Migrating to the Intelligent Mail ® Barcode Greater Birmingham PCC Lunch & Learn Professional Certificate Program April 18, 2013 Andrée D. Kater, Mgr. Business Mail Entry Alabama District
Mar 26, 2015
Migrating to the Intelligent Mail® Barcode
Greater Birmingham PCCLunch & Learn
Professional Certificate ProgramApril 18, 2013
Andrée D. Kater, Mgr. Business Mail Entry
Alabama District
What is our Goal?
To discuss the foundation of Intelligent Mail Services
To discuss what you need to know to produce the IMb for letters and flats
To provide you with the knowledge and resources to assist your transition to the Intelligent Mail barcode
Agenda
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail? Intelligent Mail Barcodes How do Mailers obtain MIDS/CRIDS? Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes Reply Mail Resources
March 2, 2012 Proposal
– POSTNET™ barcode discontinuation
– Transition to the IMb™ will be required for automation price eligibility
January 2013 Requirements
– Retirement of POSTNET barcode
• IMb required for automation letters and flats
• IMb required for QBRM and PRM letters
• GS1-128 or IMpb required for Standard Mail parcels to avoid surcharge⁻ POSTNET or IMb allowed in address block with exception of eVS
January 2014 Requirements• Full Service IMb required for automation letters and flats
• IMb required for QBRM and PRM letters
• GS1-128 or IMpb required for Standard Mail parcels to avoid surcharge
Important Dates
Important Dates
Agenda
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail?
- Definition- Classes of Mail- Options & Requirements- Benefits
Intelligent Mail Barcodes How do Mailers Obtain MIDs & CRIDs Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes Reply Mail Resources
Defined
A technology that will support future generations of postal products, services, and associated features.
A technology platform made possible by the suite of Intelligent Mail barcodes.
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Classes of Mail
IMb™ services apply to the following classes of mail and processing categories:– First-Class Mail® letters and flats– Standard Mail® letters and flats– Periodicals letters and flats– Bound Printed Matter flats– Reply Mail
What is Intelligent Mail®?
IMb Service Options – Basic and Full-Service
Basic Full-Service
IM™ barcode on mailpieces Required * Required
IM tray barcode on tray & sack labels
Optional Required
IM container barcodes on container placards
Optional Required**
Electronic documentation (eDoc)
Optional Required
Start-the-Clock NA Available
Automated address correction at no additional charge
NA Available
*Will not qualify for Automation Prices in Jan., 2014
**Only when containerization is required
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Intelligent Mail Basic Option Requirements
Apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter and flat mailpieces
Populate ALL fields in the barcode Barcode ID Service Type ID Mailer ID Serial Number Routing Code
Intelligent Mail barcode Intelligent Mail
tray barcode Intelligent Mail container barcode
SCF SAN FRANCISCO CA940
STD FLTS SCF BC/NBCXYZ CORPORATIONINTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN
(Mailer Area)
Intelligent Mail Full-Service Option Requirements
Unique Intelligent Mail® barcodes on mailpieces, trays, sacks and containers
Electronic mailing Information which identifies mail owner and mail preparer must be submitted using:– Mail.dat®– Postal Wizard– Mail.XML®
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Agenda
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail? Intelligent Mail Barcodes
– Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes– IMb Specifications– Data Fields in the IMb – Key Barcode Checklist– Barcode Placement
Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes Reply Mail Resources
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
The IM barcode is similar to earlier Postal barcodes.– Shares data fields with POSTNET (=Routing Code) and
PLANET Code (=Tracking Code) barcodes– Similar footprint on the mailpiece, but with MUCH greater
data capacity The IM barcode is a vehicle for enabling services (on LETTERS
and FLATS).– Allows Mail Processing Equipment to automatically route
mailpieces– Allows for tracking of mailpieces through the mailstream
• Data available through the IMb Tracing® program
– Allows mailers to qualify for automation prices
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
IMb Tracing allows mailers to uniquely identify and receive mail processing data for outgoing mailings and incoming reply mailpieces.
