Entries from October 2007 ↓

Today’s blog entry is about the much talked about Intelligent Mail Barcode.

The Intelligent Barcode, formally called the 4-state customer barcode, is the newest attempt by the post office to make both them and their customers more efficient in preparing and handling the mail. It also offers additional features such as enhanced tracking and ACS services.

Some of the Features and Benefits That Make the Intelligent Barcode Unique are the Following:

• Combines multiple services into one barcode – these can include: OneCode ACS (Address Change Service), postNET barcode, OneCode Confirm Service Type ID # (what class of mailing) and unique piece identifier.  
• With the OneCode Confirm, you have the ability to track every single mail piece using the unique piece identifier. For example, if you want to see if John Doe received his mail piece, you have the ability to track that piece using his unique piece identifier up to the delivery point sorter.
• It consists of 65 bars (postNET was 62) and can include up to 31-digits worth of information.
• The post office is currently using the Intelligent Barcode for First-Class Mail (confirm and ACS services, flats only) and Standard Class (confirm service only).
• Frees up more real estate on the actual mail piece by combining what used to be 4 lines of the address block into 1.
• And lastly, this barcode will be required by 2009 to get automation rates. 

What Makes up the Intelligent Barcode?

Barcode Identifier: This a 2 digit field that will be used to encode the presort identification that is currently being read manually from the Optional Endorsement Line.

Service Type Identifier: This is a 3-digit field which tells the sorting equipment exactly what service is required for that piece of mail. For example, if you would prefer the OneCode ACS service, the identifier would be 080.

Customer Identifier: This is the BEI that is assigned by the post office to the mailer.

Sequence Number: This is the unique piece identifier which is assigned to each record in your mailing.

Routing Code: This is the 11-digit delivery point, or Zip+4, with other delivery information.

If You Would Like More Information, Please Visit:

http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution

Popularity: 46% [?]

Tags: Intelligent Mail Barcode, Postage, USPS

Here’s a quick blurb on a one-day circulation conference we’re exhibiting at…

Ballantine will be exhibiting at Circ Day LA 07 on Thursday, October 4th 2007 at The Los Angeles Athletic Club in Los Angeles, CA.

Circ Day LA is a one-day conference filled with exhibitors and marketing sessions completed focused on helping Circulation professionals.

Tony Silber from Red 7 Media will be the keynote speaker.

Here’s the conference website for more information:

http://www.circdayla.org

Popularity: 31% [?]

Tags: Circulation Marketing, Tradeshows

Yes, it’s another post about ‘going green’…but that’s because it’s (fortunately) a popular topic right now.

For those direct marketers and printers that are truly serious about becoming more environmentally aware, there’s a certification you can get from the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS).

FSC is a nonprofit company formed in 1993 to promote the responsible use of the world’s forests.

According to an article in the DM News by Patrick Murray, the certification signifies that you actively demonstrate and support sound environmental practices as well as proper forest management. 

In order to use the FSC logo on your paper, the printed product must have flowed through the complete FSC chain-of-custody (approved forest to paper manufacturer to printer).

And one important thing to note…

FSC certified paper is quality paper from 100% virgin fiber, but the pool of pulp to draw from is small…so the lead time is the biggest factor - not price - in obtaining the paper.

FSC claims that out of all their new clients, printers represent at least two-thirds.

Here’s their website if you’re interested in more information:

http://www.fscus.org

Popularity: 26% [?]

Tags: Forest Stewardship Council