Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind



Slide 1:
Has the heading:  Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind
Image Information:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind

Today, we will be talking about the impact mailpiece design has on pricing and processing of your mail.  Included is insight into how engineering your design to ensure compatibility with Postal Service automation equipment saves dollars, saves time, and makes sense. 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 1.


Slide 2:
Has the heading:  Agenda
The words included are:
(bullet)Standardized addressing 
(bullet)Machinable & nonmachinable
(bullet)Automation letters & automation flats
(bullet)Barcoding formats
(bullet)Evaluation tools 
(bullet)MERLIN
(bullet)Mail processing equipment
Image Information:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Today’s Agenda
(bullet)Standardized addressing
(bullet)Nonmachinable & machinable
(bullet)Automation letters & automation flats
(bullet)Barcoding formats
(bullet)Evaluation tools
(bullet)MERLIN
(bullet)Mail processing equipment
End of Notes.
End of Slide 2.


Slide 3:
The words included are:
Above the cartoonish heart is the word 'The HEART'.  Below the cartoonish heart is the words:
'of any mailpiece is the delivery address'.
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish square blue box with dots inside it with a heart also in the middle.  The heart has a red 'world' inside it; then an arrow as if going around the world.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Standardized Addressing Format
The HEART of the design of any mailpiece is the delivery address.  Just like the human body, it’s one part that must function correctly. 
To ensure that happens, the Postal Service has a prescription for a standardized addressing format.  
Let’s take a look! 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 3.


Slide 4:
Has the heading:  Standardized Addressing Format
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
An object to look like an business envelope and at the address of whom you may be sending it of the envelope is  the words as follows:
1.  NON-ADDRESS DATA	 	#JAN00  000 CA#1508 LT 52
2.  INFORMATION / ATTN	 	MR J BROWN
3.  RECIPIENT		 	CENTRAL LIBRARY
4.  DELIVERY ADDRESS	 	3915 E  CHAIN BRIDGE RD
5.  CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE	FAIRFAX VA 22030-3999
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Standardized Addressing Format
A standardized address is a left-justified address that is correctly formatted using standard abbreviations. Uppercase letters are preferred on all lines of the address block. With the exception of the hyphen in the ZIP+4 Code, punctuation may be omitted in the delivery address block.  
1.  Non-Address Data Line (optional) Non-address data can consist of customer information such as accounting codes, subscription codes, advertising information, logos, Address Change Service keyline/participant codes, etc. 
2.  Information/Attention Line (optional). This line is used to direct mail to the attention of a specific person or department to facilitate delivery.
3.  Recipient/Company Name (required). The name of the recipient (business or individual).
4.  Delivery Address Line (required) The USPS designates the line immediately above the Post Office (city), state and ZIP Code as the delivery address lines.
5.  The Post Office, State and ZIP Code Line (required) The Post Office (city), state and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code information is the last line of domestic addressing. 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 4.


Slide 5:
The words included are:
Postal Addressing Standards 
PUB 28
Best resource for comprehensive addressing information
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish yellow star with the word 'Free!' in the middle of it.
End of Image information.

Notes:
Postal Addressing Standards
Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards is the best resource for comprehensive addressing standards. Pub 28 is available free from your local Post Office.
Next, you’ll need to make some design decisions about the mailpiece on which the address is placed. 
End of Notes. 
End of Slide 5.


Slide 6:
Has the heading:  Machinable Letters
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A cartoonish girl with a triangle ruler and a pencil in each hand.
Image 3:
There are a series of 5 images within 1.
As a self-mailer, there is a image of mail as a 'v-fold', a 'c-fold', and of a 'z-fold'.
As a continuous mailer, there is a image of mail as a 'peel-apart' mailer or a 'insert' mailer.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Machinable Letters
If you prepare your letters and cards so that they have an accurate address and can be processed on Postal Service equipment, your mail is “machinable” and eligible for “presort” rates.  
Barcodes are not required.
Characteristics of machinable letters must meet specific standards for size, shape, and weight.  
Reference:  
Minimum:  5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high, and 0.007 inches thick
Maximum: 6 inches long, 4-1/4 inches high, and 0.016 inch thick (for card rates)
Maximum:  11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, and ¼ inch thick (other letters & cards)

Machinable letters must be rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides.  Letter-size card-type mailpieces made of cardstock may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8 inch.  
End of Notes.
End of Slide 6.


