Mailpiece_Quality May2207

Slide 1:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Mailpiece Quality
The words included are:
Presented by: <insert name here>
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Good morning (afternoon).  My name is ___________.  
Today’s presentation is on Mailpiece Quality. 
After completing this presentation, you should have a better understanding of the U. S. Postal Service’s acceptance requirements as they relate to mail piece design.
End of Slide 1.



Slide 2:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Agenda
The words included are:
(bullet)Mailpiece Characteristics
(bullet)Dimensions
(bullet)Aspect Ratio
(bullet)Plastic Covering
(bullet)Odd-Shaped Items
(bullet)Flexibility
(bullet)Paper Stock
(bullet)Reflectance
(bullet)Print Contrast
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The first topic that we will cover during the presentation is Mailpiece Characteristics.
Poor mail design can cause delays in the processing and delivery of your mail.  
Understanding the requirements and the impact it can have on your mail will allow you to prepare mail pieces that are acceptable for mailing and qualify for our work share discounts.  
Good designs give you the confidence that your time and effort will pay off in postal discounts and successful postal processing of your mail.
End of Slide 2.



Slide 3:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Agenda (continued)
The words included are:
(bullet)Ancillary Service Endorsements
(bullet)Building Address Quality
(bullet)Addressing
(bullet)Barcodes and Barcode Placement
(bullet)Best Practices
(bullet)MERLIN and Mail Quality
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
These are a few other items we will be covering in this presentation 
(bullet)Ancillary Service Endorsements
(bullet)Building Address Quality
(bullet)Addressing
(bullet)Barcodes and Barcode Placement
(bullet)Best Practices
(bullet)Standards relating to both letters and flats will be explained as we go through this presentation. 
All these topics are crucial in attaining Quality mailpieces every time you mail!
End of Slide 3.



Slide 4:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Postcard Dimensions
The words included are:
(bullet)First-Class postcard rate
Image Information:
Image of a Postcard with arrows as follows:
Top arrow pointing right and left with the words:
5" Min. Length
Left Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
3.5” Min. Height
Right Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
4.25" Max. Height
Bottom arrow pointing right and left with the words:
6" Max. Length
Inside the postcard are these words:
Thickness  .007" - .016"
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Pieces exceeding 4.25” x  6” must be at least .009” thick
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Mail piece design and construction that conforms to Postal Service requirements reduces the cost for you and the Postal Service.  
The proper design and construction also ensures that the piece is mailable.  
Mailpieces that do not meet minimum requirements or exceed requirements are non-mailable.  
As a reminder, non-mailable means that the piece is prohibited from the mail stream. No surcharge, fee or additional postage make a non-mailable piece mailable.  
Here are some of the minimum and maximum dimensions for a Post Card.  
You will see that the Postcard and letter size minimum and maximum are different. 
The minimum Postcard must be 3 ½” high X 5” long X .007” thick to be mailable.
The maximum Postcard Size is 4 1/4” high X 6” long X .016” thick
Mailpieces exceeding 4 ¼” high X 6” long must be a minimum of .009” thick to meet requirements.
End of Slide 4.



Slide 5:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Letter-Size Dimensions
The words at the bottom included are:
(bullet)Minimum thickness .007” 
(bullet)Maximum thickness .25”
Image Information:
Image of a Letter with arrows as follows:
Top arrow pointing right and left with the words:
5" Min. Length
Left Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
3.25” Min. Height
Right Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
6.125" Max. Height
Bottom arrow pointing right and left with the words:
11.5" Max. Length
Inside the letter are these words:
Maximum Weight
First-Class
3.5 oz.	(bullet)Machinable Presort
	(bullet)Automation
Standard Presort
3.3 oz	 (bullet)Machinable Presort
3.5oz 	 (bullet)Automation
	 (bullet)High Density
	 (bullet)Walk Sequence 
	 (bullet)Saturation

Pieces exceeding 3 oz. must meet additional standards for heavy letter mail in DMM 201.3.13.4.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Letters, because they are processed differently, have some differing size requirements.  
The Postal Service bases a mail piece’s processing category solely on the physical dimensions, not the address orientation. 
Here are the minimum and maximum dimensions for Letter Mail:
Pieces must be  3 ½” high X 5” long X .007” thick.  Same as Postcards
Maximum Letter Size: 6 1/8” high X 11 ½” long X .25” thick
Maximum weights differ (read off slide).
End of Slide 5.



Slide 6:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Letters Thickness
The words included are:
(bullet)Pieces exceeding 4 ¼” X 6” and less than .009” thick
Image Information:
Image of two Letters with arrows as follows:
First Letter:
Top arrow pointing right and left with the words:
5” to 6” Long
Left Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
3.5”- 4.25” High
Inside the first letter are these words:
Thickness Min. - .007”
- up to .016” for Postcards 
- up to .25” for Letters
Second Letter:
Top arrow pointing right and left with the words:
6” to 11.5” Long
Right Side arrow pointing up and down with the words:
4.25”- 6.125” High
Inside the letter are these words:
Thickness: .009” to .025”
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Automation letter rate pieces must meet the above dimensions
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Based on the processing equipment and the handling processes that the Postal Service has there are limitations to the thinness and thickness of a mail piece.  
This is especially critical when you are designing mail that will be claiming any type of automation work share discounts.  
If a mail piece is too thin, it can just fly all over when it is run on high speed automation. Larger mail pieces tend to jam the automated machinery if they are too flimsy. 
Mail pieces more than 4-1/4”or 6” long and less than 0.009” thick incur a nonmachinable surcharge.  
End of Slide 6.



Slide 7:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Aspect Ratio – Letters Only
The words included are:
(bullet)Aspect ratio (length divided by height) does not meet specifications if less than 1.3 or greater than 2.5  
Image Information:
Image of an envelope with an x through it and the words:
Before the envelope:
Non-machinable 4” X 5” = 1.25
Top of the envelope:
5"
Left Side of the envelope:
4"
Image of an envelope with the words:
Image of a blue splash before the envelope:
Machinable 4” X 6” = 1.5
Top of the envelope:
6"
Left Side of the envelope:
4"
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Applicable for automation or qualified Business Reply Mail rates
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The aspect ratio of a mail piece is determined by its length divided by it’s height.  
Why is this important to you, you ask?  Well a mail piece is considered nonmachinable if it has an aspect ratio of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
So again, the aspect ratio is determined by dividing the length by the height of a mailpiece.  
So in the example above, the pieces length is 5” and it’s height is 4”.   
So if you divide the length 5” by height 4” you come up with 1.25 which is non-machinable.
In the next example, the mailpiece length is 6” and the height is 4”.  So, 6” 1/4” is 1.5” making the mail pieces acceptable.
Now, if the aspect ratio is under or over acceptable sizes the mailpiece incurs a non-automation surcharge.  
The reason for this is the same reason there are size limits, due to the processing of the mail.  
Mail pieces that are under the aspect ration tolerance tend to tumble through our automation equipment.  
Larger items that exceed the limits tend to jam the machinery more often and the exceptionally long mailpieces throw off the timing of the machines.  
By timing, we are referring to the readability components of the system such as the barcode and address.
End of Slide 7.



Slide 8:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Plastic Covers Not for Letters!
The words included are:
(bullet)Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material OK?
Image Information:
Image of an addressed envelope with a circle that has a slash through it on it and a big blue smiley.
The words below the image are:
Don’t even think about it!!
(bullet)Also not permitted on automation-rate letter-size mail
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service continues to offer a range of options for nonautomation-compatible mailpieces of all classes, however at somewhat higher postage rates. 
You may design your mailpieces to be compatible with the Postal Service's optical character readers, which can add barcodes to pieces not originally bearing them. 
If you do not prebarcode your mailpieces, it is likely that the Postal Service will attempt to do so itself. 
In this case one thing you must remember not to do is use  polybag, polywrap, or enclose your mailpiece in any plastic material.  
Your mail will be handled as non-machinable and you may pay a non-machinable surcharge. 
The reason this incurs a surcharge is that plastic material jams in the machines and causes static electricity.
End of Slide 8.



Slide 9:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automating Your Mailpieces Odd-Shaped Items – Letters & Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)Contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven
Image Information:
image of possibly a stamp with a pencil marking an x on it.
Envelope showing a key inside it.
Stacks of coins.
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Also not permitted on automation-rate letter-size or flat-size mail
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Sometimes when we are designing a mailpiece, we are thinking of what the customer will think when they open the item.  
This does not always coincide with Postal requirements for automation.  
If you are claiming automation rates, the mailpiece needs to be uniform in thickness.  
So if you want to design mailpiece that contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven it would incur a nonmachinable surcharge. 
This is not to say that you cannot mail these types of items, just that you cannot claim automation rates which are more favorable.  
Mailpieces need to be uniform in thickness to be processed on automation equipment.
If you do however decide to place items such as this in a mailpiece please ensure it’s secured in the envelope.
End of Slide 9.



