Transcript Slide 1

How to Produce
Intelligent Mail® Barcodes for
Letters, Flats and Containers
Geriann Wakely & Michael Rizzi
United States Postal Service
June 21, 2010
1
Why are we here?
To discuss what you need to know to be able
to produce the IMb™ for letters and flats, the
IM tray label and the IM container placard
which are integral to Full-Service.
2
Agenda
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What is Intelligent Mail?
Important Dates
Benefits of Intelligent Mail
Data Fields in the IMb™ for Mailpieces
Comparison of IMb™ Service Options
IMb™ Specifications for Mailpieces
Implementing the IMb
Barcode Symbology Overview
IM Tray & Sack Barcode
IM Container Barcode and Placard
Print Quality & Certification
Top 5 Issues
Resources
Contacts
Questions?
3
What is Intelligent 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
 Business Reply Mail®
4
Data Fields in the IMb™ for Mailpieces
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)

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
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 5 field, maximum 31-digit
string that converts into 65 bars of 4 different heights.
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
Unique mailpiece, tray and container barcodes required for 45 days from
the date of induction into the Postal Service
5
31
Comparison of IMb™ Service Options
6
IMb™ Specifications for Mailpieces
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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
Only
when
Delivery
Point ZIP
Code
JMCXNM5 38141
7
IMb™ Specifications for Mailpieces (Continued)
 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
8
IMb™ Specifications for Mailpieces (Continued)
 Fonts – Clearance and Voids:
 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
9
IMb™ Specifications for Mailpieces (Continued)
 Fonts – Barcode Tilt:
 Barcode skew for letter mail pieces shall be limited to ±5°
 There is no barcode skew requirement on flat mail pieces.
 The maximum bar rotation acceptable on flat mail pieces
shall be ±10° from a perpendicular to the center line of the
barcode
< +5° max
CL
CL
> -5° max
CL
< +5° max
CL
Barcode Skew
> -5° max
Bar Rotation
10
Implementing the IMb™
 Step 1: Know the Options
 Talk to your business partners & USPS
 Build a team
 Review guides and specifications
 Plan for feedback
 Create a migration plan to your production
environment
11
Implementing the IMb™ (Continued)
 Step 2: Download and Install the Encoder and Font
 Users can download a library of IMb™ fonts and
computer source code from the Fonts and Encoders
Download page on RIBBS
https://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/download.cfm
 Verify the print quality by producing samples and
validating that the barcodes meet specifications
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/docum
ents/tech_guides/SPUSPS-B-3200E001.pdf
 Consult the Technical Resource Guide for clarifications
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/docum
ents/tech_guides/USPSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pd
f
12
Implementing the IMb™ (Continued)
 Step 3: Apply for a Mailer Identifier
 New MIDs are assigned through the Business
Customer Gateway
https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm
 Mail owners and mail preparers will be assigned
six- or nine-digit MIDs based on annual mail
volume as verified by the USPS. The six-digit
MIDs assigned begin with ‘0’ through ‘8’; nine-digit
MIDs begin with ‘9’.
 Consult the RIBBS website for clarifications
http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmai
lidapp
13
Implementing the IMb™ (Continued)
 Step 4: Populate the Barcode Fields
 The five IMb™ fields are the Barcode Identifier, the
STID, the MID, the Serial Number, and the Routing
Code
 Determine the correct Barcode Identifier by referencing
the IMb™ Technical Resource Guide
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/docum
ents/tech_guides/USPSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pd
f
 Select the appropriate STID based on the class of mail,
the ACS service desired and whether Confirm service
is utilized by consulting A Guide to Intelligent Mail® for
Letters and Flats
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_guides/documents/
tech_guides/GuidetoIntelligentMailLettersandFlats.pdf
14
Implementing the IMb™ (Continued)
 Step 5: Put Everything Together
 Populate and put the five fields together to form
the 20- to 31-digit string, encode it to 65
characters, and convert the 65-character string
using the IMb™ font to form the 65-bar Intelligent
Mail® barcode
 On letters, the Intelligent Mail® barcode can be
placed in the address block or in the barcode clear
zone
 On flats, it can be placed on the address side at
least 1/8 inch from the edge of the piece.
 Check your output by validating it with the Online
Encoder and Decoder provided by the USPS
http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/Default.aspx
15
Implementing the IMb™ (Continued)
 Step 6: Additional Items for Full Service
 Create the IM tray label
https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailtraylabel
 Create the IM container barcode
https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailcontainer
 Develop the eDoc for your mailing
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_guides/documents/tec
h_guides/user_access/user_access.htm
 Access the Test Environment for Mailers
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_gateway/documents/t
ech_guides/TEMCHECKLIST.pdf
 Become familiar with FAST appointment scheduling
https://fast.usps.com/fast/main/viewLandingPage.action
16
The Intelligent Mail®
Tray Label
17
The Intelligent Mail® Tray & Sack Label
Legacy 10-digit
Tray Label
Transitional 10/24-digit
Intelligent Mail®
Tray Label
24-digit
Intelligent Mail®
Tray Label
The legacy tray label contains only routing (i.e. ZIP code)
information and is not unique!