Slide 7:  
Has the heading:  Machinable Letters
The words included are:
Maximum Weight
First-Class Mail = 3.3 ounces
Standard Mail  = 3.3 ounces
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Directly below the words included is the image of a cartoonish scales.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Machinable Letters
Although the maximum weight for single-piece First-Class Mail is 3.5 ounces, the maximum weight for Presorted First-Class Mail prepared as Machinable letters is 3.3 ounces.
This is consistent with the maximum weight for Standard Mail letters claimed at Machinable letter rates which is also 3.3 ounces.
Note:  First-Class Mail Presorted letters over 3.3 ounces, up to 3.5 ounces, must be prepared as Nonmachinable letters.  
End of Notes.
End of Slide 7.


Slide 8:
Has the heading:  Nonmachinable Characteristics
The words included are:
WE Magazine, a lifestyle publication for people with disabilities, says people with disabilities spend $700 billion per year on technology. 
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A part of an envelope that in the far left corner has a cartoonish telephone that has dollar signs in it's eyes and dollar bills in one hand and coins falling.  It has an address of:
MR JOHN CORREY	111 MAIN ST
CITY, STATE ZIP CODE
Directly below this image is the words 'Address along 
shorter dimension'.
Image 3:
A part of an envelope that in the far left corner has a cartoonish blue square with a price tag with a dollar sign inside it.
It has an address of: 'Square'.
Directly above this image is the words'Aspect Ratio'.
Directly below this image is the words 'Must be less than 1.3   but more than 2.5'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Nonmachinable Characteristics
Nonmachinable defines mail with physical characteristics that prevent the piece from being processed on automated equipment. 
Letters which exhibit specific nonmachinable characteristics are subject to higher rates.
For example:
The aspect ratio of a mailpiece must be less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 when the length is divided by the height.
First-Class letters under one ounce that do not meet aspect ratio, pay a nonmachinable surcharge (single-piece or presorted)
First-Class letters over 1 ounce up to 3.5 ounces that do not meet aspect ratio, pay the regular single-piece rate.  Presorted letters pay the presorted rate. 
Standard Mail letters up to 3.3 ounces that do not meet aspect ratio are charged at the Nonmachinable letter rate.  
Standard Mail letters that weigh more than 3.3 ounces are mailable at Not Flat-Machinable rates.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 8.


Slide 9:
Has the heading:  Nonmachinable Characteristics
The words included are:
Mailpieces over 4 ¼ inches high  or 6 inches long
Must be at least .009 inch Thick.
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish envelope
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Nonmachinable Characteristics
Regarding size standards, mailpieces that measure more than 4-1/4 inches high, or 6 inches long, must be at least .009 inch thick, otherwise, they are considered nonmachinable.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 9.


Slide 10:
Has the heading:  Nonmachinable Characteristics
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish two envelopes, one with a clasp and one with a clasp with strings.
Right next to this image is the words:
"Pieces that are polywrapped, or have clasps, strings, or buttons".
Image 3:
Cartoonish keys, what appears to be coins, and pencils.
Right next to this image is the words:
"Pieces that contain odd-shaped contents".
Image 4:
Cartoonish cd in a cd case.
Right next to this image is the words:
"Pieces that are too rigid".
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Nonmachinable Characteristics

Depending on the class of mail and the weight of the piece, letter-size mailpieces with nonmachinable characteristics pay either the nonmachinable letter rate or the Not-Flat Machinable rate.  
Nonmachinable characteristics include:
1.  Pieces that are polywrapped, or have clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. 
2.  Odd-shaped contents such as a pen, loose keys, coins, or tokens that cause the thickness to be uneven (nonuniform). 
3.  Pieces that are too rigid
End of Notes.
End of Slide 10.


