Transitioning to Intelligent Mail® Barcodes
From POSTNET™…
…To IMb™
Presentation Date: March 2012
What is our Goal?



To discuss the foundation of Intelligent Mail
Services
To discuss what you need to know to produce the
IMb for letters and flats
To provide you with the knowledge and resources
to assist your transition to the Intelligent Mail
barcode
Agenda






Important Dates
What is Intelligent Mail?
Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Reply Mail
Resources
Important Dates
Important Dates
 March 2, 2012 Proposal
– POSTNET™ barcode discontinuation
– Transition to the IMb™ will be required for automation price
eligibility
 January 2013 Requirements
– Retirement of POSTNET barcode
• IMb required for automation letters and flats
• IMb required for QBRM and PRM letters
• GS1-128 or IMpb required for Standard Mail parcels to avoid
surcharge
⁻ POSTNET or IMb allowed in address block with
exception of eVS
Agenda
 Important Dates
 What is Intelligent Mail?
- Definition
- Classes of Mail
- Options & Requirements
- Benefits




Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Reply Mail
Resources
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Defined
 A technology that will support future generations of
postal products, services, and associated features.
 A technology platform made possible by the suite of
Intelligent Mail barcodes.
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Classes of Mail
 IMb™ services apply to the following classes of mail
and processing categories:
– First-Class Mail® letters and flats
– Standard Mail® letters and flats
– Periodicals letters and flats
– Bound Printed Matter flats
– Reply Mail
What is Intelligent Mail®?
IMb Service Options – Basic and Full-Service
Basic
Full-Service
Required
Required
Optional
Required
Optional
Required*
Optional
Required
Start-the-Clock
NA
Available
Automated address correction
at no additional charge
NA
Available
IM™ barcode on mailpieces
IM tray barcode on tray &
sack labels
IM container barcodes on
container placards
Electronic documentation
(eDoc)
* Only when containerization is required
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Intelligent Mail Basic Option Requirements
Barcode ID
Ex: 00
for No OEL
Service Type ID
Mailer ID
Serial Number
Ex: 300
Ex: 123456
Ex: 000000000
for First-Class
®
USPS assigned
Mail ®
 Apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter and
flat mailpieces
 Populate ALL fields in the barcode
–
–
–
–
–
Barcode ID
Service Type ID
Mailer ID
Serial Number
Routing Code
Routing Code
Ex: 6449
Amberview Ct.,
Memphis, TN
38141834649
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Intelligent Mail Full-Service Option Requirements
 Unique Intelligent Mail® barcodes on mailpieces, trays,
sacks and containers
 Electronic mailing Information which identifies mail owner
and mail preparer must be submitted using:
– Mail.dat®
– Postal Wizard
– Mail.XML®
SCF SAN FRANCISCO CA
STD FLTS SCF BC/NBC
940
XYZ CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN
(Mailer Area)
Intelligent Mail
barcode
Intelligent Mail
tray barcode
Intelligent Mail
container barcode
What is Intelligent Mail®?
Benefits of the Basic Option
 Ensures compliance with future plans
 Enables an easier upgrade to Full-Service option
 Integrates value-added service in one barcode
– Increases available marketing space on mailpieces
– Offers OneCode ACS® at less cost than traditional
ACS®
Agenda
 Important Dates
 What is Intelligent Mail?
 Intelligent Mail Barcodes
– Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
– IMb Specifications
– Data Fields in the IMb
– Key Barcode Checklist
– Barcode Placement
 Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
 Reply Mail
 Resources
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
 The IM barcode is similar to earlier Postal barcodes.
– Shares data fields with POSTNET (=Routing Code) and
PLANET Code (=Tracking Code) barcodes
– Similar footprint on the mailpiece, but with MUCH greater
data capacity
 The IM barcode is a vehicle for enabling services (on LETTERS
and FLATS).
– Allows Mail Processing Equipment to automatically route
mailpieces
– Allows for tracking of mailpieces through the mailstream
• Data available through the IMb Tracing® program
– Allows mailers to qualify for automation prices
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
 The POSTNET barcode routes the mailpiece during postal
processing.
 The PLANET Code provides tracking information and is used in
conjunction with the POSTNET barcode to provide mailers with:
– The date, time and location that outgoing IMb Tracing® mail
was inducted at a Postal facility
– The date, time, location and sort operation at which a
mailpiece was processed at a Postal facility
 IMb Tracing allows mailers to uniquely identify and receive mail
processing data for outgoing mailings and incoming reply
mailpieces.
 The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and the
PLANET Code.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes

