Epyx is in talks with a number of telematics providers to explore how to get the most out of connected car service and maintenance data.

The company says that businesses collecting this information often have no means of processing it effectively – but that Epyx already has a comprehensive infrastructure in place.

Tim Meadows, commercial director, said: “We are on the cusp of a minor revolution in connected car technology and the leading edge is starting to become visible in day-to-day fleet operations.

“However, what we are finding in our conversations with telematics providers - and other parties such as manufacturers and leasing companies - is that there is no technological framework in place to get maximum fleet value from the information being gathered.

“Undoubtedly, this is where the conversation needs to move next and where we believe that we have a central part to play. Our 1link Service Network platform is ideally placed to make intelligent use of real time vehicle data, ranging from mileage readings to fluid levels to various dashboard statuses.

“Also, faster diagnostics will be possible as fault codes can be sent to the garage via our 1link platform even before the vehicle arrives. All of this means faster, more focussed SMR and reduced downtime.”

Meadows says that Epyx had a proven processing infrastructure in the shape of 1link Service Network, which handles SMR for three million vehicles and 18,000 garages

He continued: “The platform provides all the necessary processing points - assessing the SMR information being provided by the vehicle, communicating with the driver, finding a suitable garage, booking the work and then handling authorisation, invoicing and auditing.

“Simply, we have the technical capability and the vision to deliver the benefits of connected car technology to fleets.”
Talks are still in their early days but Meadows believes that the potential is considerable.

“The connected car is in its infancy in fleet terms but our message is that we are very much open for business,” he said. “We have a proven track record over a decade-and-a-half to show how we can deliver on the potential this kind of technology brings to the market.”