Slide 11:
Has the heading:  Nonmachinable Characteristics
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
The word 'Spine' above one cartoonish envelope and the word 'Spine' at the right of the other cartoonish envelope.
Directly above these are the words 'Bound Edge on the Top or on the Shorter Side'.
Image 3:
The word 'Fold' in between two cartoonish pull apart or tear envelopes.
Directly above these are the words 'Folded Edge Perpendicular to Address?'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Nonmachinable Characteristics (contd.)
Booklets with the bound edge (spine) along the top of the piece (length) or along the shorter dimension and are not secured are nonmachinable.  Pieces that are secured according to DMM standards are considered machinable.  (Reference DMM 201.3)
Self-mailers with a folded edge perpendicular to the address and that are not folded and secured (e.g., tabbed) are nonmachinable.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 11.


Slide 12:
Has the heading:  Nonmachinable Characteristics
The words included are:
(arrow as a bullet)Letters with nonmachinable characteristics	
(bullet)First-Class Mail < 1 ounce pays Nonmachinable Surcharge 
(bullet)Standard Mail < 3.3 ounces charged Nonmachinable rate
(bullet)Standard Mail > 3.3 ounces charged Not Flat - Machinable rate
Image Information:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Nonmachinable Characteristics
To summarize, postage rates for letters with nonmachinable characteristics are affected in the following manner:
First-Class Mail weighing less than one ounce is assessed a nonmachinable surcharge.
Standard Mail weighing less than 3.3 ounces is charged at the Nonmachinable letter rate.
Standard Mail weighing more than 3.3 ounces is charged at the Not Flat-Machinable rate
End of Notes.
End of Slide 12.


Slide 13:
Has the heading:  Automation Letters
The words included are:
Automation letters must meet standards for: 
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a flexable envelope.
Directly to the right of this image is the word 'Flexibility'.
Image 3:
Cartoonish image of a print contrast reflectance.
Directly to the right of this image is the words 'Paper stock
Print contrast Reflectance'.
Image 4:
Cartoonish image of a barcode.
Directly to the right of this image is the word 'Barcoding'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Automation Letters
Automation letters must meet standards for 
(bullet)Flexibility
(bullet)Paper stock
(bullet)Print contrast
(bullet)Reflectance 
(bullet)Barcoding

Letters claimed at automation rates can weigh up to 3.5 ounces.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 13.


Slide 14:
Has the heading:  Automation Flats 
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a square mailer.
Directly below this image is the words 
'(bullet)Flexibility
(bullet)Length
(bullet)Thickness'.
Image 3:
Cartoonish image of 2 square mailers, one thicker than the other.
Directly below this image is the words 
'(bullet)AFSM 100 Compatibility
(bullet)Rectangular
(bullet)Size standards'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Automation Flats
Automation flat-size pieces must:  
(bullet)Be rectangular, 
(bullet)Meet  AFSM 100 criteria (Note: please explain AFSM 100)
(bullet)Meet standards for flexibility 
Flexibility standards exclude boxes and box-like pieces because they are too rigid.  
The uniform thickness standard allows up to a 1/4 –inch variation in thickness.  
Minimum size for an automation flat is 5-inches X 6-inches.  Smaller pieces may qualify for letter prices or nonautomation flat prices.
Flats that do not meet the standards for shape, or for flexibility, or for uniform thickness must pay one of the following applicable rates:
First-Class Mail – Parcel rates
Standard Mail – Not Flat-Machinable  or parcel rates
Bound Printed Matter – Parcel rates 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 14.


Slide 15:
Has the heading:  Not Flat-Machinable
The words included are:
(bullet)Too rigid
(bullet)Longer than 15” up to 15-3/4”
(bullet)Thicker than ¾” up to 1-1/4”
Image Information:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Not Flat-Machinable
Flats not meeting these criteria are called Not Flat-Machinable and will be charged at parcel rates.
Not Flat-Machinable defining characteristics: 
(bullet)Too rigid
(bullet)Longer than 15” up to 15 ¾ “
(bullet)Thicker than ¾ “ up to 1 ¼ “
End of Notes.
End of Slide 15.


Slide 16:
Has the heading:  Flexibility Test - part 1
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a mailpiece having the 'flext test' done on it, by a person with a table.
Has the words: 
'Flex Test
Length runs parallel to surface'
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
'1 inch minimum flexibility required'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Optional Slides - Testing Flat Flexibility

This is the first way to test for flexibility, with the length of the piece parallel to the square edge of the surface.
If the piece passes this test AND does not have any rigid contents, it is considered flexible enough to be a flat.
If the piece passes this test but it DOES have a rigid contents, then go to the next step, part 2.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 16.


