Transitioning to Intelligent Mail ® Barcodes Presentation Date: March 2012 From POSTNET ™ … …To IMb ™

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  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 Important Dates

Agenda  Important Dates  What is Intelligent Mail? -Definition -Classes of Mail -Options & Requirements -Benefits  Intelligent Mail Barcodes  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 * Only when containerization is required What is Intelligent Mail ® ?

 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 What is Intelligent Mail ® ? Barcode ID Ex: 00 for No OEL Service Type ID Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Mailer ID Ex: USPS ® assigned Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Serial Number Ex: Intelligent Mail Basic Option Requirements

Intelligent Mail barcode Intelligent Mail tray barcode Intelligent Mail container barcode 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 ® ?

Benefits of the Basic Option  Ensures compliance with future plans  Enables an easier upgrade to Full-Service option  Integrates value-added service in one barcode –Increases available marketing space on mailpieces –Offers OneCode ACS ® at less cost than traditional ACS ® 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™)

Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes  The POSTNET barcode routes the mailpiece during postal processing.  The PLANET Code provides tracking information and is used in conjunction with the POSTNET barcode to provide mailers with: –The date, time and location that outgoing IMb Tracing ® mail was inducted at a Postal facility –The date, time, location and sort operation at which a mailpiece was processed at a Postal facility  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™)

Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes  POSTNET barcode and PLANET Code –Image-based fonts –Do not require encoding algorithms POSTNET Example: = Visually determine the information….(74210)  Intelligent Mail barcode requires an encoding algorithm –Bar-for-bar image –Can not be determined visually, requires conversion with algorithms INTELLIGENT MAIL BARCODE EXAMPLE: DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

11-digit POSTNET™13-digit PLANET Code®Intelligent Mail® Barcode Number of Bars Bar Width ± inch Horizontal Pitch 22 ± 2 bars per inch Height of Full Bar ± inch ± inch Vertical Barcode Clearance Min: inch Min: inch Voids Max: inch Max: inch Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes

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 and inches  Overall height between and inch  Vertical clear zone at least inch F A T D Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) IMb Specifications

0.010 Maximum dot matrix spacing must not exceed inch. A minimum clear zone of inch between the left and right edges of the barcode is required. A minimum clear zone of inch above and below the barcode is required. Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) IMb Specifications

Data Fields in the IMb  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 can have numeric values only Routing Code ( 0, 5, 9, or 11N ) Barcode ID (2N) Service Type ID (3N ) Intelligent Mail Barcode for Letters and Flats: 6-Digit and 9-Digit Mailer IDs Serial Number (9N)Mailer ID (6N) Serial Number (6N ) Mailer ID (9N) Service Type ID (3N ) Barcode ID (2N) Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Barcode ID  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 link below to access the Barcode Identifier list on RIBBS and select the correct OEL code Mailer ID Ex: USPS assigned Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Serial Number Ex: Mailer assigned Service Type ID Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Barcode ID Ex: 50 for Mixed AADC Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) arcodeIdentifier.pdf

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID  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, IMb Tracing, or no service  Defines the mailpiece as Full-Service, Basic or Non-Automation  Used to determine the disposition of Undeliverable-As-Address (UAA) mail and the form of address correction desired by the mailer  Use link below to access the STID Chart on RIBBS Barcode ID Ex: 50 for Mixed AADC Service Type Identifier (STID) Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Mailer ID Ex: USPS assigned Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Serial Number Ex: Mailer assigned Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID*  *Consult Appendix A, page 115, from A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats and page 28 for STID list. Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) ailLettersandFlats.pdf

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID  No services  Manual address correction  Traditional ACS ®  OneCode ACS ®  IMb Tracing ®  Manual address correction with IMb Tracing  Traditional ACS with IMb Tracing  OneCode ACS with IMb Tracing Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™) Basic Option Services (separate fees & STIDs)

Data Fields in the IMb – Use the MID  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 Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Serial Number Ex: Mailer assigned Service Type ID Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Mailer ID (MID) Ex: USPS assigned Barcode ID Ex: 50 for Mixed AADC Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

 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™)

Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID All postal business customers log on to the new Business Customer Gateway through a single sign on using Gateway usernames and passwords to access all online services. Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

MID Summary page will display all Mailer IDs that are associated to the selected business location. To request a new Mailer ID select Request a MID. Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

System will display the number of MIDs that are available for the business location. Select type of MID, enter the number of MIDs requesting and click Request MIDs. Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

Select for the system to automatically generate the MID or request a specific MID number to see if available. Select the program for which you are requesting to use the MID. Select Request MIDs. Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Serial Numbers  A 6 or 9-digit field defined by the mailer unique Mailpiece ID  Can be populated with a number that uniquely identifies each mailpiece becoming a unique Mailpiece ID unique Mailing ID  May be populated with a number that is unique to a mailing, becoming a unique Mailing ID  Not required to be unique when qualifying for Basic automation prices Serial Number Ex: Mailer assigned Mailer ID Ex: USPS assigned Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Service Type ID Ex: 260 for First-Class Mail ® Barcode ID Ex: 50 for Mixed AADC Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

