Eight years after its announcement and five years after first use, the Intelligent Mail barcode is going mainstream May 2011. USPS has pushed the implementation back twice already, and with only a year left, they show no signs of delaying it one last time. In May 2011, the POSTNET barcode will be retired for Automation discounts, and the PLANET barcode will be retired completely. Don’t get caught when the changeover happens – start using the Intelligent Mail barcode today.

What is Intelligent Mail? It sounds like a lot of work.

With all the talk of IMb, Full-Service, Basic, tracking, and ACS, it’s hard to know where to start. If you’re not familiar with the Intelligent Mail initiative, click here to get a free copy of the Satori Software Essential Guide to Intelligent Mail. Intelligent Mail has two categories: Basic and Full-Service.

Here are the requirements:

Basic Intelligent Mail

• Print the IM barcode on your mail pieces.

Full-Service Intelligent Mail

• Print the IM barcode on your mail pieces, including a unique sequence number.
• Use IM tray labels for your sacks and trays.
• Use IM container labels for your pallets, APC’s, etc.
• Apply for and use a Customer Supplier Agreement if necessary.
• Submit your mailing paperwork electronically using the Postal Wizard, Mail.dat, or Mail.xml.
• Schedule your mail drop using FAST.

Basic Intelligent Mail is all you need to continue getting Automation discounts when the POSTNET barcode expires next year. Moving to Basic IM barcodes now gets you through the testing cycle before the big rush. Satori Software has several tools available to help make the transition as easy as possible.

Generating the barcode

USPS has several lengthy documents such as the IMb Technical Resource Guide available on the RIBBS website. You can read up on those, or let your software package do the heavy lifting for you. To generate the IMb in Bulk Mailer or MailRoom ToolKit, just apply for a Mailer ID, and enter it when you sort your list.

To apply for a Mailer ID:

• Visit the Business Customer Gateway and log in to your account. Remember that your login information is case sensitive.
• Click “Mailer ID” in the Design & Prepare section.
• Click “Request a MID”. 9-digit Mailer ID’s will be generated automatically. If you request a 6-digit Mailer ID, the USPS will check your mailing history before issuing your Mailer ID. Generally, 6-digit Mailer ID’s are reserved for larger mailers.

To generate the barcode in Bulk Mailer or MailRoom ToolKit:

• Run Address Correction to generate the delivery information for the barcode.
• Select “Basic Intelligent Mail” in the sort wizard, and enter your Mailer ID with your permit information.
• Run your sort. Satori Software products will then generate all the IMb fields you need to be Basic service compliant.

Printing concerns

Automated mail is only as good as the printed barcode. The Intelligent Mail barcode has a 90% readability threshold in order to recieve Automation discounts. There are a few steps you can take to ensure the readability of your barcodes:

• Ensure your ink levels are compatible with your paper stock. For glossier pieces, turn the ink levels down so the barcodes can dry quickly. For more porous paper, turn down your DPI setting to ensure the ink doesn’t bleed into the paper fibers.
• Experiment with different fonts. Satori Software products install 3 different fonts to tailor your IM barcode to any mail piece. Use the USPS4CB font for everyday jobs. Use Sat IM Light for porous paper or if you are using too much ink. Sat IM Narrow is best when you have a limited amount of space to print the barcodes.
• Ensure your piece is fed consistently through your printer. Adjust your printer’s piece thickness setting to ensure that the piece doesn’t skew or “float” as it passes under the ink cartridges.
• Test your barcodes! Take sample pieces to your MDA for pre-approval. There are several handheld scanners available for testing as well, but they do not use the same technology the USPS uses. Only your MDA can fully test your barcodes.

When should I start?

May 2011 will be here before you know it. Depending on your current workflow, generation and testing your barcodes will take some time. Don’t get caught in the panic next year as the deadline approaches! Contact Satori Software to get started with Basic Intelligent Mail today.

barcodes · Intelligent Mail · May 2011 · POSTNET · USPS