Slide 10:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automating Your Mailpieces Flexibility - Letters
The words included are:
(bullet)Is too rigid 
(bullet)Does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn
Image Information:
A series of 6 blue arrows connecting, going up and down like a wave.
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Automation-rate letter-size mail must be flexible
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service processes and distributes mail through a variety of mechanized and automated equipment. 
The most efficient and accurate processing comes from the use of automated, high-speed, computerized mail sorting and processing equipment. 
The Postal Service uses two basic types of automated equipment to process letter-size mail: Optical Character Readers (OCR) and Barcode Sorters (BCS). 
If a mailpiece is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40-pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn), a nonmachinable surcharge is incurred. 
In addition to size, shape, and material used to create letter mail, flexibility and rigidity of the mailpiece are important. 
The contents of mail must be reasonably flexible to ensure proper transport through postal processing equipment. 
At the same time, if your mail is too flimsy, it might catch in the metal joints of the processing equipment. 
Extremely flimsy or thin mailpieces also tend to stick together or adhere to other pieces easily, causing missorts and possible delays in delivery of the mail. 
Items such as credit cards and small coins firmly attached to the contents of the mailpiece are usually acceptable if the mailpiece and its contents can bend easily around an 11-inch diameter steel drum (11-inch diameter drums are used in the USPS's automated machinery's belt transport system.
The reason for this criteria is that the automation equipment has many twists and turns that the mailpiece must travel around.
End of Slide 10.



Slide 11:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Pre-Test Questionable Stock
The words included are:
Contrast between paper & barcode
(bullet)Recycled Paper
(bullet)Phantoms/Screens
(bullet)Security/Check Stock
(bullet)Translucent Envelopes
Image Information:
Image of a barcode, recycled paper Envelope, and a Envelope with a background.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
This slide covers what we refer to as “contrast”.  
The Postal Service needs to ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the printed character and or barcode and it’s envelop background so that it can be successfully “read” or processed on automation equipment.  
You may be familiar with some of the background types that can cause problems for the automation equipment  I’m sure you have all seen the “Security” check like backgrounds.  
Also some recycled paper does not provide a good background for automation rates and can be disqualified.
If you are unsure about  the paper quality you have, you may want to contact your local mailpiece Design Analyst.  
Your MDA can review your paper stock and advise you of the contrast prior to preparing the mailing.  
End of Slide 11.



Slide 12:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Reflectance
Image Information:
There is an cartoonish image that has a desert scene that has a light shining down on a object that has the letters 'abc' and that is relected to a second object that has the letters 'abc', which in turn is reflected to what appears to be a camera with the word 'OCR' above the camera.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
When a scanning light is shown on the mailpiece, the automated equipment measures the differences or contrast between the amount of light reflected from the paper stock and the printed information.
A Print Reflectance Difference (PRD) of the optical spectrum is required between the background material of the mailpiece and the barcode when measured with a Postal Service envelope reflectance meter.  
PRD equals the reflectance of the background minus the reflectance of the ink.
End of Slide 12.



Slide 13:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Print Contrast
Image Information:
There a 9 addressed envelope images of different colors.  The colors are:
purple
red
green
tan
blue
gray
maroon
orange
black
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Sufficient contrast between the print and the background must be apparent to be successfully processed on the Optical Character Reader (OCR) or Barcode Scanner (BCS). 
The lighter the background and the darker the print the better the chance for automation compatibility.
Although a white background is preferred, pastels and a number of other light colors are acceptable.
A black envelope with a white delivery address (reverse printing) is not acceptable for OCR processing.
End of Slide 13.



Slide 14:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Choose the Right Colors Letters & Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)White paper/black ink is BEST!
(bullet)Pastel colors with dark ink work
Image Information:
There are 6 upright bars of different pastel colors.  The pastel colors are:
white (has the word 'Best' inside it)
yellow
purple
green
blue
pink
teal
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
To maintain an adequate contrast, using dark ink on a light background is needed.  
The best possible contrast is black ink on white paper.  
This is a chart to refer to if you want to use color because I know sometimes black and white does not grab your audience’s attention. 
But remember, always use dark ink, preferably black.
End of Slide 14.



Slide 15:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ancillary Service Endorsement
Image Information:
An addressed stamped envelope with stars placed in different places, and a barcode as well.
Below the image are the words are:
(checkmark used for bullet)Must be surrounded by ¼” clear space
(checkmark used for bullet)Must be printed in at least an 8-point type
(checkmark used for bullet)Must have a return address
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Ancillary Service Endorsements are a good method to keep address lists up-to-date.
They are used by mailers to request an addressee’s new address and to provide the Postal Service with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces.  
There are four ancilliary service endorsements (Return, Address, Forwarding and Change followed by Service Requested). 
These endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail.
Remember if you choose to use these endorsements you must balance out the material, labor and postage costs of receiving the mail back, inserting the material into a new envelope, and placing new postage on the envelope, as well as the delay in having the mailpiece reach the intended addressee,
An endorsement must be printed no smaller than 8-point type, and it must stand clearly against its background.  Please don’t use brilliant colored envelopes and reverse printing.  
There must also be a ¼ inch clear space around the endorsement.  
Remember if the endorsement cannot be seen or understood, you might not receive the service you had requested.
The stars on this slide display the 4 places you need to place your endorsements.  
And remember, you must have a return address on your piece and the return address and the physical mailing address must read in the same direction.
Next, let’s see why it is important to have a complete and proper address.
End of Slide 15.



Slide 16:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Building Quality Letters & Flats Address Orientation
The words included are:
(bullet)Has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece
Image Information:
There a two envelopes, one addressed correctly and the other not addressed correctly with a cirle and a line through it.
The words below the image are:
(bullet)Automation rates require that the delivery address be parallel to the longest dimension
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
As I mentioned in a prior slide, the Postal Service bases a mail piece’s processing category solely on the physical dimensions, not the address orientation. 
Now, that being said it is very important to place the mailing address correctly on your mailpieces to ensure the proper handling and processing of your mail.
If the delivery address is parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece the mail tends to tumble and, therefore, the machine cannot read the address.
Generally, the placement of the delivery address establishes which dimensions of the piece are the length and height for determining the mailability.  
The length is the dimension that is parallel to the address as it is read.  The height is the dimension that is perpendicular to the address.
End of Slide 16.



Slide 17:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Building Quality Addressing Standards for Letters & Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)Please use a complete and proper address
Image Information:
There is an address envelope that has a blue 'balloon' above it with the words 
'JOHN DOE
ABC ELECTRONICS
826 KENTUCKY ST
YOURTOWN KY 42825-2008', which is the same words on the envelope.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
A complete and proper address is a VERY important element in successfully delivering your mailpiece. 
The correct format and information in the address enhances the processing and delivery of your mail, reduces undeliverable-as-addressed mail, and provides mutual cost reduction opportunities for you and the Postal Service through improved efficiency.
Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards is a great tool to refer to when you have questions on addressing your mailpieces.  
In addition, you can contact your local Mailpiece Design Analyst for more information.
www.usps.com
Provides:
Presentations
News
Helpful Tools and eLinks
MDA FAQ’s
Feedback
MDA Locator
End of Slide 17.



Slide 18:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automating Your Mailpieces Window Envelopes - Letters
The words included are:
(bullet)Window envelopes must have 1/8” clearance between the address printing and any window edge throughout maximum insert shift.
Image Information:
There are two addressed window envelopes that are addressed and the bottom one has a circle with a line through it.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Again, the OCR needs to “see” the address in order to evaluate the address and convert the information into a barcode.  
Window envelopes can be particularly challenging.  If the mailpiece shifts within the envelope, the address can be unreadable.  
An address in a window envelope must be completely visible for the OCR to successfully process the mailpiece.
End of Slide 18.



Slide 19:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automating Your Mailpieces Address Block – Letters
The words included are:
Non-Address Data (arrow pointing to) FELO 1225-66H
Information/Attention (arrow pointing to) KAREN MAGAZINO
Name of Recipient (arrow pointing to) NATIONAL POSTAL FORUM
Delivery Address (arrow pointing to) 801 MOUNT VERNON PLACE NW
City, State, ZIP+4 (arrow pointing to) WASHINGTON  DC  20001-3614

GRAND PRODUCTS INC
100 MAJOR ST
PO BOX 200
NEW  YORK NY  10001-0200

Dual Delivery Addresses:
Mail  will  be delivered to (arrow pointing to)PO BOX 200
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The address block barcoding option is the most desirable method of choice.  
With this method, the barcode is not subject to the strict positioning requirements of the barcode clear zone. 
I would like to discourage you from using a dual address.  
If you choose to, the most important thing to remember is to place the address you want the mail to be delivered to directly above the city, state and zip-code line.
When you enter mail into the mail stream as automation mail, it will be placed on an optical character reader (OCR).  The OCR scans addresses printed in the address block on letter-size mail, and converts that information into a barcode.  
The OCR then prints a delivery-point barcode in the lower right portion (barcode clear zone) of the mailpiece. 
An initial sortation of the mailpiece by ZIP Code is then performed. 
For successful OCR processing, addresses should be machine printed with a uniform left margin, and formatted in a manner that allows the equipment to “recognize” the information and find a “match” in the software files.
If a delivery address and post office box both appear in the address, the post office box should be the line ABOVE the city, state and ZIP Code line.  
The OCR reads from the bottom up and, therefore, the barcode will reflect the post office box.
End of Slide 19.



