Usps Bar Code Impb

Migrating to the Intelligent Mail Barcode
Greater Birmingham PCC

Lunch & Learn
Professional Certificate Program
April 18, 2013
Andre D. Kater, Mgr.
Business Mail Entry
Alabama District
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
How do Mailers obtain MIDS/CRIDS?
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
January 2014 Requirements
Full Service 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
Agenda
Important Dates
- Definition
- Classes of Mail
- Options & Requirements
- Benefits
How do Mailers Obtain MIDs & CRIDs
Reply Mail
Resources
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.
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
IMb Service Options Basic and Full-Service
Basic Full-Service
IM barcode on mailpieces Required * Required

IM tray barcode on tray &
Optional Required
sack labels
IM container barcodes on
Optional Required**
container placards
Electronic documentation
Optional Required
(eDoc)
Start-the-Clock NA Available
Automated address correction
NA Available
at no additional charge
*Will not qualify for Automation Prices in Jan., 2014
**Only when containerization is required
Intelligent Mail Basic Option Requirements
BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

ID TYPE ID EXAMPLE: 123456 NUMBER CODE
EXAMPLE: 300 FOR USPS ASSIGNED
EXAMPLE: 50 FOR EXAMPLE: EXAMPLE: 6449
MIXED AADC FIRST-CLASS MAIL 200800001 MAILER EARL CT, MEMPHIS,
ASSIGNED TN 38141834649
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
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

940
STD FLTS SCF BC/NBC
XYZ CORPORATION
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN
(Mailer Area)
Intelligent Mail
barcode Intelligent Mail
tray barcode Intelligent Mail
container barcode
Agenda
Important Dates
Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes
IMb Specifications
Data Fields in the IMb
Key Barcode Checklist
Barcode Placement
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
Benefits of Transitioning to the IMb

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.
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
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 0.010

must not exceed 0.010 inch.
Data Fields in the IMb
Intelligent Mail Barcode for Letters and Flats: 6-Digit and 9-Digit Mailer IDs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Barcode Service Serial Number (9N)

Mailer ID (6N) Routing Code (0, 5, 9 or 11N)
ID (2N) Type ID
(3N)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Barcode Service Serial Number (6N)

Mailer ID (9N) Routing Code (0, 5, 9 or 11N)
ID (2N) Type ID
(3N)
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 must have numeric values only.
Data Fields in the IMb : Select the Barcode ID
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 Intelligent Mail Technical Resource
Guide or the Intelligent Mail Barcode
Specification to select the correct OEL code if
producing auto flats.

https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/US
PSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pdf
Data Fields in the IMb - Select the STID
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, OneCode Confirm, or no service
Defines the mailpiece as Full-Service, Basic
or Non-Automation
Used to determine the disposition of
Undeliverable-As-Addressed (UAA) mail and
the form of address correction desired by the
mailer

https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mailpieces/documents/tech_guides/US
PSIMB_Tech_Resource_Guide.pdf
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

https://gateway.usps.com
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
Three ways to acquire a Mailer ID (MID)
Mailers requesting a Mailer ID (MID) must go to http://www.usps.com/
Select the Business Customer Gateway located on the bottom right hand corner of the web page.
A mailer must logon as an existing user or register as a new user to gain access to the Business Customer
Gateway.
Once logged on, select the "Mailer ID" link to obtain a MID.
Mailing Agents who require MIDs for their Mail Owner customers to obtain the benefits of Full Service
mailing need to follow the MID/CRID process located at:
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAgentExcelProcess.pdf
For mailers who cannot obtain the desired number or type of Mailer ID(s) through the Business Customer
Gateway-MID Tool or if the mailing agent is acting in behalf of the mail owner,
The customer must read the Mailer ID Application Process and/or the CRID/Mailer ID Agent Application
Process,
And the customer must print and complete the Mailer Application and the Additional Accounts Information
Sheet (as applicable).
The forms must be submitted to the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or the Mailpiece Design Analyst for
processing.
Obtaining a Mailer ID (MID)
In order to get a MIDs through the BCG, a

new user must create a Business Account
Once registered, a CRID for the business

location
New CRIDs will not be assigned to existing

user
What is a Customer Registration ID (CRID)?
Identifies customer at a unique? Business Location

Customer Identity across Postal Systems
Controls Access to Services, Applications, and Information
Used to identify mail owner or preparer in eDoc
23
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

