Mailers Technical Advisory Committee John Sadler Manager, Business Mail Acceptance August 2001 Mailers Technical Advisory Committee John Sadler Manager, Business Mail Acceptance August 2001 MERLIN Mailing Evaluation Readability and Lookup INstrument MERLIN Mailing Evaluation Readability and Lookup INstrument

n Comprehensive n Consistent n Objective n Reliable n Simultaneous verification n Fast - 15 to 20 minutes for each verification MERLIN Business Mail Entry

Simultaneous Verification Y Presort/Mail Makeup Y Weight and Piece Count Y Barcode Readability n Tray Label Accuracy n Address and Barcode Accuracy Business Mail Entry n Walk Sequence accuracy n Mailpiece dimensions n Endorsements and rate markings n Combined mailings n Meter identification and date

MERLIN Benefits n Speeds-up the verification process n Makes it easier to do business with us n Improves the quality of mail n Improves mail processing and delivery efficiency n Captures business mail data n Ensures accurate postage collection Business Mail Entry

Schedule Business Mail Entry Phase 1 BOG Approval August Machines Southeast/Southwest Areas Deployment began: May 2001 Deployment ends: March 2002 Phase II CIC Approval July 2001 BOG Approval October Machines Contract Award October 2001 Deployment begins: March 2002 Deployment ends: August 2003

n 43 machines deployed as of July 20th n Mail test results for the week ending July 20: - 29% of mailings found with barcode errors - 7.9% of mailings found with presort problems -.6% of mail mailings found with shortpaid postage Current Information Business Mail Entry

Process Changes Training n Train-the-trainer conducted by Bell & Howell n Trainers instruct Business Mail Entry Staff 8 Hours Local Training Includes: Machine operation Reports analysis Mail selection process n Electronic Technician (ET9) - 7 Days Norman, OK Business Mail Entry

Process Changes n Permit System Upgrade - notification when MERLIN verifications are due n Criteria for Verifications Under 10,000 pieces - 1 in pieces Over 10,000 pieces - every mailing pieces n MERLIN generates sampling plan for tray, bundle and sack selection Business Mail Entry

Policy Changes n 60 Day grace period for barcode readability n 60 Day grace period for carrier route walk-sequence mailings Business Mail Entry

Communications Plan n Notification letters sent to customers before installation n Internal Publications n Mailer Association Articles n Lobby and Business Mail Entry Unit Posters Business Mail Entry

MERLIN Business Mail Entry Questions