Slide 20:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Quality Mailpieces Barcode Readability and Accuracy
The words included are:
Readability
Image under word:
4 images of different types of ink marks:
Extraneous Ink
Voids
Dot Matrix
Smearing
The words included are:
Barcode Accuracy
Image under words:
Image of a barcode.
The words included are:
POSTAL CUSTOMER COUNCIL 
475 L’Enfant Plz SW         
Washington  DC  20260-0846
Even though this address block barcode appears fine, the barcode reads
12345-6789
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
This slide continues with examples of problems that can cause a barcode to be unreadable.  
Smears, voids, and extraneous ink are the most frequent causes of unreadable barcodes.  
Our experience and that of printing companies, is that keeping the printer clean and avoiding coated paper are the best preventative methods to maintaining high quality readable barcodes.
Looking at the example on the right, “Barcode Accuracy” occurs when customers run a test to check the quality of their barcodes.  
When the test is completed the “test mode” barcode printing is disabled.  
Although the address is destined for Washington DC, the barcode reflects 12345-6789.  
This ZIP Code belongs to General Electric in Schenectady, NY.  
Therefore this mail will get delivered in a roundabout way.
End of Slide 20.



Slide 21:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Placement
Image Information:
Image of a barcode and a address with the words '1/8' and arrows pointing at the top, left, right, and bottom.
The words next to the image are:
1/8 around window
Image Information:
Image of a barcode and a address with the words '1/8 (0.125')min' and arrows pointing at the top.
Image of a barcode and a address with the words '1/25 (0.040')min' and arrows pointing at the left.
The words next to the image are:
1/25 above and below window.
There are two blue arrows pointing from those words to the image above it.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
This slide covers barcode placement.  Some of the regulations are confusing so I will cover this slide slowly.  
When barcodes are applied to a mailpiece, we need 1/25 of an inch above and below barcode in order to allow the barcode sorter sufficient space to get a “clean read”.  
Additionally, keep in mind that when using a window envelope, we need 1/8 inch clearance from edge of window, and any other printing on the piece. 
Let me repeat that: If a window envelope is used, the clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any printing or window edge must be at least 1/8 inch, and the clearance between the barcode and the top and bottom window edges must be at least 1/25 inch. 
These clearances must be maintained during the insert’s range of movement in the envelope.  
Meaning that if the address block moves inside the envelope, the minimum clearances need to be maintained.
End of Slide 21.



Slide 22:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Building Quality Barcode Clearance & Window Insert Shift
Image Information:
There is an image of an addressed envelope, showing a barcode that has arrows pointing to it with the words '1/8" Min.' above it and '1/25”  Min.' on the right of it.
The words included are:
(bullet)Allow a clear space of 1/8” to the left and right and 1/25” above and below between the barcode and printing to the window or label edge
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
If you are preparing automation mailpieces, the enhanced capabilities of current Postal Service barcode readers allow for the placement of barcodes in either of two possible locations on the face of a letter-size mailpiece. 
The barcode must appear either in the lower right corner of the mailpiece in the barcode clear zone, or if printed as part of the address, in the address block barcode read area.
For the Barcode Sorters to successfully read a barcode, a clearance of 1/25” above and below and 1/8” on the left and right side of the barcode must be maintained.
Window envelopes must maintain this clearance when tapped to the left, tapped to the right and also tapped down.  
End of Slide 22.



Slide 23:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Inside the Intelligent Mail Barcode (Mail Piece)
The words included are:
A strip of colors with numbers and words:
Blue:
1-2
Type Ind
2N
Green:
3-5
Special Svcs
3N
Yellow:
6-11
Business Entity ID
6N
Tan:
12-14
Adj Field
3N
Lavender:
15-20
Unique Serial Number
6N
Purple:
21-31
Routing ZIP
11N
More words under the colors:
(bullet)Type Indicator:  2-digit mail preparer identifier (USPS or external) & applicable barcode specification
(bullet)Special Services:  3-digit field used to identify any special or extra services 
(bullet)Business Entity Identifier (BEI):  6- or 9-digit unique mailer identifier (assigned by USPS)
(bullet)Adjustable Field:  3-digit field used for BEI (if 9-digit BEI), or to assign additional unique serial numbers to mailpieces  
(bullet)Unique Serial Number:  6-digit field used to uniquely identify mailpieces
(bullet)Destination ZIP:  11-digit Delivery Point ZIP Code 
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Intelligent Mail barcode consists of two components: Tracking and Routing.  The Tracking Code is a 20-digit code that identifies any services that are requested via the barcode and allows for unique identification of the mailer and the mailpiece.  The Routing Code is essentially the POSTNET barcode embedded within the Intelligent Mail barcode -- it allows for routing and sortation of the mailpiece.  The Tracking Code has the following four fields: Barcode Identifier, Service Type Identifier, Customer Identifier (also known as Business Entity ID), and Sequence Number.   (Push the arrow key NOW)
Type Indicator:  The Barcode Identifier field is a 2-digit field that is reserved to encode the presort identification that is currently printed in human readable form on the optional endorsement line (OEL) as well as for future USPS use.  (Push Arrow Key)
Special Services:  The Service Type Identifier field is a 3-digit field that indicates participation, or the lack of, in various USPS service programs.  Each 3-digit value will correspond to a particular mail class with a particular combination of service(s).  (Push Arrow Key)
Business Entity Identifier (BEI):  field is a 6-digit number identifying the mailer or subscriber of the requested service (i.e., OneCode Confirm or OneCode ACS).  (Push Arrow Key)
Adjustable Field:  3-digit field used for BEI (if 9-digit BEI), or to assign additional unique serial numbers to mailpieces with service specific information.  (This is then called the Sequence number) (Push Arrow Key)
Unique Serial Number:  6-digit field used to uniquely identify mailpieces (Push Arrow Key)
Destination ZIP:  11-digit Delivery Point ZIP Code.  Mailers may opt to encode a 5, 9 or 11-digit ZIP Code within this field. (Push Arrow Key)
End of Slide 23.



Slide 24:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Building Quality Address Block Barcode – Letters & Flats
Circle with the word 'Preferred' inside it.
The words included are:
Above Address
Image of a barcode.
The words below barcode are:
POSTAL CUSTOMER
123 MAIN ST
ANYTOWN  US  98765-4321
Below Optional Endorsement Line and/or Keyline Information
**************************5 DIGIT  98765
Image of a barcode.
The words below barcode are:
POSTAL CUSTOMER
123 MAIN ST
ANYTOWN  US  98765-4321
Circle with the word 'Acceptable' inside it.
The words included are:
Below Address
POSTAL CUSTOMER
123 MAIN ST
ANYTOWN  US  98765-4321
Image of a barcode.
The words below barcode are:
Above Optional Endorsement Line and/or Keyline Information
Image of a barcode.
The words below barcode are:
BXBJDCK *******5 DIGIT 98765 
#JSN0069TWK2874#
POSTAL CUSTOMER
123 MAIN ST
ANYTOWN  US  98654-4321
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
This slide shows the ‘Preferred’ and ‘Acceptable’ placement of the barcode in the address block.  
As you can see, there are two options shown in the preferred placement.  
The first is to place the barcode above the address.  
The second is to place the barcode above the address, but below the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) and/or keyline information.  
However, it is acceptable to place the barcode below the city, state, ZIP line of the address or above the OEL and/or keyline information.  
It is important that the clearances be maintained in address block barcodes.
End of Slide 24.



Slide 25:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Quality Mailpieces Barcode Placement - Letters
Image of an envelope with the words 'BARCODE READ AREA' and it has an arrow on the left going from right to left with '1/2"' above it.
There is an arrow pointing from top to bottom with '4"' next to it.
There is an arrow on the right going left to right with '1/2"' above it.
Image of a barcode.
The words below barcode are:
POSTAL CUSTOMER COUNCIL
475 L’ENFANT PLZ
WASHINGTON  DC  20260-0846
The words included are:
Barcode must be within 4” of mailpiece bottom and at least 1/2” from right or left edge
Entire address block and barcode must be at least 5/8” from bottom
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
For the Barcode Sorter to successfully read the barcode, it must be placed within 4” from the bottom and at least ½” from the right or left edge of the mailpiece.
The address block and barcode must be at least 5/8” from the bottom of the mailpiece.
End of Slide 25.



Slide 26:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Building Quality Barcode Skew – Letters & Flats
Image of a barcode tilted upward on the right corner with the words 'BASELINE' below it and the words 'POSITIONAL SKEW LETTERS 5º' on the right of it.
Image of a barcode with the words 'BASELINE' below it; there are three bars connected at the bottom (looks like a hand held fan) with the middle bar colored tan and a arrow above it pointing to the right; and the words 'ROTATIONAL SKEW LETTERS 5º FLATS 10º' on the right of it.
Image of a barcode with the words 'BASELINE' below it; there are three bars standing next to each other but staggered to look like it is going down from left (being the highest) to right (being the lowest) with the middle bar colored tan; and the words 'BASELINE SHIFT .015” FROM BASE' on the right of it.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Although the automation equipment used by the Postal Service is very sophisticated, there are certain limitations.  
One of those limitations is the quality of the barcode.  
Particularly the positional skew, rotational skew and baseline shift are problems that are associated with barcoded letters.