18
Pure 24-digit IM™ Tray Label
Content
Processing
ZIP Code®
Identification
Code
e.g. Memphis, TN Number (CIN)
Ex. “1” for
38141
3-digits describing Automation
the mail in the tray Compatible
Mailer ID
Ex. “123456”
USPS
Assigned
Serial
Number
Ex.
“20080001”
(Mailer
Assigned)
There are two constructs to support 6 and 9-digit Mailer IDs
Label Type
Ex. “1”
indicating a
6-digit MID
19
INTELLIGENT MAIL® TRAY BARCODE
CONSTRUCT 1 – 6 DIGIT MAILER ID
Field
No.
Field
Description
Field Size
Character
Position
1
Allowable Values
ZIP Code
5
1-5
3- (2 trailing zeroes) or 5digit ZIP
2
CIN
3
6-8
3-Digit CIN on Mailer
CIN list (DMM)
3
Processing
Code
1
9
4
Mailer ID
6
10 - 15
USPS-assigned ID with
the leading digit ranging
from “0” through “8”
5
Serial
Number
8
16 - 23
Mailer or System Defined
6
Label Type
1
24
“1” or “7” Only
“1” (Only)
20
INTELLIGENT MAIL® TRAY BARCODE
CONSTRUCT 2 – 9 DIGIT MAILER ID
Field
No.
Field
Description
Field Size
Character
Position
1
Allowable Values
ZIP Code
5
1-5
3- (2 trailing zeroes) or 5digit ZIP
2
CIN
3
6-8
3-Digit CIN on Mailer
CIN list (DMM)
3
Processing
Code
1
9
4
Mailer ID
9
10 - 18
USPS-assigned ID with
the leading digit being “9”
5
Serial
Number
5
19 - 23
Mailer or System Defined
6
Label Type
1
24
“1” or “7” Only
“8” (Only)
21
IM™ Tray Label Barcode Symbologies
 The transitional 10/24-digit IM Tray label has both a:
 10-digit Interleaved 2-of-5 (I 2-of-5) barcode; and
 A 24-digit ISS Code 128 barcode
 The pure 24-digit IM Tray Label has only a 24-digit
ISS Code 128 barcode
22
Code 128 Symbology
 Code 128 is a linear, high-density, alphanumeric
barcode symbology capable of encoding the 128character (ASCII character) set and extended
character sets
 Contains start & stop characters
 Four function codes (FNC 1 – FNC 4)
 Three encodable character sets (subsets)
 A, B, & C
23
Generating IM™ Tray Labels
 You will need:
 USPS-assigned Mailer ID (MID)
 Content Identification Number (CIN) List
 Labels can be produced by:
 Implementing the published specifications,
USPS-L-3191 and USPS-L-3216 available
on: http://ribbs.usps.gov/
 Using the Web-based Customer Label
Distribution System (CLDS) to submit label
orders to the Topeka LPC;
 Review the Domestic Mail Manual for guidance
on adoption and usage
24
MAILER / ACCEPTANCE UNIT AREA
The Intelligent Mail®
Container Barcode & Placard
25
INTELLIGENT MAIL® CONTAINER BARCODE
 The barcode uses the GS1-128 barcode symbology
(formerly known as UCC/EAN Code 128)
 There are two constructs to support 6 and 9-digit
Mailer ID’s
 The barcode will be used on “pallet” placards per
DMM guidelines
 The data includes: Application Identifier, Type
Indicator, Mailer ID and Serial Number
26
GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128)
 Universal Code Council (UCC) became Global
Standards 1 (GS1) and consequently UCC/EAN-128
was renamed GS1-128
 GS1-128 is an application-specific variant of Code
128
 The key difference is the use of Application Identifiers
(AIs) and non-data function characters (e.g. FNC 1)
27
Code 128 - Code Subsets
 Code Subset A – Uppercase
Alphanumeric characters
 Code Subset B – Alphanumeric
characters
 Code Subset C – Numeric characters
only
28
Application Identifier
 The Application Identifier (AI) categorizes the specific
data set that immediately follows it.
 Each AI uniquely identifies the meaning and format of
the data that follows it.
 “420”, for example, is an AI that identifies the data
following it as a postal routing code (ZIP).
 “99”, for example, is an AI for “intra-company use”
that we use to identify our logistics barcodes.
29
IM™ Container Barcode Symbology
 GS1-128 (Formerly UCC/EAN-128)
 Barcode elements:
 Start Code
 Subset B & C allowed
 Function 1 Code (FNC1)
 Application Identifier
 Mod Check 103 (part of the barcode overhead)
 Stop Code
30
INTELLIGENT MAIL® CONTAINER BARCODE
CONSTRUCT 1 – 6 DIGIT MAILER ID
Field
No.