Data Fields in the IMb: Select the Routing Code
5-digit, 9-digit, or 11-digit field that identifies
the delivery ZIP Code data in the address
(same routing information currently used in
the POSTNET barcode)
Routes the mailpiece during processing
When used on automation-price eligible
letters and flats, the routing code must
contain an 11-digit delivery point code
11-digit delivery point routing codes are not
permitted on Business Reply Mail

MIXED AADC FIRST-CLASS MAIL 200800001 MAILER 25 EARL CT, MEMPHIS,
Key IM Barcode Component Review
Barcode ID Service Type ID
Must be 00 if an Required for
OEL is not printed on processing
At a minimum
the piece provide Mail Class;
.
Barcode Service Type do not use 000
Routing Code ID ID
MUST be a valid ZIP
code
Derived from CASS- IM Barcode Mailer ID
certified software that Component
Review OneCode ACS,
accurately matches Routing
the delivery address Mailer IMb Tracing, Basic
Code and Full-Service
Must never be ID
padded with zeroes, options (can be
spaces or nulls; same yours or your mail
as POSTNET preparers)
Serial Do not populate
Number with fictitious
number or zeroes
Serial Number
For the Full Service, the Serial
number must be unique and
can not be used at a frequency
of less than forty-five (45) days.
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. (can be yours or your mail
preparers)
OneCode ACS, IMb Tracing, and Full-Service options (Do not
populate with fictitious number or zeroes.
Serial Number
For the Full Service, the Serial number must be unique and can
not be used at a frequency of less than forty-five (45) days.
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
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 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
Class of Mail and Required Service (none,

Service Type
ACS, IMb Tracing)
Mailer or Mail Preparer Assigned by
Mailer ID
USPS
Data Management Plan Assigned by
Serial Number
Mailer
CASS-MASS /DPV/LACSLink
Routing Code
software
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
31
Available Encoders
Language and Applications Supported*
Operating System C Java 2 COBOL PL/1 MS Access MS Excel
MVS, z/OS, and OS/390 Yes Yes Yes Yes
VSE/ESA Yes Yes Yes
OS/400 Yes 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 Yes Yes
* Support for 64-bit Windows, Linux, and Solaris as well as for Assembler on MVS/VSE
Generate the Barcode
There are three steps required to generate the

Intelligent Mail barcode on letters & flats:
1. Form the 31-digit payload

2. Encode the 31-digits
3. Print the barcode on mailpieces
Agenda
Important Dates
How do mailers obtain MIDs/CRIDs?
Reply Mail
Reminder: IMb Required
IMb Artwork at No Charge
Resources
Reply Mail
IMb Requirements for Reply Mail
Business Reply Mail

Qualified Business Reply Mail
QBRM is a postcard or letter (up to 2 oz.)
QBRM requires payment of the annual account
maintenance fee
All QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute are
required to bear an IMb effective January 2013
Permit Reply Mail

All PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute,
regardless of method, are required to bear an IMb
35
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 or locally by calling 205-521-0212 or by sending a
request via email to sabrina.d.cole-stewart@usps.gov
Envelope Manager and Dazzle software used by USPS
Available for purchase by contacting manufacturer at Endicia.com
Agenda
Important Dates
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 customers 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
Basic online decoder tool is available at:

http://ribbs.usps.com/OneCodeSolution
In Summary
Talk to their Build a team Review guides

business and specs
partners
Acquire a MID
Design and Plan for

Place the feedback
Test eDocs
barcode
Migrate to the
Production
Environment
In Summary, heres what you should do
Talk to your business partners Find out from your software vendors
and/or service providers what your Intelligent Mail Service plans are.
Talk to their
business
Just a few of the questions you may want to ask are:
partners
What are their Mailer ID plans?

Will they use their own or their clients?
What additional features/services are available?
Does the software support Mail.dat, Mail.XML or both?
Can they create and track unique serial numbers?
Can they support the Full-Service options?

Build a Team Work to put together a team that will help their implement
Intelligent Mail Services.
Build a team
Customers should include, consider and start to plan the following:
Include key stakeholders: IT, Finance, Business, Business Partners
Define the Value/Return on Investment (ROI)
Re-engineer their mail supply chain
Develop budget
Develop implementation plan
Review materials and seek support from resources

Review guides
and specs
Review Guides and Specifications Customers should access the

information they need from the following resources:
A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services
A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats
Postal Service Mail.dat Technical Specification
Postal Service Mail.XML Technical Specification
User Access to Electronic Mailing Information and Reports Guide

