Solve a 2009 Problem in 2008!
With all of the rapid changes and new regulations coming out of the USPS® related to the Rate Case and CASS™ Cycle L, one of the biggest changes introduced in recent years has flown in low, if not under the radar: Intelligent Mail® Barcode (IMBC).
IMBC Has a Strong Impact
Originally known as the 4 State Customer Barcode, then as the OneCode™, the IMBC may be one of the highest impact items on the roadmap.
The USPS introduced this barcode on September 1, 2006 for Confirm® and ACS™ users. It was made available to non-Confirm and ACS users on March 1, 2007 for letter mail of all classes and will be available for flat mail on May 1, 2007, based on USPS discussions at the National Postal Forum.
IMBC Required for Postal Discounts in 2009
The USPS continues to suggest that the IMBC will be required for mailers to receive postal discounts in 2009. The exact date of this transition hasn't been released, but don't be surprised if it occurs in the first half of 2009. We will be watching the Federal Register for this regulation and will keep you updated!
Start Planning Now!
In order to be prepared for the expected change in 2009, we are suggesting that all customers plan to make the change in 2008. Start planning now by reviewing your:
- Print streams
- Documents
- Windows on your envelopes
- Document composition tools
- Printers
- Scanners
Plan for Change to Reduce Risk
Develop a plan for the change that will allow you to switch over to the IMBC gradually and with low risk. Submit it as part of your 2008 budget and resource planning process. This way you don't end up making emergency budget requests in late November or early December and generate overtime hours during the holidays.
Next month we will cover the advantages (and disadvantages) associated with the IMBC and how you can use them in your enterprise.
More Information from USPS
For more information on the barcode, visit the
RIBBS Intelligent Mail® Barcode Resource Download Site
Barcode symbology for Intelligent Mail Barcode
Sample impact of Intelligent Mail Barcode on envelope space