POSTNET barcode and PLANET Code
– Image-based fonts
– Do not require encoding algorithms
• POSTNET Example: 53594 = 53594
• Visually determine the information….(74210)

Intelligent Mail barcode requires an encoding algorithm
– Bar-for-bar image
– Can not be determined visually, requires conversion with algorithms
INTELLIGENT MAIL BARCODE EXAMPLE: 0070012345620080000198765432101
DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
11-digit POSTNET™
13-digit PLANET Code®
Intelligent Mail® Barcode
62
72
65
0.020 ± 0.005 inch
0.020 ± 0.005 inch
0.020 ± 0.005 inch
22 ± 2 bars per inch
22 ± 2 bars per inch
22 ± 2 bars per inch
Height of Full Bar
0.125 ± 0.010 inch
0.125 ± 0.010 inch
0.145 ± 0.020 inch
Vertical Barcode
Clearance
Min: 0.040 inch
Min: 0.040 inch
Min: 0.028 inch
Voids
Max: 0.005 inch
Max: 0.005 inch
Max: 0.010 inch
Number of Bars
Bar Width
Horizontal Pitch
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
IMb Specifications
F A T D
For Letters and Flats
 Height-modulated barcode
 Encodes 31 digits of data into 65 bars
 Uses 4-State symbology
 Full bar, Ascender, Tracker, and Descender
Key Barcode Tolerances
 Overall length between 2.667 and 3.225 inches
 Overall height between 0.125 and 0.165 inch
 Vertical clear zone at least 0.028 inch
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
IMb Specifications
• A minimum clear zone of 0.125 inch
between the left and right edges of the
barcode is required.
• A minimum clear zone of 0.028 inch
above and below the barcode is
required.
• Maximum dot matrix spacing
must not exceed 0.010 inch.
0.010
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb
Intelligent Mail Barcode for Letters and Flats:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Service
Barcode Type ID
ID (2N)
(3N)
1
2
3
Barcode
ID (2N)