Slide 17:
Has the heading:  Flexibility Test - part 2
The words included are:
But what does it really mean for technology to be “accessible”?
Generally speaking technology is considered accessible if it can be used just as effectively by people with disabilities as it can by those without. 
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a mailpiece having the 'flext test' done on it, by a person with a table.
Has the words: 
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
'Flex Test
Flats over 10 inches that contain a rigid insert; perpendicular to surface'
'2 inch minimum flexibility required'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Optional Slides - Testing Flat Flexibility

If a piece passes the first test, but has a rigid contents, then apply this second test  for pieces 10 inches long or longer. Extend the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge; extend out 5 inches.
Press down at a point about 1 inch in from the outer edge in the center of the width. Turn the piece around and repeat this test.
If the piece bends at least 2 inches in both directions, it is considered flexible enough to be a flat.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 17.


Slide 18:
Has the heading:  Flexibility Test -  part 2
The words included are:
Accessibility means equal access
To be accessible, technology must 
be designed and developed to 
provide equal access and usability 
to every member of your target 
audience.
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a mailpiece having the 'flext test' done on it, by a person with a table.
Has the words: 
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
'Flex Test
Flats less than 10 inches that contain a rigid insert; perpendicular to surface'
'1 inch minimum flexibility required'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Optional Slides - Testing Flat Flexibility
If a piece passes the first test, but has a rigid contents, then apply this second test  for pieces less than 10 inches long. Extend the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge; extend out half the length.
Press down at a point about 1 inch in from the outer edge in the center of the width.  Turn the piece around and repeat this test.
If the piece bends at least 1 inch in both directions, it is considered flexible enough to be a flat.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 18.


Slide 19:
The words included are:
Quality Mailpiece Design
$aves Dollars and Makes $ense 
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
At the far left top corner is a cartoonish image of an owl reading a book. 
Image 3:
At the far right bottom corner is a cartoonish image of an man next to a light bulb with a dollar sign in side of the lightbulb.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Good Mailpiece Design
We have seen how Good Mailpiece Design saves dollars and makes sense.  Next, let’s look at some of the tools available to assist you with your designs.  
End of Notes.
End of Slide 19.


Slide 20:
Has the heading:  Templates
The words included are:
The availability of accessible technology coupled with the buying power of people with disabilities, represents an untapped revenue stream for the consumer market – this includes people with and WITHOUT disabilities, and those that may not consider themselves as having a disability – but could certainly benefit from assistive technology.  
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A snapshot of the 'Notice 3-A' template.
Directly below this image is the words 'Notice 3-A'.
Image 3:
A snapshot of the 'Notice 67' template.
Directly below this image is the words 'Notice 67'.
Image 4:
A snapshot of the 'Notice 124' template.
Directly below this image is the words 'Notice 124'.
Image 5:
Cartoonish yellow star with the word 'Free!' in the middle of it.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Templates
These are some useful templates that are available free from your local Post Office to help you in the design process and that can save you from making costly mistakes.
Notice 3-A, Letter Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template is used to determine whether a mailpiece meets the size, shape, aspect ratio and thickness requirements.
Notice-67, Automation Template simplifies the task of determining whether mail is automation compatible, MLOCR readable, as well as making determinations regarding the FIM patterns for reply mail.
Notice-124, Automation Flats Template is used to determine automation flat compatibility. PLANET Code and POSTNET Barcode specifications can also be evaluated.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 20.


Slide 21:
Has the heading:  Publications
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A cartoonish snapshot of the 'Postal Addressing Standards' publication.
Directly below this image is the words 'Pub 28'.
Image 3:
A cartoonish  snapshot of the 'Pub 178' publication.
Directly below this image is the words 'Pub 178'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Publications
The USPS produces a number of publications that can help you prepare your mail.  For example, I recommend: (Note: please have samples available)
Publications are another great resource available free from your local Post Office:
Pub 28, Postal Addressing Standards
Pub 178, Designing Flat-Size Mail
The titles say it all.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 21.


