Reading Between the Lines Proves Beneficial for Mailers
The Intelligent Mail® Barcode (IMB), a multi-service barcode, is making life just a little bit easier for mailers. While it may look a bit different from other barcodes, the IMB is sure to deliver new services and improved customer communications.
By providing delivery point information, tracking via USPS® Confirm® service, and Move/Undeliverable–as–Addressed (UAA) information via the Address Change Service (ACS™), multi-service barcodes are providing valuable opportunities to mailers. These opportunities include:
Improved Readability
The IMB promises improved readability especially under adverse conditions. With the use of advanced error correction, portions of the barcode can be obscured, with all information recovered during the read. Since the IMB replaces other barcodes — PLANET® used for tracking and tricky–to–read keylines used for ACS — all mailing services will see improvement.
Return Mail Reduction
ACS provides the ideal way to augment pre-mailing address quality processes, such as CASS™ and NCOA. Because of this, the USPS is offering fee-free use of the ACS service with the IMB. Mailers will have two chances to update their records by receiving two free notices containing customer move information. Electronic ACS notices, containing new address information, are sent back to mailers when mail pieces are undeliverable due to moves or NIXIE information (undeliverable addresses). To take full advantage of this, customers must act on this information by updating their records through appropriate business responses.
Visual Impact
The IMB is fast becoming the marketer's best friend. Not only does it simplify the look of the mail piece, but it frees up valuable real estate in the address block area. The operations staff are also fans because it enables the implementation of envelope standards, without having to worry about the ins and outs of various barcodes. The IMB is the perfect opportunity to standardize the address block footprint across your enterprise.
Delivery Visibility
To track inbound and outbound mail pieces, some customers currently use the USPS Confirm service via the PLANET barcode. With Confirm via the IMB, customers can expect better performance and integrity. This elevated performance allows customers to ensure that mail pieces remain uniquely trackable via the IMB's ID capacity. Many expect that the IMB will significantly increase adoption of track and trace services by mailers. Some of these track and trace applications include:
- Geographic delivery prediction (outbound)
- Mail arrival prediction (outbound)
- Cash flow prediction (inbound)
- Disconnect/termination process avoidance (inbound)
Preparation Efficiency
The USPS offers seamless acceptance for the induction of mailer's prepared (presorted) mail. This reduces paperwork and provides greater visibility and transparency between mailers and the USPS. Whether preparing their own mail or using presort houses, customers will certainly benefit from these processes.
For more information on how Group 1 Software can assist with your IMB implementation, email us at mailstream_intelligentmail@g1.com or call 888-413-6763. Let us put our expertise to work for you.