The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and the PLANET Code.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Benefits of Transitioning to the IMb
For Letters and Flats Height-modulated barcode
Encodes 31 digits of data into 65 bars
Uses 4-State symbology
Full bar, Ascender, Tracker, and Descender
Key Barcode Tolerances Overall length between 2.667 and 3.225 inches
Overall height between 0.125 and 0.165 inch
Vertical clear zone at least 0.028 inch
F A T D
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
IMb Specifications
0.010• Maximum dot matrix spacing must not exceed 0.010 inch.
• A minimum clear zone of 0.125 inch between the left and right edges of the barcode is required.• A minimum clear zone of 0.028 inch above and below the barcode is required.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
IMb Specifications
The Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces is a height-modulated barcode that encodes up to 31 digits of mailpiece data into 65 vertical bars using 4-state symbology.
The maximum 31-digit string contains a 20-digit Tracking Code representing the first 4 fields and a maximum 11-digit Routing Code.
The IMb is always 65 bars, regardless of ZIP Code® length, and does not require a check-digit or frame bars.
All IMb fields must have numeric values only.
Data Fields in the IMb
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Barcode ID (2N)
Barcode ID (2N)
Service Type ID
(3N)
Service Type ID
(3N)
Mailer ID (6N)
Mailer ID (9N)
Serial Number (9N) Routing Code (0, 5, 9 or 11N)
Routing Code (0, 5, 9 or 11N)
Intelligent Mail Barcode for Letters and Flats: 6-Digit and 9-Digit Mailer IDs
Serial Number (6N)
A 2-digit field reserved to encode the presort identification printed in human-readable form on the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL)
Should be left as “00” if an OEL is not printed on the mailpiece
For automation flat-size mail, it must be populated with OEL coding corresponding to sortation level.
Use the Intelligent Mail Technical Resource Guide or the Intelligent Mail Barcode Specification to select the correct OEL code if producing auto flats.
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/USPSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pdf
Data Fields in the IMb : Select the Barcode ID
A 3-digit field used to identify the class of mail and any additional or special services requested for the piece such as OneCode ACS, OneCode Confirm, or no service
Defines the mailpiece as Full-Service, Basic or Non-Automation
Used to determine the disposition of Undeliverable-As-Addressed (UAA) mail and the form of address correction desired by the mailer
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/USPSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pdf
Data Fields in the IMb - Select the STID
Used to identify the mail owner or mail preparer
A 6-digit or 9-digit field that is assigned by the USPS
Required in the Intelligent Mail Barcode
https://gateway.usps.com
Data Fields in the IMb - Use the MID
MIDs are acquired and managed through the Mailer ID service on the Business Customer Gateway.
The MID is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the Postal Service® based primarily on documented historic mail volume. A 6-digit MID may be issued based on annual volume
of 10 million pieces. A single 9-digit MID may be issued regardless of
annual volume. Additional 9-digit MIDs may be issued based on
annual volume in increments of one million pieces. 6-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 0 – 8 9-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 9
Data Fields in the IMb – Use the MID
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Mailers requesting a Mailer ID (MID) must go to http://www.usps.com/ – Select the Business Customer Gateway located on the bottom right hand corner of the web page. – A mailer must logon as an existing user or register as a new user to gain access to the
Business Customer Gateway. – Once logged on, select the "Mailer ID" link to obtain a MID.
Mailing Agents who require MIDs for their Mail Owner customers to obtain the benefits of Full Service
mailing need to follow the MID/CRID process located at:
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAgentExcelProcess.pdf
For mailers who cannot obtain the desired number or type of Mailer ID(s) through the Business Customer Gateway-MID Tool or if the mailing agent is acting in behalf of the mail owner,
– The customer must read the Mailer ID Application Process and/or the CRID/Mailer ID Agent Application Process,
– And the customer must print and complete the Mailer Application and the Additional Accounts Information Sheet (as applicable).
– The forms must be submitted to the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or the Mailpiece Design Analyst for processing.