Positional skew occurs when the barcode is skewed away from the baseline.
Rotational skew occurs when the actual bar in the barcode is tilted.
Baseline shift occurs when the bars are not touching the baseline.

The barcode sorter is unable to read barcodes on mail exceeding positional and rotational skews of more than 5-degrees and baseline shift exceeding .015” from the base.
End of Slide 26.



Slide 27:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Quality “Not-to-do’s” Incompatible Materials
The words included are:
(bullet)Textured/Glossy Paper
(bullet)Fluorescence/ Phosphorescence
(bullet)Some Recycled Paper Dark Fibers
(bullet)Security Patterns
(bullet)15% Maximum Contrast
(bullet)Opacity
Image Information:
At the far right, next to the text, is an image of three sets of mixed envelopes:
First set is Recyled paper envelopes.
Second set is Textured Flourescence/Phosphorescence envelopes.
Third set is Glossy paper envelopes.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Some materials are incompatible with automation processing.  
They include things such as:
(bullet)Textured/Glossy Paper – When the Postal Service applies barcodes to glossy paper, it tends to smear before it has a chance to dry.
(bullet)Fluorescence/Phosphorescence are incompatible.
(bullet)Some Recycled Paper has dark fibers. The OCR sees the fibers as characters and times out before successfully barcoding the piece.
(bullet)Security Patterns pose the same problem as recycled paper.  The pattern causes the machine to look harder for the address, thus causing a potential to time out before successfully barcoding the piece.
(bullet)Opacity often causes problems because the information on the insert shows through the paper.
End of Slide 27.



Slide 28:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Barcode Placement - Flats
Image Information:
Image of an envelope with dotted lines and the words "3" preferred", with an arrow pointing up and down above the dotted lines.
Then there is the words "1/8" (0.125")" above the "3" preferred" words, with an arrow pointing up and down.
Has the words:
"OPTIONAL ENDORSEMENT LINE" with a barcode below it.
The words below the barcode are:
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP+4
On the left of the word 'NAME' is the word "1/8"(0.125")", with an arrow pointing from left to right between the "1/8" and the "(0.125").
On the right of the word 'NAME' is the word "1/8"(0.125")", with an arrow pointing from left to right between the "1/8" and the "(0.125").
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
A ZIP+4 or a delivery barcode is required if you want to receive the automation discount.  
The barcode may be read virtually anywhere on the address side of a flat size mailpiece as long as it is 1/8” away from any edge.
A clear space of 1/25 inch is required above and below the barcode and 1/8” is required to the left and the right of the barcode.
At your option, you may place a second barcode to the piece only if the first is POSTNET barcode on the piece and it is an address block barcode. 
End of Slide 28.



Slide 29:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Standard #10 Window - Letters
Image Information:
There is an image of an envelope with a circle and the word 'DEBT' inside it with a line drawn through it.
There is an arrow pointing below the 'window' of the envelope with a arrow pointing up and down and the word '5/8"'.  
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Here is an example of a #10 standard window envelope.  
The concern when using a #10 standard window envelope is that 1/8” clearance from the window has already been lost.  
Remember when an window envelope is used, the clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any printing or window edge.  
End of Slide 29.



Slide 30:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Didn’t Have 1/25” Below Barcode Letters & Flats
Image Information:
There is an image of an envelope with a return address label or window and address label or window.  
Has a barcode.  The far left of the barcode is circled.  The far right of the barcode is circled.
Has the words 'Cash Inside?' between the two windows or labels towards the right.
'SAMPLE' is stamped across the address window or label.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Some customers apply the barcode to the area above and below the barcode. 
They have purchased and now use software that leaves 1/25 clear space when used.  
Here is an example of a mailpiece not meeting the 1/25” clearance requirement.
End of Slide 30.



Slide 31:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Barcode Clear Zone  - Letters
Image Information:
Image of an envelope showing an address and a barcode at the bottom circled in red.
The words 'Barcode was in 5/8” area – not in Barcode Clear Zone' are above the address and barcode.
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Here is another example of a mailpiece where the barcode was in 5/8’ area and not in the barcode clear zone as we previously discussed.
End of Slide 31.



Slide 32:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Address Block Location - Flats
Readability Guidelines
The words included are:
(bullet)Delivery address 1 inch lower and 1 inch to the right of return address
(bullet)Minimum clear area of 3/8 inch, recommend 1/2 inch
(bullet)Avoid skew
Image Information:
Image next to bulleted text:
Image of a enevelope that is addressed with a 'Returned Address', and 'Destination Address'.
Arrows pointing to '1 inch to right of return address minimum'.
Arrows pointing to '1 inch below return address minimum.
Arrows pointing to 'PLANET code Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Keyline'.
Arrows pointing to 'POSTNET Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Clear Area, 3/8 inch minimum, 1/2 inch recommended'.
The words inside the image at the bottom are:
"*The top edge of the delivery address block should be as close as possible to the top edge of the mailpiece to facilitate carrier scanning, but still remain at least one inch below the return address."
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The delivery address should be at least 1 inch lower and 1 inch to the right of the return address, assuming both addresses read in the same direction.  On a flat-size mailpiece, in a landscape orientation, the delivery address should be separated as much as possible from the return address.
 The delivery address block must be clearly separated from any extraneous test and graphics .Provide a minimum clear area of 3/8 inch (1/2 inch is recommended) in each direction around the address block.
Avoid skew (keep tilt less than 5 degrees off the horizontal or vertical axis).
End of Slide 32.



Slide 33:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Address Block Location - Flats
Readability Guidelines
Image Information:
Two letter images, one in 'Landscape Orientation' and the other in 'Portrait Orientation'.
'Landscape Orientation' image envelope:
Image of a enevelope that is addressed with a 'Returned Address', and 'Destination Address'.
Arrows pointing to '1 inch to right of return address minimum'.
The words inside the image at the left are:
"*The right edge of the delivery address block should be as no more than one inch from the right edge of the mailpiece to facilitate carrier scanning".
Arrows pointing to '1 inch below return address minimum.
Arrows pointing to 'PLANET code Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Keyline'.
Arrows pointing to 'POSTNET Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Clear Area, 3/8 inch minimum, 1/2 inch recommended'.

'Portrait Orientation' image envelope:
Image of a enevelope that is addressed with a 'Returned Address', and 'Destination Address'.
Arrows pointing to '1 inch to right of return address minimum'.
Arrows pointing to '1 inch below return address minimum.
Arrows pointing to 'PLANET code Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Keyline'.
Arrows pointing to 'POSTNET Barcode'.
Arrows pointing to 'Clear Area, 3/8 inch minimum, 1/2 inch recommended'.
The words inside the image at the bottom are:
"*The top edge of the delivery address block should be as close as possible to the top edge of the mailpiece to facilitate carrier scanning, but still remain at least one inch below the return address."
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The delivery address should be 3 or 4 lines, excluding the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) and/or the Address Change Request (ACS) participant code (keyline). 
Additional information may appear on the lines above the address block )e.g.,account number, OEL, ACS participant code).
(bullet)Print city, state, and ZIP Code on the same line.
(bullet)Print delivery address information on the line immediately above the city, state, and ZIP Code line.
(bullet)Print the attention line above the the company name
(bullet)Left justify the address block information.
(bullet)Use uniform font size and spacing throughout.  Address characters should not touch.  Uppercase and lowercase, as well as all caps, are acceptable.
End of Slide 33.



Slide 34:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Delivery Address Format
The words included are:
(bullet)Use 10 to 12 point OCR readable font
(bullet)Use black ink against a light background
(bullet)Left justify information
(bullet)Place POSTNET barcode below the city, state, ZIP Code line
(bullet)Place PLANET Code above or below OEL and / or ACS line   
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Use 10-to 12-point OCR readable font. Avoid script and narrow fonts.
Place the POSTNET barcode (11-digit preferred) below the city,state, and ZIP Code line
PLANET Code barcodes, if used, should be placed above or below the OEL and or ACS participant code
Print dark ink against a light background
Address block should be clear of graphics and extraneous information.
Label and envelope material should be opaque so that the text and graphics inside the mailpiece cannot be detected by processing equipment.  Text and graphics must not show through the address.
Use printers that do not leave voids within characters.
End of Slide 34.



Slide 35:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Adhesive Labels - Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)Apply label on outside of poly, when possible
(bullet)If inside of poly, poly must be clear and wrinkle free
(bullet)Place address labels uniformly, avoiding skew
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
(bullet)Apply address labels on the outside of polywrapped items (smooth side, not seam side), if possible.
(bullet)If the delivery address is inside the polywrap covering, then the polywrap material must be clear (free from haze) and wrinkle free over the address.
(bullet)Place address labels uniformly, avoiding the skew (keep tilt less than 45 degrees).
(bullet)Recommend not using adhesive labels for the delivery address with a customer logo and printed return address.  If used, the delivery address should be at least 1 inch to the right of and 1 inch below the return address.
End of Slide 35.