Field
Description
Field
Size
Character
Position
Logical
Values
Allowable
Values
1
Application
Identifier
2
1-2
Numeric
“99” (Only)
2
Type Indicator
1
3
Alpha
“M” (Only)
3
Mailer ID
6
4-9
Numeric
USPS-assigned ID
with the
leading digit
ranging from
“0” through “8”
4
Serial Number
12
10-21
Alphanumeric
Mailer-defined
31
INTELLIGENT MAIL® CONTAINER BARCODE
CONSTRUCT 2 – 9 DIGIT MAILER ID
Field
No.
Field
Description
Field
Size
Character
Position
Logical
Values
Allowable
Values
1
Application
Identifier
2
1-2
Numeric
“99” (Only)
2
Type Indicator
1
3
Alpha
“M” (Only)
3
Mailer ID
9
4-12
Numeric
USPS-assigned ID
with the
leading digit
being “9”
4
Serial Number
9
13-21
Alphanumeric
Mailer-defined
32
The Intelligent Mail® Container Placard
SCF SAN FRANCISCO CA
STD FLTS SCF BC/NBC
940
XYZ CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN
(Mailer Area)
Application
Identifier
99
Type
Indicator
M
Mailer ID
Ex: 123456
USPS-Assigned
Serial Number
Mailer-Defined, Ex:
200800000001
Previously container placards were not barcoded and,
therefore, offered no visibility.
33
Intelligent Mail® Container Placards
(Two Configurations)
 Minimum 8“ high x 11“ wide
(landscape format)
 Top ½ must be retained for
USPS-required elements
 Bottom ½ may be used by
customer
 Can be larger than 8” x 11”
This format allows the entire bottom half of the placard for
mailer use
34
Intelligent Mail® Container Placards
(Two Configurations)
 Minimum 4“ high x 7“ long
(landscape)
 USPS-required elements
 Restricted Mailer / Acceptance
Unit Area:
 Bottom line of the placard
 No larger than 12 point font
 Placards must be affixed to two
adjacent sides on the outside of the
shrinkwrap or container
MAILER / ACCEPTANCE UNIT AREA
This format is designed for self-adhesive labels
35
Generating the IM™ Container Barcode & Placards
 Talk with your vendor about
generating the placard and
barcode
 For the latest Intelligent Mail®
Container Barcode specifications
review USPS-B-3215 on:
http://ribbs.usps.gov/
 Use the Domestic Mail Manual as
a resource
36
Print Quality & Certification
37
Barcode Quality
 The Production/Printing Process
 X-Dimension
 Label Substrate
 Your Printer’s Capabilities
 Tray Label Certification & Barcode Validation
 Top 5 Issues
38
The X-Dimension
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

Width of the narrowest bar in the symbology
Affects the overall length of the barcode
Must be printed according to USPS® barcode specification
Varies for each barcode/label configuration
 Legacy 10-digit
 Transitional 10/24-digit Label
 Pure 24-digit Label
 Container Barcode
39
Label Substrate Specifications
 Substrate is the base
material onto which images
will be printed.
 There are minimum
requirements for paper
weight and paper thickness
of labels.
 Requirements posted on
RIBBS.
40
Your Printer’s Capabilities
 Printer and software compatibility
 Importance of compatibility
 Print Drivers and Heads
 Ties in with quality control and certification
41
Intelligent Mail® Tray Label Certification
 The USPS has implemented a voluntary certification process
for the Intelligent Mail® Tray Label.
 Submit samples to the National Customer Support Center.
 Notify NCSC at 1-877-640-0724
 Detailed information available on RIBBS™
42
Barcode Testing & Validation
 For testing & validation contact your local Mailpiece
Design Analyst:
Mailpiece Design Analyst Locator
http://pe.usps.gov/mpdesign/mpdfr_mda_lookup.asp
 For certification contact the National Customer
Support Center (NCSC) Help Desk: at 1-877-6400764
43
Top 5 Issues

Top 5 issues since August 2009:
44
Demonstration of Resources continued
 Refer to the RIBBS website for detailed information
and guidance (continued)
 Online Encoder and Decoder
http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/Default.aspx
 Intelligent Mail Services Latest News
http://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_latestnews/int
elligentmail_latestnews_print.htm
 Consult the Domestic Mail Manual for USPS
standards
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/708.htm#wp135281
7
45
Demonstration of Resources
 Refer to the RIBBS website for detailed information and
guidance
 Intelligent Mail Barcode for Mailpieces
https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmailpie
ces
 Intelligent Mail Education:
http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailpresent
ations
 IMb™ Specifications
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/docum
ents/tech_guides/SPUSPS-B-3200E001.pdf
 Intelligent Mail Barcode Resource Download Site
https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=intellmailmailpie
ces
46
Contacts
 Local Business Mail Entry (BME) Managers
http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-bme.html
 Mailpiece Design Analysts (MDA)
http://pe.usps.com/mpdesign/mpdfr_mda_lookup.asp
 Intelligent Mail Support Help Desk
[email protected]
 PostalOne!® Help Desk
[email protected]
 National Customer Support Center (NCSC) at 877640-0764
47
The LI PCC would like to thank
today’s session sponsor
Thank you
Pitney Bowes Presort Services
48
Questions?
49