Are you ready for the new US Postal Service Intelligent Mail Barcode?

Do you currently enjoy automated mail discount rates with the US Postal Service or would you like to?

May 2009 is when the Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMB) will be available for automation discounts for business mailers from the US Postal Service (USPS). This new barcode implemented under the Postal Accountability act allows the USPS to provide new value-added services, improved deliverability, more efficient operations and greater accountability.

So, what does this requirement mean for your business and what are the advantages?

The Intelligent Mail® barcode allows you to request value added services like tracking, with OneCode Confirm and address correction with OneCode ACS all in one barcode. It will give you better control over your customer’s sensitive data while helping you to comply with federal rules and regulations.

More importantly, it allows your company to continue receiving postal discounts on mail and with yearly increases in postage rates that is very important. You need to act now to be ready.

The USPS has two types of implementation: “Basic” or “Full” Intelligent Mail® barcode. The choice of which to implement is left up to the individual company but there will be a price difference between what the USPS charges for these two services. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The “Basic” service option has no intelligence, less savings and no documentation is required. This may appear to be the easier option now but will use time and resources later if the decision is made to change.

Companies will choose an option depending on their processes. They will need to answer questions such as:

When will we be able to apply the barcode? Do we have the ability to produce the barcode before the mail piece is rendered or will the barcode need to be applied after rendering?

Will we need to change core processes in order to make the transition to the Intelligent Mail® barcode?

Will we sort or have an outside company sort the mail?

These are all critical questions and will need to be answered before deciding which
service option to choose.

Paris Automail is a premier postal automation solution and is ready for the implementation of the new IMB barcode requirements today.

Companies without a solution can contact XLPrint to find out about specific products and services that can help you comply with this new technology. Paris Automail is uniquely positioned to help your company comply with the new postal Intelligent Mail® barcode requirement. If you are ready to move your mail stream into the forefront of mail processing technology, contact XLPrint now or click here for more information..