Slide 36:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Extraneous Information - Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)Keep advertising, logos, and other information clear of delivery address area
(bullet)Cannot use two different return addresses 
(bullet)Recommend not printing store or other locations on same side as delivery address
(bullet)If you must print locations, center-justify these addresses
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Keep advertising, logos, and other information clear of the delivery address area.
Two different return addresses may not be used on any mailpiece.
Recommend not printing store location addresses on the same side as the delivery address.  If used, center justify store location  addresses on the sane side as the delivery address.  If used, center justify store addresses to avoid confusion with the delivery address.
End of Slide 36.



Slide 37:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Flexibility test, part 1
Image Information:
Cartoon hands using a letter to perform the 'flex test', by using the length of it parallel to a square edge of a flat surface.  
It has the words at the far right:
"For flats, length is the longest dimension."
Arrow pointing up and down.
"1 inch minimum flexibility required."
It has the words at the far left:
"FLEX TEST"
"Length runs parallel to surface".
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
This is the first way to test for flexibility, with the length of the piece parallel to the square edge of a flat surface.  Extend the piece out half its height and press down at a point
about 1 inch in from the outside edge, midway along the length. If the piece bends down at least 1 vertical inch without damaging the mailpiece, it passes the first test.  If it does not pass this test, turn the piece around 180 degrees and try again. It passes the first test if it does bend at least 1 vertical inch without damaging the mailpiece.
If it does not pass the test when done in one of these directions, it is too rigid to be a flat.

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 Slide 37.



Slide 38:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Flexibility test, part 2
Image Information:
Cartoon hands using a letter to perform the 'flex test', by using the length of it perpendicular to a square edge of a flat surface. 
It has the words at the top:
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
It has the words at the far left:
'FLEXT TEST'
'Flats 10 inches or longer that contain a rigid insert; length perpendicular to edge.'
Arrow pointing up and down.
It has the words at the far right:
'2 inch minimum flexibility required'.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
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 a square edge of a flat surface;
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 180 degrees 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 Slide 38.



Slide 39:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Flexibility test, part 2
Image Information:
Cartoon hands using a letter to perform the 'flex test', by using the length of it perpendicular to a square edge of a flat surface. 
It has the words at the top:
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
It has the words at the far left:
'FLEXT TEST'
'Flats less that 10 inches that contain a rigid insert; perpendicular to surface.'
Arrow pointing up and down.
It has the words at the far right:
'1 inch minimum flexibility required'.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
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 a square edge of a flat surface; 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 180 degrees 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 Slide 39.



Slide 40:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Deflection Test - for pieces 10” or longer
Image Information:
Cartoon hands using a letter to perform the 'flex test', by using the length of it perpendicular to a square edge of a flat surface. 
It has the words at the top:
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
It has the words at the far left:
'DROOP TEST'
'Flats 10 inches or longer'.
Arrow pointing up and down.
It has the words at the far right:
'4 inch maximum droop'.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information.  

Notes:
All flats must be somewhat flexible.  In addition, automation-rate flats must not be too flimsy. This deflection test is for automation-rate flats only.

Except for pieces with bound or folded edges, place the length of the piece perpendicular to the square edge of a flat surface.  For pieces 10” or longer, extend the piece out 5 inches.  Let it droop on its own. Turn the piece around 180 degrees and repeat this process.

(For pieces with a bound or folded edge, place the bound or folded edge perpendicular to the edge of the surface.)

If the piece does not droop down more than 4 vertical inches when positioned in either direction, it passes this test for automation-compatibility.
End of Slide 40.



Slide 41:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Deflection test – pieces less than 10” long
Image Information:
Cartoon hands using a letter to perform the 'flex test', by using the length of it perpendicular to a square edge of a flat surface. 
It has the words at the top:
'For flats, length is the longest dimension.'
It has the words at the far left:
'DROOP TEST'
'Flats less than 10 inches long'.
Arrow pointing up and down.
It has the words at the far right:
'Cannot droop more than 1 inch less than the extended length'.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information.  

Notes:
This deflection test is for automation-rate flats only.

Except for pieces with bound or folded edges, place the length of the piece perpendicular to the square edge of a flat surface.  For pieces less than 10” long, extend the piece out half its length.  Let it droop on its own. Turn the piece around 180 degrees and repeat this process.

(For pieces with a bound or folded edge, place the bound or folded edge perpendicular to the edge of the surface.)

If the piece does not droop down more than 1 vertical inch less than the extended length when positioned in either direction, it passes this test for automation-compatibility.  (For example, a piece 8” long would be extended out 4 inches; it should not droop more than 3 inches).
End of Slide 41.



Slide 42:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Thickness
The words included are:
Minimum  0.009 inch
Maximum  0.75 inch
Recommendation:	Avoid minimum & maximum limits
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: When possible, avoid the minimum and maximum
limits of thickness.
Reason: Thin flfl ats tend to double-feed in the machine and cause misfeeds and
misdeliveries. Thick fl ats approaching the maximum thickness tend to cause jams.
Postal Service tests indicate an increased damage rate for pieces less than 0.04
inch and greater than 0.5 inch thick.
End of Slide 42.



Slide 43:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Uniformity of  Thickness
The words included are:
(bullet)Must be uniformly thick
(bullet)Must have flat smooth and regular shape and be free of creases, folds, tears, or other irregularities

Recommendation:  Avoid placing irregularly shaped items or items repeatedly in the same location in a flat-size mailpiece
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: Avoid placing irregularly shaped items inside flat-size
mail or placing multiple items repeatedly in the same location inside a flat.
If you do place irregularly shaped items in a fl at, secure them in place and
surround them with packing to make the fl at uniformly thick.
Reason: Irregularly shaped flats can jam the AFSM 100 and may cause damage to both the irregularly shaped flat and other flats being processed.
End of Slide 43.



Slide 44:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Mailing Wrappers
The words included are:
(bullet)Mailing wrappers are envelopes, sleeves, partial wrappers, or polywrap 

Recommendation: Avoid sleeves and partial wrappers or use spot glue to hold in place 
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: Avoid sleeves and partial wrappers; consider
envelopes or polywrapping as alternatives. If wrappers are used, consider
attaching them to the flat with spot glue or stitching.
Reason: During AFSM 100 processing, a full paper sleeve or a partial wrapper
(belly band) can become separated from the rest of the mailpiece.
End of Slide 44.



Slide 45:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Polywrap
The words included are:
(bullet)Use only approved polywrap
(bullet)Wrap direction is around longer axis

Recommendation:   Avoid wrapping poly too tight
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
End of Slide 45.



Slide 46:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Polywrap
AFSM 100—Physical Requirements
The words included are:
(bullet)Wrap direction: around longer axis
(bullet)Seam:
(bullet)Parallel to longer dimension
(bullet)Front or back (back is preferred)
(bullet)Not over address or barcode
Image Information:
Image of a Front package or letter that is ploywrapped.
Image of a Back package or letter that is ploywrapped, that has a arrow going from left to right, with the words 'SEAM DIRECTION' between the left direction and right direction of the arrow..
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Wrap direction and seam placement must follow these standards.
The wrap direction must be around the longer axis of the mailpiece, with the seam parallel to that axis. The longer axis is always parallel to the longer edge (the length) of the mailpiece.
The preferred seam placement is on the non-addressed side of the mailpiece. If the seam is placed on the addressed side, the seam must not cover any part of the delivery address and barcode, postage area, or any required markings or endorsements. Regardless of seam placement, the polywrap over the address area must be a smooth surface to avoid interference with address and barcode readability.
End of Slide 46.



Slide 47:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Polywrap
AFSM 100—Overhang
Image Information:
Image of a Front package or letter that is ploywrapped. There are 4 arrows with words.
Top 2 Arrows pointing to each other with arrow heads touching:
'1/4".
Left 2 Arrows pointing to each other with arrow heads touching:
'3/4"'.
Right 2 Arrows pointing to each other with arrow heads touching:
'3/4"'.
Bottom 2 Arrows pointing to each other with arrow heads touching:
'1/4".
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
For purposes only of the polywrap standards for overhang (selvage) the edge of the mailpiece designated as top must be one of the two physically longer edges of the piece, regardless of address orientation and whether bound or unbound. Any polywrap overhang (selvage) around the four edges of the mailpiece (top, bottom, and left and right sides) must meet these standards: 

1. When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned at the bottom of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 0.5 inch at the top of the mailpiece. 
2. When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned to the left or to the right side of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 1.5 inches on the opposite side. 
3. The polywrap covering must not be so tight that it bends the mailpiece. 
End of Slide 47.



Slide 48:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Seam 
The words included are:
(bullet)Must be parallel to longer axis
(bullet)If on address side, must not cover any part of address or barcode

Recommendation:   Place seam on reverse or non-addressed side of the  mailpiece

Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: When possible, place seams on the non-addressed side of the mailpiece. Ensure seams are sealed sufficiently to prevent splitting.
Reason: Obscuring the delivery address or barcode will delay delivery of the mailpiece. Split seams can jam equipment causing delays.
End of Slide 48.



Slide 49:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Delivery Address
The words included are:
(bullet)Poly must be smooth to allow address or barcode readability 

Recommendation:  When possible place address labels on outside of polywrap   
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: When possible, place address labels on the outside
of polywrap, making sure excessive glue does not bleed from under the label and cause pieces to stick together. At the same time, make sure the glue keeps the labels affi xed throughout processing and delivery.
Reason: An unobstructed view of the delivery address increases the ability of the optical character reader (OCR) on the AFSM 100 to read the delivery address and sort fl ats accurately.
End of Slide 49.