4
Service
Type ID
(3N)
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Mailer ID (6N)
5
6
7
8
9
10
14
15
6-Digit and 9-Digit Mailer IDs
16
17
18
19
20
21
Serial Number (9N)
11
12
Mailer ID (9N)
13
14
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Routing Code ( 0, 5, 9, or 11N )
19
20
Serial Number (6N)
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Routing Code ( 0, 5, 9, or 11N )
The Intelligent Mail® barcode for mailpieces is a height-modulated
barcode that encodes up to 31 digits of mailpiece data into 65 vertical bars
using 4-state symbology.
The maximum 31-digit string contains a 20-digit Tracking Code
representing the first 4 fields and a maximum 11-digit Routing Code.
The IMb™ is always 65 bars, regardless of ZIP Code® length, and does
not require a check-digit or frame bars.
All IMb fields can have numeric values only.
31
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Barcode ID
Barcode ID
Ex: 50
for Mixed AADC
 A 2-digit field reserved to encode the presort
identification printed in human-readable form on
the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL)
 Should be left as “00” if an OEL is not printed on
the mailpiece
 For automation flat-size mail, it must be populated
with OEL coding corresponding to sortation level.
 Use the link below to access the Barcode Identifier
list on RIBBS and select the correct OEL code
Service Type ID
Ex: 300 for
First-Class Mail®
Mailer ID
Ex: 123456
USPS assigned
Routing Code
Serial Number
Ex: 6449 Amberview
Ex: 200800001
Ct., Memphis, TN
Mailer assigned
38141834649
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/B
arcodeIdentifier.pdf
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID
Service Type
Identifier (STID)
Ex: 300
for First-Class Mail®
Barcode ID
Ex: 50
for Mixed AADC
 A 3-digit field used to identify the class of
mail and any additional or special services
requested for the piece such as OneCode
ACS, IMb Tracing, or no service
 Defines the mailpiece as Full-Service, Basic
or Non-Automation
 Used to determine the disposition of
Undeliverable-As-Address (UAA) mail and
the form of address correction desired by the
mailer
 Use link below to access the STID Chart on
RIBBS
Mailer ID
Ex: 123456
USPS assigned
Routing Code
Serial Number
Ex: 6449 Amberview
Ex: 200800001
Ct., Memphis, TN
Mailer assigned
38141834649
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/stid.pdf
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID*
 *Consult Appendix A, page 115, from A Guide to Intelligent Mail
for Letters and Flats and page 28 for STID list.
Class of Mail
Address Correction Option
No Address Corrections
Manual Corrections *
Traditional ACS – ASR *
Traditional ACS – ASR Opt 2 *
Traditional ACS – CSR *
Traditional ACS – CSR Opt 2 *
OneCode ACS – ASR
First-Class Mail
OneCode ACS – ASR Option 2
OneCode ACS – CSR
OneCode ACS – CSR Option 2
Full-Service ACS – ASR
Full-Service ACS – ASR Opt 2
Full-Service ACS – CSR
Full-Service ACS – CSR Opt 2
Basic option1 or
Non-auto2
w/o Confirm
Basic option1 or
Non-auto2
w/ Confirm
300
700
080
080
082
082
080
080
082
082
310
040
140
140
240
240
140
140
240
240
Full- Service
w/o Confirm1
Full- Service
w/ Confirm1
260
036
081
081
083
083
270
041
141
141
241
241
P
M
A
X
E
081
081
083
083
141
141
241
241
Y
L
N
O
LE
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_guides/documents/tech_guides/GuidetoIntelligentM
ailLettersandFlats.pdf
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the STID
Basic Option Services (separate fees & STIDs)