Three ways to acquire a Mailer ID (MID)
In order to get a MIDs through the BCG, a new user must create a Business Account
Once registered, a CRID for the business
location
New CRIDs will not be assigned to existing user
Obtaining a Mailer ID (MID)
Identifies customer at a unique? Business Location
Customer Identity across Postal Systems
Controls Access to Services, Applications, and Information
Used to identify mail owner or preparer in eDoc
What is a Customer Registration ID (CRID)?
23
A 6 or 9-digit field defined by the mailer Can be populated with a number that
uniquely identifies each mailpiece becoming a unique Mailpiece IDunique Mailpiece ID
May be populated with a number that is unique to a mailing, becoming a unique unique Mailing IDMailing ID
Data Fields in the IMb: Select the Serial Numbers
5-digit, 9-digit, or 11-digit field that identifies the delivery ZIP Code data in the address (same routing information currently used in the POSTNET™ barcode)
Routes the mailpiece during processing When used on automation-price eligible
letters and flats, the routing code must contain an 11-digit delivery point code
11-digit delivery point routing codes are not permitted on Business Reply Mail
Data Fields in the IMb: Select the Routing Code
25
Key IM™ Barcode Component Review
IM BarcodeComponent
Review
Barcode ID
Service Type ID
Mailer ID
Serial Number
Routing Code
• Required for processing
• At a minimum provide Mail Class; do not use “000”
• OneCode ACS, IMb Tracing, Basic and Full-Service options (can be yours or your mail preparer’s)
• Do not populate with fictitious number or zeroes
Service Type ID
Mailer ID
• Must be “00” if an OEL is not printed on the piece
.
• MUST be a valid ZIP code
• Derived from CASS-certified software that accurately matches the delivery address
• Must never be padded with zeroes, spaces or nulls; same as POSTNET
– For the Full Service, the Serial number must be unique and can not be used at a frequency of less than forty-five (45) days.
Barcode ID
Serial Number
Routing Code
Key IM™ Barcode Checklist
Barcode ID must be “00” if an OEL is not printed on the piece. Service Type ID is required for processing.
– At a minimum provide Mail Class; do not use “000”! Mailer ID is required for everyone. (can be yours or your mail preparer’s)
– OneCode ACS, IMb Tracing, and Full-Service options (Do not populate with fictitious number or zeroes.
Serial Number – For the Full Service, the Serial number must be unique and can
not be used at a frequency of less than forty-five (45) days. Routing Code, MUST be a valid ZIP Code.
– Derived from CASS-certified software that accurately matches the delivery address
– Must never be padded with zeroes, spaces or nulls; same as POSTNET
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Placement and processing rules are similar to POSTNET barcode Placement on letters:
– Address block or– Barcode clear zone in the lower right
Placement on flats:– On address side and– At least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece
Only one IMb™ should be placed in the same area May have an IMb™ on the non-automation portion of a machinable mailing
JMCXNM5 38141
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Placement
Agenda
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail? Intelligent Mail Barcodes Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
– What you need– IM Barcode Encoding
Reply Mail Resources
What you need…
A USPS or vendor-developed barcode encoder and font for the Intelligent Mail Barcode. You will also need:
Implementing the IMb™
Presort Software
Class of Mail and Required Service (none, ACS, IMb Tracing)
Mailer or Mail Preparer – Assigned by USPS
Data Management Plan – Assigned by Mailer
CASS™-MASS™ /DPV®/LACSLink® software
Barcode ID
Service Type
Mailer ID
Routing Code
Serial Number
31
Intelligent Mail Barcode Encoding
Created by downloading and installing the encoder and font The encoder converts the 20-digit tracking code and routing
code, a maximum of 11-digit into a combined 65-character string representing the ADFT characters.
A special font is required to convert 65 ADFT character string into the IMb.