Slide 50:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Selvage
The words included are:
(bullet)Not more than 0.5 inch at top
(bullet)Not more than 1.5 inches on side

Recommendation:   Keep overhang to a minimum  
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Recommendation: Keep overhang to a minimum, but do not wrap the
mailpiece so tightly that it prevents it from lying flat.
Reason: Excessive polywrap selvage can get caught in the machinery, but flats too tightly wrapped may bow and not feed properly into the AFSM 100.
End of Slide 50.



Slide 51:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Best Practices for Letters and Flats
The words included are:
(bullet)Pre-test samples for barcode readability with Postal Service
(bullet)Monitor for changes thru production
(bullet)Communicate barcode concerns to your customers & staff
(bullet)Establish internal quality control measures
(bullet)Assign someone to monitor tests
(bullet)Use report data for training and improvement
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
If you have questions or concerns about your mailpiece quality please don’t hesitate to call your local post office for assistance.  
They have experts there that can either answer your questions or know the proper channels to go through to have your mail tested.  Your mailpieces can be tested on MERLIN.
Normally, you should receive results back in approximately 2 weeks.
Quality control internally is KEY!! Make sure you train your employees and make them aware of the importance they play in your mailing operation.
End of Slide 51.



Slide 52:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: MERLIN and Mail Quality
The words included are:
(bullet)Ensuring Quality Mail
(bullet)MERLIN Reports
(bullet)Where to Get Help
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Finally, today – let’s talk about how MERLIN can be your friend when it comes to mail quality.

(bullet)I’m going to show you how to improve your mail quality through designing and reviewing your mailpieces with the help of your Mail Design Analysts;
(bullet)How to read and understand MERLIN reports;
(bullet)and… resources and tools to help you use MERLIN.
(bullet)As you know - MERLIN automates the previously manual verification process for First-Class Presort Mail, Standard Mail, and Periodicals mail to ensure that the mail qualifies for workshare discounts and meets certain mail quality standards.

MERLIN also encourages the improvement of mail quality by providing diagnostic reports that contain valuable business mail data.  
By using these reports to improve overall mailpiece design and quality, you can improve your mail production and facilitate qualification for reduced postage rate.  
Improving the quality of mail results in improved USPS delivery rates based on higher quality mail.  
High quality mail speeds the mail through the postal system at the lowest combined cost for all of us in the mailing business.  
End of Slide 52.



Slide 53:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: MERLIN Reports
The words included are:
(bullet)Summary Verification
(bullet)POSTNET Barcode Readability 
(bullet)POSTNET Barcode Exceptions
(bullet)POSTNET Barcode Error Listing
(bullet)POSTNET Barcode Components
(bullet)Barcode Digit String
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
MERLIN produces a variety of reports based on analysis of the sample run.  
Some reports are used as diagnostic information to assist in improving the overall quality of the mail by providing feedback to the mailer.  
Postage adjustment reports relate directly to verifications that determine mailing acceptability.  
Postage adjustment reports provide detailed information on the causes of any errors found in samples. 
End of Slide 53.



Slide 54:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Summary Verification Report
The words included are:
Site Name: Bell & Howell P&DC
Mailing ID: 5969793
serial No: MER-00-0007
Ver. 04.12.01
Summary Verification Report
Mailer:
Name of Permit Holder:  GG DIRECT
Account Number of Premit Holder: P11
Mailing Agent: None
Piece Count Declared by Mailer: 100
Mailing Class: First Class
Mailing Category: Letters
Statement Type: 3600R
Mailer Job Number:
Mailer MPTQM Certified: No

System:
Date: 04/30/2007
Report Time: 12:00:38 PM
Number of Pieces Sampled: 9
CASS Cylce Dir. K11
Feeder Speed: Letter
PSM ID: 37799825

Table has 12 rows and 5 columns:
Table Row 1:
Column 1:
Verification Conducted
Column 2:
USPS Acceptance Rate
Column 3:
Merlin Results
Column 4:
Merlin Accepted
Column 5:
Additional Postage Due

Table Row 2:
Column 1:
Address Accuracy
Column 2:
N/A
Column 3:
100%
Column 4:
Column 5:

Table Row 3:
Column 1:
ECR Sequence
Column 2:
N/A
Column 3:
N/A
Column 4:
Column 5:


Table Row 4:
Column 1:
Mailpiece Characteristics
Column 2:
99% or Higher
Column 3:
Accepted
Column 4:
Yes
Column 5:
N/A

Table Row 5:
Column 1:
Piece Count (PS8040X)
Column 2:
Within 1% Declared
Column 3:
N/A
Column 4:
N/A
Column 5:
N/A

Table Row 6:
Column 1:
Tracking Barcode
Column 2:
N/A
Column 3:
N/A
Column 4:
Column 5:

Table Row 7:
Column 1:
Automation Rate Barcode
Column 2:
90% or Higher
Column 3:
56%
Column 4:
No
Column 5:
$6.10

Table Row 8:
Column 1:
Autmoation Rate Digit String
Column 2:
99% or Higher
Column 3:
Accepted
Column 4:
Yes
Column 5:

Table Row 9:
Column 1:
Presort Verification (PS2866X)
Column 2:
95% or Higher
Column 3:
100.00%
Column 4:
Yes
Column 5:
$0.00

Table Row 10:
Column 1:
Short Paid (PS6116X)
Column 2:
95% or Higher
Column 3:
N/A
Column 4:
N/A
Column 5:
N/A

Table Row 11:
Column 1:
Aip Destination
Column 2:
N/A
Column 3:
N/A
Column 4:
N/A
Column 5:

Table Row 12:
Column 1:
Column 2:
Column 3:
Column 4:
Total Additional Postage Due:
Column 5:
$6.10
End of table
The words included are:
4/30/2007 12:03:24 Sys: 004E49  P11  User: operator1 Page 1 of 1.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Summary Verification Report displays results off all tests that are associated with the sample run.  The report is given to mailers each time a test is run regardless of the scores.
There are seven important items on the Summary that you should be familiar with:
1 - Mailer Job Number – Identifies tests by mailer job number.
2 - MPTQM Mailer – Identifies MPTQM Certified Mailers.
3 - USPS acceptance rate.
4 - Transport Feeder Speed – The transport feeder speed can be changed during the run.  The transport feeder speed displayed in the report reflects the last selection made by the user before the report was generated.
5 - User identification – Operator who ran the test.
6 - Selected Mail Orientation – Displays the Address Block Orientation ICON showing the mail orientation selected by the user.  Also added to Mailpiece Diagnostics Report.
7 - Software version – Identifies the software version that is in the machine.
End of Slide 54.



Slide 55:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automation Rate Barcode Readability Report
The words included are:
Site Name: Engineering  Mailing ID: 3521173  Serial No: MER-00-0003  ver. 04.12.00
Permit Number: BATCHIMGTEST  Automation Rate Barcode Readability Report POSTNET Pieces Analyzed: 0

Mailing Date: 04/01/2007  OneCode Pieces Analyzed: 68
Mail Type: Flats  Readability: 95%  Missing or Not Decoded Barcode: 8

Total Pieces Analyzed: 76

MPID: 000007
Unrecognized Barcode

MPID: 000021
P,S
Image of a barcode.

MPID: 000049
Unrecognized Barcode

MPID:000055
P,S
Image of a barcode.

A: 0/0 Bar too tall
B: 0/0 Bar too short
C: 0/0 Bar too wide
D: 0/0 Bar too narrow
E: 0/0 Barcode position problem
F: 0/0 Void (area without ink)
G: 0/0 Extraneous ink present
H: 0/0 Baseline shift
J: 0/0 Bar tilt
K: 0/0 Pattern skew
L: 0/0 Bar pitch too close
M: 0/0 Bar pitch too far
N: 0/0 Low background reflectance
O: 0/0 Low print reflectance
P: 0/3 Barcode clearance problem
R: 0/0 Connected bars
S:  /8 Barcode will not decode
T:  /0 Invalid delivery point barcode
U: 0/0 Bar space too close
V: 0/0 Bar space too far
X:  /5 Unrecognized Barcode
Y:  /0 Recognized But Not Analyzed Barcode
Z:  /0 Incorrect Check Digit

4/1/2007 2:03:58 PM Sys:007C7A BATCHIMGTEST User: Sys Page 1 of 1
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
There are four reports associated with POSTNET Barcode Readability.  The main report is the POSTNET  Barcode Readability.  
This report provides you with the first 10 images recorded as errors.
Error codes are displayed in three places.  
They could be located at the upper right-hand corner of the image (global error), below the image at each barcode bar (per bar area) and at the upper part of the image (barcode location error area). 
A global error is an error that controls the overall barcode quality such as the Print Reflectance Difference.  
The error encompasses the entire barcode throughout.
Global errors are reported when the parameters that control the overall barcode are found to have quality problems.  
One global error will fail a barcode.
Warnings are categorized as non-critical however if a barcode has more than ten warnings for the same barcode parameter, the barcode will fail.
When evaluating the barcode legend review the errors with the largest numbers.  
The numbers are reported in a % level.  The report is based on a average process.  The number indicates, in the average, the number of errors per 100 pieces present in the sample.
There are three other reports for barcode readability that provide detailed information; Barcode Exceptions, Barcode Error Listing, Barcode Components. 
End of Slide 55.