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


No services
Manual address correction
Traditional ACS®
OneCode ACS®
IMb Tracing®
Manual address correction with IMb Tracing
Traditional ACS with IMb Tracing
OneCode ACS with IMb Tracing
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Use the MID
 Used to identify the mail owner or
mail preparer
 A 6-digit or 9-digit field that is
assigned by the USPS
 Required in the Intelligent Mail
Barcode
Barcode ID
Service Type ID
Ex: 50
Ex: 300 for
for Mixed AADC First-Class Mail®
https://gateway.usps.com
Mailer ID (MID)
Ex: 123456
USPS assigned
Routing Code
Serial Number
Ex: 6449 Amberview
Ex: 200800001
Ct., Memphis, TN
Mailer assigned
38141834649
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Use the MID
 MIDs are acquired and managed through the Mailer ID
service on the Business Customer Gateway.
 The MID is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the Postal
Service® based primarily on documented historic mail
volume.
 A 6-digit MID may be issued based on annual volume
of 10 million pieces.
 A single 9-digit MID may be issued regardless of
annual volume.
 Additional 9-digit MIDs may be issued based on
annual volume in increments of one million pieces.
 6-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 0 – 8
 9-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 9
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID
All postal business customers log
on to the new Business
Customer Gateway through a
single sign on using
Gateway usernames and
passwords to access all online
services.
https://gateway.usps.com
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID
MID Summary page will
display all Mailer IDs that
are associated to the
selected business location.
To request a new Mailer ID
select Request a MID.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID
System will display the
number of MIDs that are
available for the business
location.
Select type of MID, enter
the number of MIDs
requesting and click
Request MIDs.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Request a Mailer ID
Select for the system to
automatically generate the
MID or request a specific
MID number to see if
available.
Select the program for
which you are requesting
to use the MID.
Select Request MIDs.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Serial Numbers
 A 6 or 9-digit field defined by the mailer
 Can be populated with a number that
uniquely identifies each mailpiece
becoming a unique Mailpiece ID
 May be populated with a number that is
unique to a mailing, becoming a unique
Mailing ID
 Not required to be unique when qualifying
for Basic automation prices
Barcode ID
Service Type ID
Ex: 50
Ex: 260 for
for Mixed AADC First-Class Mail®
Mailer ID
Ex: 123456
USPS assigned
Serial
Number
Ex: 200800001
Mailer assigned
Routing Code
Ex: 6449 Amberview
Ct., Memphis, TN
38141834649
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Serial Numbers
 The uniqueness method is left up to the mailer.
 Can be zeroes or static non-sequential number for Basic
option
 Uniqueness can be achieved by serializing the
mailpieces.
 Embedding Julian Date
 Embedding Mailing Events
 Using Recipient Identifier
 Using Database or Mailing Record ID
 IMb must be unique for the Full-Service option for 45
days from the date of induction into the Postal Service.
 Uniqueness is determined by the 6- or 9-digit MID and
the 6- or 9-digit Serial Number, in conjunction with the
class of mail as indicated by the STID.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Data Fields in the IMb – Select the Routing Code
 5-digit, 9-digit, or 11-digit field that identifies the
Routing Code
delivery ZIP Code data in the address (same
routing information currently used in the
Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct.,
POSTNET™ barcode)
Memphis, TN
 Routes the mailpiece during processing
38141834649
 When used on automation-price eligible letters
and flats, the routing code must contain an 11digit delivery point code
 11-digit delivery point routing codes are not
permitted on Business Reply Mail
Barcode ID
Service Type ID
Ex: 50
Ex: 300 for
for Mixed AADC First-Class Mail®
Mailer ID
Ex: 123456
USPS assigned
Serial Number
Ex: 200800001
Mailer assigned
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Key IM™ Barcode Checklist
 Barcode ID must be “00” if an OEL is not printed on the piece.
 Service Type ID is required for processing.
– At a minimum provide Mail Class; do not use “000”!
 Mailer ID is required for everyone.
– OneCode ACS, IMb Tracing, Basic and Full-Service options (can
be yours or your mail preparer’s)
– Do not populate with fictitious number or zeroes.
 Serial Number
– For the Basic service, the Serial number does not need to be
unique and can be the same on all mailpieces.
 Routing Code, MUST be a valid ZIP Code.
– Derived from CASS-certified software that accurately matches
the delivery address
– Must never be padded with zeroes, spaces or nulls; same as
POSTNET
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb™)
Placement





Placement and processing rules are similar to POSTNET barcode
Placement on letters:
– Address block or
– Barcode clear zone in the lower right
Placement on flats:
– On address side and
– At least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece
Only one IMb™ should be placed in the same area
May have an IMb™ on the non-automation portion of a machinable mailing
JMCXNM5 38141
Agenda
 Important Dates
 What is Intelligent Mail?
 Intelligent Mail Barcodes
 Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
– What you need
– IM Barcode Encoding
 Reply Mail
 Resources
Implementing the IMb™
What you need…
 A USPS or vendor-developed barcode encoder and
font for the Intelligent Mail Barcode. You will also
need:
Barcode ID
Presort Software
Service Type
Class of Mail and Required Service (none,
ACS, IMb Tracing)
Mailer ID
Mailer or Mail Preparer – Assigned by
USPS
Serial Number
Data Management Plan – Assigned by
Mailer
CASS™-MASS™ /DPV®/LACSLink®
Routing Code
software
Implementing the IMb™
Intelligent Mail Barcode Encoding
 Created by downloading and installing the encoder and font
– The encoder converts the 20-digit tracking code and routing
code, a maximum of 11-digit into a combined 65-character
string representing the ADFT characters.
– A special font is required to convert 65 ADFT character
string into the IMb.
 Height-modulated barcode and uses 4-state symbology: Full
bar, Ascender, Tracker, and Descender
IMb™ example: 0070012345620080000198765432101
DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT
Implementing the IMb™
Available Encoders
Language and Applications Supported*
Operating System
C
Java 2
COBOL
PL/1
MVS, z/OS, and OS/390
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
VSE/ESA
Yes
Yes
Yes
OS/400
Yes
Yes
AIX
Yes
Yes
Linux
Yes
Yes
Solaris
Yes
Yes
HP/UX
Yes
Yes
Mac OS X
Yes
Yes
Programmer Version for Windows
Yes
Yes
MS Office Version for Windows
MS Access
MS Excel
Yes
Yes
Yes
* Support for 64-bit Windows, Linux, and Solaris as well as for Assembler on MVS/VSE
Implementing the IMb™
Generate the Barcode

