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USPS News: Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2001
Release No. 01-085
Postal Service Improves Mail Acceptance Systems
WASHINGTON - The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service today approved funding the second installation phase of 1,003 Mail Evaluation Readability and Lookup Instrument systems (MERLIN) to automate the verification and acceptance of letter and flat business mail.
Under the first phase of the program, 200 machines were deployed to the Southeast and Southwest Areas. The second phase of the program will provide nationwide coverage in the remaining areas. All deployments will be completed by August 2003.
MERLIN is designed to verify virtually all acceptance requirements at automation speeds to reduce acceptance time. MERLIN will help insure that the proper revenue is collected and minimize the amount of improperly prepared mail in our distribution operations. It will also provide feedback to customers that will help them improve their mail preparation and qualify for discounts.
The Board also approved funding to purchase 11,266 Wide Field of View Cameras to replace existing Wide Area Bar Code Readers that are used for automated mail processing in Delivery Barcode Sorters (DBCS) and Carrier Sequence Barcode Sorters (CSBCS). Replacing the readers will reduce operating costs and improve reader performance as well as increase the quality of delivery point sequenced mail. The system will also support revenue protection initiatives, enhance development of the Information Platform, and help establish new technology initiatives.
In other action, the Board adopted the FY2002 Annual Performance Plan that will be submitted to Congress in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). The Annual Performance Plan is a one year plan that focuses on the implementation of programs outlined in the USPS Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2001-2005.
Finally, the Board approved a borrowing resolution, in effect through March 4, 2002, that supports ongoing debt management activities, provided that the total remains at or below its September 30 level of $11.3 billion.
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