Slide 22:
The words included are:
Eyepiece Reticle Template
Purpose:
Evaluates
Barcodes
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A cartoonish snapshot of the 'US Postal Service Postnet Barcode Tolerances', which is showing different dimensions and weights and rulers.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Eyepiece Reticle 
What tools does the Post Office use to analyze your mailpieces?
The most commonly used by a Mailpiece Design Analyst is the eyepiece reticle: a portable device used as an aid in evaluating barcodes. 
This is the inside template that the MDA sees when looking though the reticle.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 22.


Slide 23:
Has the heading:  TMI DIGITAL MICROMETER
The words included are:
Measures paper thickness
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Snapshot of the TMI DIGITAL MICROMETER
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Digital Micrometer
The Digital Micrometer is used to measure paper thickness.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 23.


Slide 24:
Has the heading:  ENVELOPE REFLECTANCE METER
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Snapshot of the ENVELOPE REFLECTANCE METER
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Envelope Reflectance Meter III
The basic function of the Envelope Reflectance Meter (ERM) is to determine whether there is sufficient contrast between the printed character  and/or barcode and its envelope background so that it can be successfully processed on automation equipment.
The ERM III (shown), is available for purchase by mailers.  
Deployment to Post Offices scheduled June, 2007. 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 24.


Slide 25:
Has the heading:  PANTONE COLOR GUIDE
The words included are:
At the far left are 3 two-toned color boxes.
They are as follows:
Dark Blue w/ light yellow
Dark Pink w/ light yellow
Light Green w/ light yellow
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Snapsnot of a color swatch picker with many colors.
Image 3:
Snapshot of a color swatch.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Pantone Color Guide
The Pantone Color Guide provides an accurate method for the selection and matching control of color.
Using the Pantone Color Guide, the MDA is able to provide guidance in selecting paper background and address inks.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 25.


Slide 26:
Has the heading:  Scanner
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Snapshot of a hand-held scanner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Hand-held Scanner
A hand-held scanner is being used to decode POSTNET barcodes and the Intelligent Mail barcode. 
End of Notes.
End of Slide 26.


Slide 27:
Has the heading:  Barcodes
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Snapshot of the Intelligent Mail Barcode.
Directly below this Intelligent Mail Barcode is the words 'Intelligent Mail Barcode'.
Image 3:
Snapshot of the PLANET Code™.
Directly below this PLANET Code™ is the words 'PLANET Code™'.
Image 4:
Snapshot of the POSTNET Code.
Directly below this POSTNET code is the words 'POSTNET Code'.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Barcoding Formats
And speaking of barcodes, as part of our continuing efforts to provide Intelligent Mail products and services, the Intelligent Mail Barcode was introduced in September, 2006. 
The Intelligent Mail Barcode allows for expanded tracking and sorting capability, as well as greater visibility into the mainstream. It makes it easier to request multiple special services such as OneCode Address Change Service and OneCode Confirm Service while dramatically reducing costs. In some cases, change notices are free.
For the techies, the Intelligent Mail Barcode uses four distinct vertical bar types and encodes a 31-digit string into 65 vertical bars when compared to a PLANET Code or POSTNET barcode.
A PLANET Code is primarily utilized with CONFIRM service.  The pattern for a PLANET Code is the inverse of a barcode.  Where a POSTNET barcode has a short bar, the PLANET Code will have a tall bar and vice versa.  CONFIRM users may now use the Intelligent Mail Barcode in lieu of the PLANET Code.
The POSTNET barcode is currently used on all automation rate mailings. It has a field of 62 bars.  A ZIP+4 barcode, not shown, can be used on flat-size mailpieces and has a field of 52 bars.  
End of Notes.
End of Slide 27.


Slide 28:
The words included are:
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish image of a Merlin that is star gazing.
Directly above the 'merlin' is the word 'MERLIN'.
Image 3:
Snapshot of the Mailing Evaluation Readability Lookup Instrument (MERLIN).
End of Image information. 

Notes:
MERLIN
So how does the quality of your barcode translate into Dollars and $ense?
If you claim automation rates, then you are familiar with MERLIN the Mailing Evaluation Readability Lookup Instrument. MERLIN reads barcodes just as they are on our automated equipment in our mail processing centers.
MERLIN checks: 
(bullet)Barcode location 
(bullet)Dark borders 
(bullet)Insert shift in window envelopes 
(bullet)Barcode skew 
(bullet)Bar rotation, baseline shift, barcode reflectance 
(bullet)Ink issues (voids, over-inking) 
These and other errors can be prevented and barcode readability improved, if quality control steps are taken throughout design and production of the mailing. 
Mailings must pass with a score of 90% or better.  Preventing errors saves you money and makes good business sense.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 28.