Acquire a MID
Mailers requesting a Mailer ID (MID) must go to http://www.usps.com/
Select the Business Customer Gateway located on the bottom right hand corner of the web page.
A mailer must logon as an existing user or register as a new user to gain access to the Business
Customer Gateway.
Once logged on, select the "Mailer ID" link to obtain a MID.
Mailing Agents who require MIDs for their Mail Owner customers to obtain the benefits of
Full Service mailing need to follow the MID/CRID process located at:
https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAgentExcel
Process.pdf
For mailers who cannot obtain the desired number or type of Mailer ID(s) through the
Business Customer Gateway-MID Tool or if the mailing agent is acting in behalf of the mail
owner,
The customer must read the Mailer ID Application Process and/or the CRID/Mailer ID Agent
Application Process,
And the customer must print and complete the Mailer Application and the Additional Accounts
Information Sheet (as applicable).
The forms must be submitted to the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or the Mailpiece Design
Analyst for processing.
In Summary, heres what our customers should do
Place the Barcode - To generate the IMb mailpiece barcode, tray

label barcode, and container label barcode they will need to do the
following:
Place the Plan for barcode data management
barcode
Services (Service Type Identifiers)
USPS provided Mailer ID (MID)
IMb encoder/decoder
USPS-developed font for the Imb
Content Identification Number (CIN) List
Code 128 subset C font for the IMb tray and container barcodes
Endorsements for address correction
Validate and test barcode

Design and Test Electronic Documentation Electronic

documentation is a crucial step in the process.
There are different requirements and uses for Basic and Full-Service options.
Basic: electronic documentation is optional

Design and
Electronic documentation includes postage statement
Test eDocs
Aggregate mailing data such as a USPS Qualification Report
Full-Service: electronic documentation is required

Electronic documentation includes postage statement
Aggregate mailing data and piece detail mailing data
Mail owner, mail preparers
Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces, trays and containers
Nesting relationships
Options:
Mail.dat
Mail.XML
Intelligent Mail Small Business Tool
Postal Wizard (9999 pieces maximum for Full-Service and documentation is not required)
In Summary, heres what our customers should do
Plan for Feedback

How will you use the Start-the-Clock and address correction
Plan for
feedback information?
Who will receive the data?
How will you receive the data?
How will you update your address lists?
Migrate to the Production Environment

Migrate to the Test barcodes
Production
Environment Test electronic submission of eDoc in the Test Environment
for Mailers
Receive validation for Full-Service prior to migrating to the
Production Environment
Finally
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 or locally call 205-521-0212
or via email to sabrina.d.cole-stewart@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
Weekly Updates
New Features
Release Information
Tips
Archive of Updates
To sign up email go to
dmmadvisory@usps.com
and in the subject line, type
SUBSCRIBE
http://pe.usps.gov/dmmAdvisory.asp
Questions?

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Migrating to the Intelligent Mail Barcode

Greater Birmingham PCC

To discuss the foundation of Intelligent Mail

March 2, 2012 Proposal

A technology that will support future generations of

A technology platform made possible by the suite of

IMb Service Options Basic and Full-Service

IM barcode on mailpieces Required * Required

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

Apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter

Intelligent Mail Full-Service Option Requirements

SCF SAN FRANCISCO CA

Comparison of IMb and POSTNET Barcodes

Benefits of Transitioning to the IMb

The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and

For Letters and Flats

Key Barcode Tolerances

A minimum clear zone of 0.125 inch

Maximum dot matrix spacing 0.010

Barcode Service Serial Number (9N)

Barcode Service Serial Number (6N)

The Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces is a height-

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

A 3-digit field used to identify the class of mail

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

Data Fields in the IMb Use the MID

In order to get a MIDs through the BCG, a

Once registered, a CRID for the business

New CRIDs will not be assigned to existing

Identifies customer at a unique? Business Location

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

BARCODE SERVICE MAILER ID SERIAL ROUTING

Key IM Barcode Checklist

What you need

Class of Mail and Required Service (none,

Created by downloading and installing the encoder and font

IMb example: 0070012345620080000198765432101

Operating System C Java 2 COBOL PL/1 MS Access MS Excel

MVS, z/OS, and OS/390 Yes Yes Yes Yes

VSE/ESA Yes Yes Yes

OS/400 Yes 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 Yes Yes

Generate the Barcode

There are three steps required to generate the

1. Form the 31-digit payload

IMb Requirements for Reply Mail

Business Reply Mail

Permit Reply Mail

Online IMb Artwork Offered by USPS

Test & Validate

Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standard

Automation Template Notice 67

Automation Barcode Gauge Item 04A

Basic online decoder tool is available at:

Talk to their Build a team Review guides

Design and Plan for

What are their Mailer ID plans?