MTAC Workgroup 93 Streamlining Verification Debbie Cooper Bob Galaher May 18, 2005 Washington DC

2 Streamlining Verification MTAC Workgroup 93 Mission Statement: –Collectively determine how the USPS and the Industry can leverage existing, or guide future, technological solutions into the mailing life cycle that can enhance the verification and induction process. Workgroup Lifecycle – May 2005 through Quarter I, 2006 Three Task Teams (Subgroups): – Vision Team – Barcode Team – Concept Design & Test

3 Streamlining Verification MTAC Workgroup 93 Vision Team (Sept. 2005) –David Steinhardt, Pritha Mehra Barcode Team (Oct. 2005) –Mury Salls, Jeff Freeman Concept Design & Test (March 2006) – Debbie Cooper, Robert Galaher

4 Concept Design & Testing Goal Define processes for automated verification for Standard and Periodical mailers utilizing mail asset barcodes (pallets/handling units). Execute a proof of concept for automated verification with pallet barcodes. Status – Goal achieved Concept Works! – Current systems can fundamentally support a streamlined mailing acceptance/induction process

5 Design, Leverage USPS systems for verification/payment, scheduling, and induction (PostalOne!, FAST and Surface Visibility) –Identity – Unique mail asset identifiers (barcode Mailer placard on pallets) –Verification/Payment – PostalOne! - pallet id links postage statement / appointment id links pallet id –Scheduling – FAST; pallet id tied to appointments –Induction – e8125; pallet id sent to SV for scanning at entry point Concept Design & Testing

6 Mailer Submits Electronic Docs & Postage Payments Processes Data Scheduling FAST Surface Visibility e8125s Shipper Enters Mail Induction Events Concept Design & Testing USPS Scans Shipment BMC Washington DC STD FLTS BC WKG Washington DC 200 Presort reports Postage payments PostalOne! ® Verification and Acceptance USPS/Customer Electronic Access Appointments Tracked Qualification Reports Qualification Reports Verification Postage Stmnt Postage Stmnt Payment Shipping Reports Shipping Reports Scheduling Information Shipment Reports Shipment Reports Induction Quality and Performance Reports Quality and Performance Reports Measurement Shippers Schedule Appointments Mailer Submits Postage Payments

7 Test, and Results Three mailers at Three USPS Facilities Concept works! – Successes: –Data exchange (information sharing) –Electronic 8125 (container specific) –Entry appointments, containers and postage statements linked (verification/payment) –Scan device supports business process –Initial visibility reports Concept Design & Testing

8 Test and Results Challenges (being addressed) –Technical aspects » Low scan rates » Data normalization and conformance –Business aspects » Reports require enhancements » Roles and access » Contingencies Concept Design & Testing

9 Next Steps Recommend Sunset MTAC 93 Workgroup –Design and Concept Testing Final Report –MTAC Group leadership determination Pilot test group –Next test cycle this summer » Pre-Induction event reporting » Appointment updates to SV » Segregation of paper vs. electronic 8125 loads to SV » Post-Induction event reporting –Shipment discrepancies and resolution actions –Container discount vs. correct entry –Mail irregularity reporting (SV to PostalOne!)