Height-modulated barcode and uses 4-state symbology: Full bar, Ascender, Tracker, and Descender
IMb™ example: 0070012345620080000198765432101
DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT
Available Encoders
YesYesMS Office Version for Windows
YesYesProgrammer Version for Windows
YesYesMac OS X
YesYesHP/UX
YesYesSolaris
YesYesLinux
YesYesAIX
YesYesYesOS/400
YesYesYesVSE/ESA
YesYesYesYesMVS, z/OS, and OS/390
MS ExcelMS AccessPL/1COBOLJava 2COperating System
Language and Applications Supported*
* Support for 64-bit Windows, Linux, and Solaris as well as for Assembler on MVS/VSE
Implementing the IMb™
Generate the Barcode
There are three steps required to generate the Intelligent Mail® barcode on letters & flats:
1. Form the 31-digit payload
2. Encode the 31-digits
3. Print the barcode on mailpieces
Implementing the IMb™
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail? Intelligent Mail Barcodes Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes How do mailers obtain MIDs/CRIDs? Reply Mail
– Reminder: IMb Required– IMb Artwork at No Charge
Resources
Agenda
Business Reply Mail
Qualified Business Reply Mail– QBRM is a postcard or letter (up to 2 oz.)
• QBRM requires payment of the annual account maintenance fee
– All QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute are required to bear an IMb effective January 2013
Permit Reply Mail– All PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute,
regardless of method, are required to bear an IMb
Reply Mail
IMb Requirements for Reply Mail
35
Online IMb Artwork Offered by USPS
USPS offers online artwork capabilities for PostalOne! users via the Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool at: https://www.usps.com/business/reply-mail-solutions.htm– The ABRM tool can provide artwork for letter and card-size pieces of
domestic Reply Mail ABRM can be used to produce:
– Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM)– Business Reply Mail (BRM)– Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM)
Mailpiece Design Analysts may be able to assist with other artwork requests. Customers in need of Mailpiece Design assistance may contact the MDA Support Center by dialing 855-593-6093 or sending a request via email to [email protected] or locally by calling 205-521-0212 or by sending a request via email to [email protected]
Envelope Manager and Dazzle software used by USPS– Available for purchase by contacting manufacturer at Endicia.com
Reply Mail
Agenda
Important Dates What is Intelligent Mail? Intelligent Mail Barcodes Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes Reply Mail Resources
– Validation and Tools– Summary with Online Information
Resources
Ensure the test plan has pre-established results.– Know the CORRECT results and use available tools to
ensure outcomes match them. Validate input
– Ensure all data elements for barcode content match either yours or your customer’s specifications.
Validate output– Print samples from each piece of equipment that could
be used in actual production.– Provide samples to USPS® MDA / service providers.
Test & Validate
Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standard Template – Notice 3-A
This template is used to determine the size, shape, aspect ratio, and thickness requirements for letter processing.
Provided to mailers at no charge
Resources
Automation Template – Notice 67
Multi-purpose template used to determine the automation compatibility of letter-size mailpieces.
Will evaluate:– Delivery address area– Address & window clearances– Address print characteristics– Address block barcode
clearances– Lower right barcode
placement– Reply Mail guidelines
Provided to mailers at no charge
Resources
Automation Barcode Gauge – Item 04A
Automation Barcode Gauge Template (Item #04A)
Measures barcode length skew, pitch, clear zones, and bar parameters of the POSTNET™ and Intelligent Mail® barcodes
Latest version produced December 2009, Revision G
Provided to mailers at no charge
Resources
Basic online decoder tool is available at: http://ribbs.usps.com/OneCodeSolution
Resources
Talk to their business partners
Build a team Review guides and specs
Acquire a MID
Place the barcode
Design and Test eDocs
Plan for feedback
Migrate to the Production
Environment
In Summary…
In Summary, here’s what you should do…
Talk to your business partners – Find out from your software vendors and/or service providers what your Intelligent Mail Service plans are. Just a few of the questions you may want to ask are:
What are their Mailer ID plans? Will they use their own or their clients?
What additional features/services are available?
Does the software support Mail.dat, Mail.XML or both?
Can they create and track unique serial numbers?
Can they support the Full-Service options?
Talk to their business partners
In Summary, here’s what you should do…
Build a Team – Work to put together a team that will help their implement Intelligent Mail Services.
