

He encouraged customers to use the limited functionality that is available at present, and explained that the company was in the process of providing additional infortmation to customers to "help them reduce the impact on their operations".

Three million cars, vans and trucks are now registered on Epyx’s 1link Service Network platform.

Introduced in 2003, Epyx claims it is now used by hundreds of fleets to manage and process servicing, maintenance and repairs bought from around 18,000 franchised dealers, independent garages and fast fits.