 The uniqueness method is left up to the mailer.  Can be zeroes or static non-sequential number for Basic option  Uniqueness can be achieved by serializing the mailpieces.  Embedding Julian Date  Embedding Mailing Events  Using Recipient Identifier  Using Database or Mailing Record ID  IMb must be unique for the Full-Service option for 45 days from the date of induction into the Postal Service. in conjunction  Uniqueness is determined by the 6- or 9-digit MID and the 6- or 9-digit Serial Number, in conjunction with the class of mail as indicated by the STID. Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Serial Numbers Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Routing Code  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 Mailer ID Ex: USPS assigned Serial Number Ex: Mailer assigned Service Type ID Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Barcode ID Ex: 50 for Mixed AADC Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)

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. –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.  Serial Number –For the Basic service, the Serial number does not need to be unique and can be the same on all mailpieces.  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 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 ® /LACS Link® software Barcode ID Service Type Mailer ID Routing Code Serial Number

 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: DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT Implementing the IMb™ Intelligent Mail Barcode Encoding

Available Encoders Yes MS Office Version for Windows Yes Programmer Version for Windows Yes Mac OS X Yes HP/UX Yes Solaris Yes Linux Yes AIX Yes OS/400 Yes VSE/ESA Yes MVS, 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™

Form 31-digit Payload Mailing List DB USPS Technical Resource Guide Step Form the 31-digit Payload  Gather and assemble data to form the 31-digit Payload Barcode ID Ex. 50 for Mixed AADC Service Type Ex. 700 for First-Class Mail Mailer ID Ex USPS-assigned Routing Code Ex Delivery Point ZIP Serial Number Ex: Mailer-assigned Implementing the IMb™

Apply Encoding Algorithm Download encoders and user guides from Apply Encoding Algorithm Encoder Library Step 2 Form 31-digit Payload Mailing List DB USPS Technical Resource Guide Step DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT Implementing the IMb™

Print Apply Encoding Algorithm Encoder Library Step 2 Form 31-digit Payload Mailing List DB USPS Technical Resource Guide Step DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAA FTFTADTTT Print Intelligent Mail® Barcode Printer-Specific Fonts USPS or Vendor Developed Font Package Step 3 Implementing the IMb™

Agenda  Important Dates  What is Intelligent Mail?  Intelligent Mail Barcodes  Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes  Reply Mail –Future Requirements –IMb Artwork at No Charge  Resources

Proposed IMb Requirements for Reply Mail Business Reply Mail  Qualified Business Reply Mail –Any QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute will be required to bear an IMb –QBRM is only a postcard and letter (up to 2 oz.) product  Permit Reply Mail –Any PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute, regardless of method, will be required to bear an IMb Reply Mail

Online IMb Artwork Offered by USPS  USPS offers online artwork capabilities for PostalOne! users via the Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool at: –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 or sending a request via to  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

Optical Comparator – Eyepiece Reticle  Optical Comparator 6X (Eye Gauge) by Gage- Line Technology  Complements Item 04A with ability to measure bar parameters, bar skew, bar pitch, etc.  Mailers can purchase from vendor Resources

Basic online decoder tool is available at: Resources

 Step 1 – Talk to Suppliers and Vendors that Generate Barcodes  Step 2 – Talk to USPS Representatives About Barcode Requirements –To find your local Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager, go to: –For PostalOne! and Intelligent Mail support call the Help Desk at: –To request assistance from a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) contact the MDA Support Center at or send a request via to  Step 3 – Review Guides and Specifications Online at: A Resource Map to Intelligent Mail ® Documents - A Beginner’s Overview to Intelligent Mail Services In Summary…

 Step 4 – To Apply for a Mailer ID using the Business Customer Gateway Go To: –  Step 5 – To Download Windows and Mainframe Encoder Software and Fonts Go To: -  Step 6 – Create a Migration Plan to Your Production Environment  Step 7 – To Plan and Construct Your Barcode -Review the Intelligent Mail Barcode Specification at: - h_guides/SPUSPS-B-3200E001.pdfhttps://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tec h_guides/SPUSPS-B-3200E001.pdf -Review the Steps to Create the Intelligent Mail Barcode at: - - Review Barcoding Regulations in the Domestic Mail Manual - In Summary…

 Step 8 – Populate the Barcode Fields –To Select the Barcode ID Field Go To: Barcode Identifier Document on RIBBS Website - ech_guides/BarcodeIdentifier.pdfhttps://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/t ech_guides/BarcodeIdentifier.pdf –To Select the Service Type ID Go To: A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats, Appendix A, Page /GuidetoIntelligentMailLettersandFlats.pdfhttp://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_guides/documents/tech_guides /GuidetoIntelligentMailLettersandFlats.pdf –Use Your Mailer ID or Your Mail Preparer’s Mailer ID –Select the Serial Numbers Create a Data Management Plan for Full-Service Uniqueness, or Use the Same Number for all the Pieces in the Mailing for Basic Service –Select the Routing Code (same as the POSTNET) Use CASS-Certified Software In Summary…

 Step 9 – Validate Your Barcodes & Submit for Testing to MDA –Use the Online Encoder / Decoder - -Review the List of Resources at: -  For Additional Assistance –Contact the National Customer Support Center at (877) –For PostalOne! ® Information: –To request assistance from a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) contact the MDA Support Center at or send a request via to  To Review the Latest Proposal & News Go To: -Federal Register Notices - In Summary…

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 go to  DMM Advisory is published weekly and provides current information on Intelligent Mail ® Resources

Questions?