Slide 56:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Barcode Exceptions
The words included are:
Site Name: Bell & Howell P&DC  Mailing ID: 5969793  Serial No: MER-00-0007 Ver. 04.12.01

Barcode Exceptions
Permit Number: P11
Mailing Date: 04/30/2007
Total Number of Errors: 4

Table has 3 columns and 7 rows.
Row 1:
Column 1:
(Header)Category
Column 2:
(Header)MPID
Column 3:
(Header)Number of Errors

Row 2:
Column 1:
OneCode SOLUTION Barcode Location Failure
Column 2:
None
Column 3:
0

Row 3:
Column 1:
OneCode SOLUTION Barcode Quality Failure
Column 2:
None
Column 3:
0

Row 4:
Column 1:
POSTNET Barcode Location Failure
Column 2:
None
Column 3:
0

Row 5:
Column 1:
POSTNET Barcode Quality Failure
Column 2:
4,7
Column 3:
2

Row 6:
Column 1:
Recognized But Not Analyzed
Column 2:
None
Column 3:
0

Row 7:
Column 1:
Unrecognized Automation Rate Barcode
Column 2:
5,6
Column 3:
2
End of table.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Barcode Exceptions report identifies errors by four categories: 
1.  Barcode Location,
2.  Recognize But Not Analyzed, 
3.  Unrecognized Barcode, and 
4.  Barcode Quality Failure. 
The report gives you an overview of identified errors.
Barcode Location identifies pieces that may be in the wrong location.  Many of these errors occur on dark border pieces.  The supervisor/MDA should examine the pieces to ensure that the error is justified.  If the error is not identified, an override should be made and documented.
Recognized But Not Analyzed occurs when there is no image available for performing the barcode analysis. If the error is not identified an override should be made and documented.  
Unrecognized Barcode occurs when the barcode analysis engine and the barcode reader engine cannot produce a favorable read result.  If the error is not identified an override should be made and documented.
Barcode Quality is the only error that cannot be overwritten in the MERLIN system.  The only way to override quality errors is through a second level review performed by a Supervisor or MDA.  All overrides must be documented and sent to BMA.
End of Slide 56.



Slide 57:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Barcode Exceptions
The words included are:
Site Name: Bell & Howell P&DC  Mailing ID: 5969793  Serial No: MER-00-0007 Ver. 04.12.01

Barcode Error Listing
Permit Number: P11
Mailing Date: 04/30/2007
Total Number of Errors: 4

Table has 3 columns and 13 rows.
Row 1:
Column 1:
(Header)Category
Column 2:
(Header)MPID
Column 3:
(Header)Number of Errors

Row 2:
Column 1:
Failed Automation rate barcode with (11+) Warnings
Column 2:
Column 3:


Row 3:
Column 1:
d Warnings - Bar too narrow
Column 2:
4
Column 3:
1

Row 4:
Column 1:
Failed Automation rate barcode with one or more 
Column 2:
Column 3:

Row 5:
Column 1:
X Errors - Unrecognized Barcode
Column 2:
5,6
Column 3:
2

Row 6:
Column 1:
V Errors - Bar space too far
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 7:
Column 1:
T Errors - Invalid delivery point barcode
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 8:
Column 1:
S Errors - Barcode will not decode
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 9:
Column 1:
R Errors - Connected bars
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 10:
Column 1:
P Errors - Barcode clearance problem
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 11:
Column 1:
M Errors - Bar pitch too far
Column 2:
6
Column 3:
1

Row 12:
Column 1:
J Errors - Bar tilt
Column 2:
4
Column 3:
1

Row 13:
Column 1:
F Errors - Voide (Area without ink)
Column 2:
7
Column 3:
1
End of table.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Barcode Error Listing Report lists mailpiece with barcode location error, and barcode quality errors and warnings.  
These errors / warning are separated into five different sections:
(bullet)Failed POSTNET barcode with one or more errors
(bullet)Failed POSTNET barcode with (11+) warnings
(bullet)POSTNET barcode per-bar warning, No failure (5+)
(bullet)Global warnings, No failure (1+)
(bullet)Barcode location errors
This report will enable mailers to identify problem errors within the entire sample.
End of Slide 57.



Slide 58:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Automation Rate Barcode Components Report
Site Name: Engineering  Mailing ID: 3521173  Serial No: MER-00-0003  ver. 04.12.00
Permit Number: BATCHIMGTEST  Automation Rate Barcode Componets Report POSTNET Pieces Analyzed: 0

Mailing Date: 04/01/2007  OneCode Pieces Analyzed: 68
Mail Type: Flats  Readability: 95%  Missing or Not Decoded Barcode: 8

Total Pieces Analyzed: 76

MPID: 000021
Error Type:P
P,S
Image of a barcode.


MPID: 000055
Error Type:P
P,S
Image of a barcode.

MPID: 000021
Error Type:S
P,S
Image of a barcode.

MPID:000055
Error Type:S
P,S
Image of a barcode.

A: 0/0 Bar too tall
B: 0/0 Bar too short
C: 0/0 Bar too wide
D: 0/0 Bar too narrow
E: 0/0 Barcode position problem
F: 0/0 Void (area without ink)
G: 0/0 Extraneous ink present
H: 0/0 Baseline shift
J: 0/0 Bar tilt
K: 0/0 Pattern skew
L: 0/0 Bar pitch too close
M: 0/0 Bar pitch too far
N: 0/0 Low background reflectance
O: 0/0 Low print reflectance
P: 0/3 Barcode clearance problem
R: 0/0 Connected bars
S:  /8 Barcode will not decode
T:  /0 Invalid delivery point barcode
U: 0/0 Bar space too close
V: 0/0 Bar space too far
X:  /5 Unrecognized Barcode
Y:  /0 Recognized But Not Analyzed Barcode
Z:  /0 Incorrect Check Digit

4/1/2007 2:04:00 PM Sys:007C7A BATCHIMGTEST User: Sys Page 1 of 2
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The POSTNET Barcode Components Report displays up to four barcode binary images for each of the mailpiece for each error type as listed in  the report legend found in the mailing.
The report was created at the mailers request to assist them in resolving problematic errors.
End of Slide 58.



Slide 59:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Barcode Digit String
Site Name: Bell&Howell P&DC  Mailing ID: 3289752  Serial No: MER-00-0007  ver. 04.12.01
Barcode Digit String

Total Number Verified:  7
Total Number of Errors: 7

Table has 2 rows and 3 columns
Row 1:
Column 1:
(Header)Category
Column 2:
(Header)MPID
Column 3:
(Header)Number of Errors

Row 2:
Column 1:
ZIP+4 of '9999' on non-General Delivery Mail Piece
Column 2:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Column 3:
7
End of table.
Has the words 'Reference Only' stamped across page.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
There is zero tolerance on the invalid use of ‘9999’ and ‘0000’.
If a mailer runs the most current version of CASS certified software in its certified configuration on all of the addresses being submitted, and takes the appropriate action dictated by the results of the CASS-certified processing; and correctly applies these actions to all mailpieces; then all “9999” codes should be considered valid for acceptance purposes.  
In other words, unless some unforseen error is detected in acceptance validation, ZIP+4 codes that are deemed valid in the CASS-certified processing test will be deemed valid in the MERLIN test.
The actions described above will help resolve any uncertainty around the application of “9999” in the ZIP+4 code and provide assurance to the industry that CASS and MERLIN are aligned and should produce similar results.  
The policy outlined above to continue to adhere to a zero tolerance on the invalid use of “9999” will improve the quality of mail entering the system and will ensure cost, service and long term rate benefits to our customers.
End of Slide 59.



Slide 60:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: MERLIN Appeals Second Level Review
The words included are:
(bullet)Barcode Readability
(bullet)Review Pieces Identified With Errors
(bullet)Second Level Review
(bullet)Appeal – Decision Must Be At Time Of Mailing
(bullet)Test Mail Sent To Appeal Center
(bullet)Return Test Mail To Mailer
(bullet)Enter Test Mail at Appeal Center
(bullet)Barcode Digit ‘9999’ Appeals
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Barcode Readability has a unique appeals process for mailings that fail to meet USPS acceptance tolerances for automation letters and flats.
As mentioned earlier:
(bullet)Mailings qualify for automation rates if the barcode readability results are 90 percent or higher.
(bullet)If the results fall between 80-89 percent, a partial automation discount is awarded. 
(bullet)Mailings with results of 79 percent of less do not qualify for automation rates.
If a mailer appeals the Barcode Readability result, the MERLIN operator from USPS will complete all documentation necessary for the appeal and send it via Express Mail® service to the appeals site along with the sample pieces. 
Mailers may elect to have their sample pieces returned or entered into the mailstream at the appeal site. The Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) will write the final agency decision and send the results to the mailer. 
The digit string analysis is performed to detect invalid ‘9999’s. Any that are found are included in the MERLIN Barcode Digit String Report for the mailer to review. 
If at the time of the mailing, the mailer disagrees with the results of the test, the pieces in question may be faxed by the acceptance site to the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) to validate the ‘9999’s. 
If the NCSC confirms that the ‘9999’s are valid the mailer will receive automation rates.
End of Slide 60.