Slide 29:
Has the heading:  Mail Processing Equipment
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
A series of text boxes connecting by arrows and finally ending at a image of a green circle with a open mailbox inside of the circle. with the red flag up and a letter inside.

The series of text boxes and the connecting arrows is as follows:
Text Box with the words "1 - AFCS" inside it.  
White arrow pointing down to:
Text Box with the words "2 - MLOCR" inside it.
White arrow pointing down to:
Text Box with the words "3 - DBCS" inside it.
White arrow pointing to the right to:
Text Box with the words "4 - DPBCS" inside it.
White arrow pointing to the right to:
The image of a green circle with a open mailbox inside of the circle with the red flag up and a letter inside.

From the Text Box with the words "1 - AFCS" inside it is a yellow arrow pointing to a text box with the word 'Manual' inside it.
White arrow pointing to the right to a text box with the word 'Manual' inside it.
White arrow pointing down to a text box with the word 'Manual' inside it.
White arrow pointing down to the image of a green circle with a open mailbox inside of the circle with the red flag up and a letter inside.

From the Text Box with the words "1 - AFCS" inside it is a yellow arrow pointing to the right at a text box with the word 'Manual' inside it, there are two more yellow arrows and they are pointing to the right at a text box with the word 'RBCS' inside it.  From there, directly below the text box that has the word 'RBCS' inside it, there is a text box with the word 'LMLM' inside it; lastly, there are two more yellow arrows and they are pointing to the left back to the text box with the word '2 - MLOCR' inside it
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Mail Processing Equipment
Once your mail enters the plant, good mailpiece design can save you time as well as money.
Step 1- Advanced Facer Canceller System processes non-presorted machinable mail. The advantage that properly designed mailpieces bearing Facing Identification Marks (FIM) have is that the location of the postage can be immediately identified. Based on the FIM pattern, mailpieces are routed to either the Barcode Sorter or the Optical Character Reader depending on whether they are barcoded or non-barcoded.
Nonmachinable – Mail that is identified as nonmachinable is directed to manual operations away from the automation mailstream. Manual processing typically adds to the timeline.
Step 2- Multi Line Optical Character Reader (MLOCR). The MLOCR reads, barcodes, and sorts machinable mailpieces.Presorted machinable mailpieces skip Step 1 which saves time.
RBCS - Mailpieces with illegible addresses must be routed to the Remote BarCoding System for remote reading and encoding.
Mailpieces with unreadable or incorrect barcodes require a subsequent handling at the Letter Mail Labeling Machine (LMLM). 
LMLM – The LMLM applies a label to which a barcode can then be applied.  
Step 3 – Delivery BarCode Sorters read and sort according to the barcode. Presorted barcoded mailpieces skip both Step 1 and Step 2, as well as any subsequent handling.  Mailers are rewarded two-fold for quality mailpiece design.  
Step 4 – DPBCS Delivery Point BarCode Sorter sequences mail for the letter carrier which is the last step before the mailpiece is delivered.   
The number of Manual handlings will vary based on the specific type of mailpiece and the facilities through which it must pass.
End of Notes.
End of Slide 29.


Slide 30:
The words included are:
Mailpiece Design with Pricing in Mind:
(square bullet)Save dollars by keeping current on rate incentives for quality mailpiece design
(square bullet)Save time through the advantages of automated processing
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
At the far left corner is a cartoonish man next to a light bulb with a dollar sign in side of the lightbulb.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Mailpiece Design With Pricing In Mind:
(bullet)Save dollars by keeping current on rate incentives for quality mailpiece design
(bullet)Save time through the advantages of automated processing

End of Notes.
End of Slide 30.


Slide 31:
Image Information:
Image 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far top left corner.
Image 2:
Cartoonish yellow Star with the words "Thank You" in red in the middle of the star.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Any Questions?

Thank You!
End of Notes.
End of Slide 31.