Customers should include, consider and start to plan the following: Include key stakeholders: IT, Finance, Business, Business Partners
Define the Value/Return on Investment (ROI)
Re-engineer their mail supply chain
Develop budget
Develop implementation plan
Review materials and seek support from resources
Build a team
In Summary, here’s what you should do…
Review Guides and Specifications – Customers should access the information they need from the following resources:
A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services
A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats
Postal Service Mail.dat Technical Specification
Postal Service Mail.XML Technical Specification
User Access to Electronic Mailing Information and Reports Guide
Review guides and specs
In Summary, here’s what you should do…
Mailers requesting a Mailer ID (MID) must go to http://www.usps.com/ Select the Business Customer Gateway located on the bottom right hand corner of the web page. A mailer must logon as an existing user or register as a new user to gain access to the Business
Customer Gateway. Once logged on, select the "Mailer ID" link to obtain a MID.
Mailing Agents who require MIDs for their Mail Owner customers to obtain the benefits of
Full Service mailing need to follow the MID/CRID process located at:
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAgentExcelProcess.pdf
For mailers who cannot obtain the desired number or type of Mailer ID(s) through the Business Customer Gateway-MID Tool or if the mailing agent is acting in behalf of the mail owner,
The customer must read the Mailer ID Application Process and/or the CRID/Mailer ID Agent Application Process,
And the customer must print and complete the Mailer Application and the Additional Accounts Information Sheet (as applicable).
The forms must be submitted to the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or the Mailpiece Design Analyst for processing.
Acquire a MID
In Summary, here’s what our customers should do…
Place the Barcode - To generate the IMb mailpiece barcode, tray label barcode, and container label barcode they will need to do the following:
Plan for barcode data management
Services (Service Type Identifiers)
USPS provided Mailer ID (MID)
IMb encoder/decoder
USPS-developed font for the Imb
Content Identification Number (CIN) List
Code 128 subset C font for the IMb tray and container barcodes
Endorsements for address correction
Validate and test barcode
Place the barcode
In Summary, here’s what you should do…
Design and Test Electronic Documentation – Electronic documentation is a crucial step in the process. There are different requirements and uses for Basic and Full-Service options.
Basic: electronic documentation is optional Electronic documentation includes postage statement Aggregate mailing data such as a USPS Qualification Report
Full-Service: electronic documentation is required Electronic documentation includes postage statement Aggregate mailing data and piece detail mailing data Mail owner, mail preparers Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces, trays and containers Nesting relationships
Options: Mail.dat Mail.XML Intelligent Mail Small Business Tool Postal Wizard (9999 pieces maximum for Full-Service and documentation is not required)
Design and Test eDocs
In Summary, here’s what our customers should do…
Plan for Feedback How will you use the Start-the-Clock and address correction
information? Who will receive the data? How will you receive the data? How will you update your address lists?
Migrate to the Production Environment
Test barcodes Test electronic submission of eDoc in the Test Environment for Mailers Receive validation for Full-Service prior to migrating to the
Production Environment
Plan for feedback
Migrate to the Production
Environment
– Validate Your Barcodes & Submit for Testing to MDA– Use the Online Encoder / Decoder
- http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/Default.aspx - Review the List of Resources at:
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmailpieces For Additional Assistance
– Contact the National Customer Support Center at (877) 640-0724– For PostalOne!® Information: http://usps.com/postalone/– To request assistance from a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA)
contact the MDA Support Center at 855-593-6093 or send a request via email to [email protected] or locally call 205-521-0212 or via email to [email protected]
To Review the Latest Proposal & News Go To:- Federal Register Notices
- http://pe.usps.com/FederalRegisterNotices.asp
Finally…
The RIBBS Website provides extensive resources on Intelligent Mail®
Resources
You can view or download the Guides and Specifications from RIBBS
Resources
Weekly Updates New Features Release Information Tips Archive of Updates To sign up email go to
[email protected] and in the subject line, type
“SUBSCRIBE” http://pe.usps.gov/dmmAdvisory.asp
DMM Advisory is published weekly and provides current information on Intelligent Mail®
Resources
Questions?