There are three steps required to generate the
Intelligent Mail® barcode on letters & flats:
1.
2.
3.
Form the 31-digit payload
Encode the 31-digits
Print the barcode on mailpieces
Implementing the IMb™
Form the 31-digit Payload
Step 1
Gather and assemble data to form the 31-digit
Payload
Form 31-digit
Payload
USPS
Technical
Resource
Guide
Mailing List
DB
5070012345620080000138141834649
Barcode ID
Service Type
Mailer ID
Serial Number
Routing Code
Ex. 50
Ex. 700 for
Ex. 123456
Ex: 200800001
Ex. 38141834649
for Mixed AADC
First-Class Mail
USPS-assigned
Mailer-assigned
Delivery Point ZIP
Implementing the IMb™
Apply Encoding Algorithm
Step 1
USPS
Technical
Resource
Guide
Form 31-digit
Payload
Mailing List
DB
0070012345620080000198765432101
Step 2
Encoder
Library
Apply Encoding
Algorithm
DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT
Download encoders and user guides from http://RIBBS.USPS.GOV/ONECODESOLUTION
Implementing the IMb™
Print
Step 1
USPS Technical
Resource Guide
Step 2
Encoder Library
Step 3
Form 31-digit
Payload
Mailing List DB
00700123456200800001987654321
01
Apply Encoding
Algorithm
DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAA
FTFTADTTT
USPS or Vendor
Developed Font
Package
Printer-Specific
Fonts
Print Intelligent
Mail® Barcode
Agenda




Important Dates
What is Intelligent Mail?
Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
 Reply Mail
– Future Requirements
– IMb Artwork at No Charge
 Resources
Reply Mail
Proposed IMb Requirements for Reply Mail
Business Reply Mail
 Qualified Business Reply Mail
– Any QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute will be
required to bear an IMb
– QBRM is only a postcard and letter (up to 2 oz.) product
 Permit Reply Mail
– Any PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute,
regardless of method, will be required to bear an IMb
Reply Mail
Online IMb Artwork Offered by USPS




USPS offers online artwork capabilities for PostalOne! users via the
Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool at:
https://www.usps.com/business/reply-mail-solutions.htm
– The ABRM tool can provide artwork for letter and card-size pieces
of domestic Reply Mail
ABRM can be used to produce:
– Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM)
– Business Reply Mail (BRM)
– Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM)
Mailpiece Design Analysts may be able to assist with other artwork
requests. Customers in need of Mailpiece Design assistance may
contact the MDA Support Center by dialing 855-593-6093 or sending a
request via email to mda@usps.gov
Envelope Manager and Dazzle software used by USPS
– Available for purchase by contacting manufacturer at Endicia.com
Agenda





