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Reduce Costs

A doubles detector installed on every Advanced Facer-Canceller System (AFCS) identifies double-fed mailpieces and ejects them for reprocessing.

Field testing of a Reject Encoding Machine was conducted in preparation for an investment decision planned for 2007. This equipment will reduce manual processing by encoding rejects or non-read mail. If approved, deployment would begin in 2008.

Deployment of the Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) for letters continues on schedule with completion expected in 2007. So far 161 plants have converted to PARS. This system identifies and redirects forwardable mail during processing, which reduces the time required for mail to be delivered to the new address. It eliminates steps associated with forwarding and address correction services (ACS). When ACS information is obtained from the 4-CB, it is no longer necessary for remote encoding centers (REC) to key ACS data.

PARS-forwarded volume is growing significantly as both the number of systems and areas of coverage increase. PARS handled more than 2 billion pieces in 2006, more than twice as much as last year. It reduced workhours in forwarding operations and resulted in the consolidation of 72 computerized forwarding system sites. More consolidations are expected in 2007. PARS also has been shown to reduce forwarding time and improve customer satisfaction (discussed in the following Improve Service chapter). PARS forwarding of flat-shaped mail is expected to begin in 2008.

Flats
Two systems were deployed that enhance operation of the Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100). They are the Automated Induction (Al) systems (210 deployed) and the Automated Tray Handling Systems (ATHS, 350 deployed). Al is a mail preparation and transport system that loads flats into AFSM feeders. It automates a manual process and boosts throughput on the ASFM 100 by 10 percent. ATHS automatically loads, labels, sweeps, and replaces flat tubs. AI and ATHS both significantly reduce staffing requirements.

Other flats enhancements upgraded encoding and improved read rates. Flats barcoding was improved through the consolidation of AFSM video encoding systems into existing RECs, deployment of an improved ID code labeler, and software upgrades that increased read rates and cut sort errors.

The Flats Sequencing System (FSS) program kicked off with formation of a program team and live-mail testing of a prototype in March. The prototype proved successful in accurately sequencing mail that carriers then took directly to the street. Carriers tested a number of different office and street work method concepts. Deployment of pre-production FSS equipment in the Northern Virginia District is scheduled for summer 2007. The deployment of approximately 100 FSS systems will occur between July 2008 and August 2010.

Packages
Phase 1 deployment of 74 Automated Package Processing Systems (APPS) was completed in 2006. In September the Board of Governors approved funding of Phase 2 for the purchase of an additional eight machines. This system expands automated sortation of parcels and bundles and offers more processing capacity than the Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter (SPBS), which it will replace in larger facilities. The APPS optical character readers eliminate keying and enable the passive capture of information for tracking and other uses. Design improvements made this year have improved machine availability, increased read rates, and further reduced sorting errors.

Material Handling
The Integrated Dispatch and Receipt (IDR) system reduces indirect workhours by automating many mail-handling tasks associated with dispatching and receiving operations. IDR system configurations are tailored to the specific requirements of each facility. By year-end, installation was complete in 115 sites. When the program is complete in 2007, more than 1,300 pieces of equipment will have been installed in more than 200 sites.