Slide 61:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Mail Quality Designing Your Mailpiece
The words included are:
(bullet)Create a practical and effective mailpiece
(bullet)Ensure adequate margins for manufacturing tolerance are built into the design
(bullet)Addressing and barcode placement must be exact
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Ensure that adequate margins for manufacturing tolerances are built into the design. 
Of particular concern are mailpieces designed such that addressing and barcode placement must be exact in order to meet the DMM specifications.  
Pieces designed to these specifications may produce a wide variety of results when run on MERLIN.
Variations that occur during production include: 
(bullet)Offset printing registration
(bullet)Trim, bindery, and finishing tolerances
(bullet)Image placement variations
(bullet)MERLIN image processing variations
The placement of the barcode and address and the physical dimensions of the mailpiece must meet certain standards.  
For example, for automation rate letter-size piece, the address and barcode must be printed at least ½” from the left and right edges of the mailpiece and over 5/8” from the bottom edge of the mailpiece.  
If a piece is not trimmed  or folded properly, the address/barcode may encroach on the clear zones and may result in an error detection on MERLIN.
End of Slide 61.



Slide 62:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Mail Quality Reviewing Your Mailpiece
The words included are:
(bullet)Examine mailpieces
(bullet)Contact your local Mailpiece Design Analyst to have samples tested
(bullet)Develop a test plan
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Examine all mailpiece designs before presenting for acceptance to confirm they meet DMM standards.
Contact your local Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) to have your sample mailpieces tested. 
The sample should be between 25-50 pieces for each design. 
The MDA will test the samples and provide a feedback report.
Develop a complete test plan, and analyze high-risk pieces first. 
The test plan will vary depending on the size and type of your business. Use the reports to update your high-risk pieces.
These factors should be considered when developing a test plan: 
(bullet)Mailpiece types;
(bullet)Paper stock and coatings;
(bullet)Addressing/barcoding platforms;
(bullet)Barcode fonts available;
(bullet)Location of address/barcode printers, transport bases, inserters, web press, bindery equipment, etc.
Keep a record of all test results, and use a grid to identify and investigate trends. 
Make sure you are able to interpret the MERLIN program diagnostic reports. 
End of Slide 62.



Slide 63:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Mail Quality Producing Your Mailpiece
The words included are:
(bullet)Follow your manufacturer’s procedures specific to your printing platform
(bullet)Contact manufacturer for advice
(bullet)Have machine operators, mechanics and set-up personnel keep a pre-production checklist
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Follow these tips to print quality mailpieces that meet DMM standards:   
(bullet)Note the quality measures needed to produce barcodes of consistently high quality when using older technology (such as impact printers). 
(bullet)Use a 22 bar-per-inch POSTNET barcode when printing with an inkjet printer. If another font is required, be cautious and consider MERLIN testing prior to actual production. 
(bullet)In general, don’t push the limits on specifications. Use settings that are in the middle of allowed limits, and exercise caution if you must approach the limits. 
(bullet)Conduct MERLIN testing in advance. The results can determine if you are approaching any of the barcode limitations. 
Keep a verification checklist of these procedures before initiating production:
(bullet)Ensure clearance around the barcode (clearance applies to edges of Cheshire or PSL labels, window envelopes, other printing, and knockout areas). 
(bullet)Pull samples frequently during production to ensure that mail is run as intended during setup. 
(bullet)Use the eyepiece reticle to examine the barcode specifications. 
(bullet)Use letter template (Notice 67) for automation letter review and form template (Notice 124) for automation flats. Templates are available at your local BMEU.  Use Postal Service templates for:
(bullet)Accurate address and barcode placement 
(bullet)Specifications for barcode characteristics 
(bullet)Make sure the POSTNET barcode has the correct number of bars. Missing start or end bars or missing digits in barcode generation within software can cause barcode errors. 
(bullet)Do not "jog" mailpieces scheduled for production. Jogging causes the piece to shift temporarily and hinders encoder operation. There is a high likelihood of print variation on jogged pieces. 
End of Slide 63.



Slide 64:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Mail Quality Maintain Printer Hardware
The words included are:
(bullet)Maintain hardware according to manufacturer’s approved procedures
(bullet)Use authorized parts and materials
(bullet)Take precaution on inkjet printers
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
For inkjet printers:
(bullet)Confirm that the height (throw distance) of the print head is within manufacturer specifications. Be particularly cautious of pieces of varying thicknesses.
(bullet)Ensure that the material transport moves the mailpiece smoothly, squarely, and consistently under the inkjet head before starting production.
(bullet)Make certain the encoder (tachometer) is operating smoothly and without vibration.
The goal of the encoder is to accurately reflect the piece motion under the inkjet head. 
Loose or tight transport belts, excessively worn encoder wheels, or improperly placed encoder wheels will result in significantly degraded print performance. 
End of Slide 64.



Slide 65:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Mail Quality Review and Track Reports
The words included are:
(bullet)Assign someone to review and track Merlin reports

www.usps.com/merlin/readingreports.htm
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Assign a production coordinator or supervisor on your staff to review and track MERLIN reports.
Review all reports, regardless of whether they have passed or failed the verification process.
Establishing trends by tracking these results can help spot indications of maintenance or repair issues or can help identify other problems. 
For more information on how to read and understand MERLIN reports, please visit the USPS MERLIN website at: www.usps.com/merlin/readingreports.htm.
End of Slide 65.



Slide 66:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Where to Get Help MERLIN Website
The words included are:
Snapshot of the United States Postal Services Website.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Detailed information about MERLIN reports and the appeals process is accessible at the MERLIN Website found at: www.usps.com/merlin/.
End of Slide 66.



Slide 67:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Where to Get Help “All About MERLIN” Brochure
Snapshot of the United States Postal Services  Merlin Brochure.
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
The Postal Service has a MERLIN brochure.  
This brochure is available at BMEUs nationwide or online at:  http://www.usps.com/merlin/_pdf/merlin_brochure.pdf.
End of Slide 67.



Slide 68:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Ensuring Quality Mail
The words included are:
(bullet)Prepare your mail for automation rates
(bullet)Establish a Mail Preparation Total Quality Management Operation

www.usps.com/mptqm/welcome.htm

Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Poor mail preparation can cause delays in the processing and delivery of your mail.  
Improving mail preparation quality can save rework costs and reduce USPS transportation and processing costs.  
Higher quality mail results in improved USPS delivery rates.  
In addition to helping you to qualify for reduced postage rates, quality mail preparation benefits mailers in several ways: 
(bullet)Prevents delays in processing 
(bullet)Saves costs of reworking mailings
(bullet)Lowers USPS® transportation and processing costs
(bullet)Increases delivery rates
Establish a Mail Preparation Total Quality Management operation to ensure your mail meets standard quality levels.  
Please visit the MPTQM web page at: www.usps.com/mptqm/welcome.htm to learn more about establishing a quality program.
End of Slide 68.



Slide 69:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Where to Get Help More Resources
The words included are:
(bullet)Domestic Mail Manual 300

http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/dmm300_landing.htm

(bullet)Mailpiece Design Analysts

http://pe.usps.gov/mpdesign/mpdfr_mda_lookup.htm
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
To learn more, you can review the Domestic Mail Manual or reach out to your Mailpiece Design Analyst.
Mailpiece Design Analysts are Postal Service employees specially trained to answer your questions regarding mailpiece design.  
MDAs can assist mailers in several ways:
(bullet)Review mailpiece designs to verify they meet Domestic Mail Manual standards for discounted rates.
(bullet)Arrange for testing of a 25-50 piece sample on MERLIN to identify quality issues before a full print run is completed.
(bullet)Provide technical assistance with barcoding and addressing standards.
End of Slide 69.



Slide 70:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Resources
The words included are:
(bullet)Mailpiece Design Analyst

http://pe.usps.gov/mpdesign/mpdfr_mda_lookup.htm

(bullet)Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) Program

http://pe.usps.gov/

(bullet)Addressing

http://www.usps.com/ncsc

(bullet)MERLIN Web site 

http://www.usps.com/merlin
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
There are MANY sources of useful information available on usps.com.  
One VERY useful resource is your Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA).  
They are a constant source of help and they are only a phone call away.  
The MDA Locator can locate the MDA that services you.
The Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) Program is a certification self-study training program that will enhance your knowledge of the classes of mail, Periodicals, processing categories, addressing, Postal Service barcodes, automation requirements, nonautomation mailings, postage payment methods, reply and return mail and Special Services.  
It is accessible from the MQC Program link in Postal Explorer (http://.pe.usps.gov).  
Visit the Website to read all about it.
End of Slide 70.



Slide 71:
United States Postal Service Logo in the far left top corner.
Has the heading: Build Quality Mailpieces Every Time!!
Image of a stamp with Porky Pig and the words "That's all Folks!"
Image Information:
PCC (Us Postal Service Postal Customer Council) Logo in far right corner.
End of Image information. 

Notes:
Thank you for attending today’s presentation. Now I will open it up for any questions or comments that you might have.
End of Slide 71.