Important Dates
What is Intelligent Mail?
Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Implementing Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Reply Mail
 Resources
– Validation and Tools
– Summary with Online Information
Resources
Test & Validate
 Ensure the test plan has pre-established results.
– Know the CORRECT results and use available tools to
ensure outcomes match them.
 Validate input
– Ensure all data elements for barcode content match
either yours or your customer’s specifications.
 Validate output
– Print samples from each piece of equipment that could
be used in actual production.
– Provide samples to USPS® MDA / service providers.
Resources
Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standard
Template – Notice 3-A
 This template is
used to determine
the size, shape,
aspect ratio, and
thickness
requirements for
letter processing.
 Provided to
mailers at no
charge
Resources
Automation Template – Notice 67
 Multi-purpose template used to
determine the automation
compatibility of letter-size
mailpieces.
 Will evaluate:
– Delivery address area
– Address & window clearances
– Address print characteristics
– Address block barcode
clearances
– Lower right barcode
placement
– Reply Mail guidelines
 Provided to mailers at no charge
Resources
Automation Barcode Gauge – Item 04A
 Automation Barcode Gauge
Template (Item #04A)
 Measures barcode length
skew, pitch, clear zones, and
bar parameters of the
POSTNET™ and Intelligent
Mail® barcodes
 Latest version produced
December 2009, Revision G
 Provided to mailers at no
charge
Resources
Optical Comparator – Eyepiece Reticle
 Optical Comparator 6X
(Eye Gauge) by GageLine Technology
 Complements Item 04A
with ability to measure
bar parameters, bar
skew, bar pitch, etc.
 Mailers can purchase
from vendor
Resources
Basic online decoder tool is available at:
http://ribbs.usps.com/OneCodeSolution
In Summary…


Step 1 – Talk to Suppliers and Vendors that Generate Barcodes
Step 2 – Talk to USPS Representatives About Barcode Requirements
– To find your local Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager, go to:
http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-bme.html
– For PostalOne! and Intelligent Mail support call the Help Desk at:
1-800-522-9085
– To request assistance from a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) contact the
MDA Support Center at 855-593-6093 or send a request via email to
mda@usps.gov

Step 3 – Review Guides and Specifications Online at: http://ribbs.usps.gov
- A Resource Map to Intelligent Mail® Documents
http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailguides
- A Beginner’s Overview to Intelligent Mail Services
http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailguides
In Summary…




Step 4 – To Apply for a Mailer ID using the Business Customer
Gateway Go To:
– https://gateway.usps.com
Step 5 – To Download Windows and Mainframe Encoder Software and
Fonts Go To:
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/download.cfm
Step 6 – Create a Migration Plan to Your Production Environment
Step 7 – To Plan and Construct Your Barcode
- Review the Intelligent Mail Barcode Specification at:
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tec
h_guides/SPUSPS-B-3200E001.pdf
- Review the Steps to Create the Intelligent Mail Barcode at:
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmailpieces
- Review Barcoding Regulations in the Domestic Mail Manual
- http://pe.usps.com/
In Summary…
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Step 8 – Populate the Barcode Fields
– To Select the Barcode ID Field Go To: Barcode Identifier Document on
RIBBS Website
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/t
ech_guides/BarcodeIdentifier.pdf
– To Select the Service Type ID Go To: A Guide to Intelligent Mail for
Letters and Flats, Appendix A, Page 115
- http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_guides/documents/tech_guides
/GuidetoIntelligentMailLettersandFlats.pdf
– Use Your Mailer ID or Your Mail Preparer’s Mailer ID
– Select the Serial Numbers
• Create a Data Management Plan for Full-Service Uniqueness, or
Use the Same Number for all the Pieces in the Mailing for Basic
Service
– Select the Routing Code (same as the POSTNET)
• Use CASS-Certified Software
In Summary…
 Step 9 – Validate Your Barcodes & Submit for Testing to MDA
– Use the Online Encoder / Decoder
- http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/Default.aspx
- Review the List of Resources at:
- https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmailpieces
 For Additional Assistance
– Contact the National Customer Support Center at (877) 640-0724
– For PostalOne!® Information: http://usps.com/postalone/
– To request assistance from a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA)
contact the MDA Support Center at 855-593-6093 or send a
request via email to mda@usps.gov
 To Review the Latest Proposal & News Go To:
- Federal Register Notices
- http://pe.usps.com/FederalRegisterNotices.asp
Resources
The RIBBS Website provides extensive resources on Intelligent Mail®
Resources
You can view or download the Guides and Specifications from RIBBS
Resources
DMM Advisory is published weekly and provides
current information on Intelligent Mail®
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
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Weekly Updates
New Features
Release Information
Tips
Archive of Updates
To sign up email go to
dmmadvisory@usps.com
 http://pe.usps.gov/dmmAdvisory.asp
Questions?