Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008 - (Page 40)

from an operational and cost perspective. For instance, updating and modifying operations to comply with the IMB is a complex requirement, and there are a variety of software and operational implications. Also, many organizations have multiple databases and business rules that make adding or modifying software a particular challenge. For example, some ﬁnancial services and insurance companies have a lock-down period for several months when no coding, software changes and modiﬁcations to systems can occur based on their own internal rules. Recognizing the importance of these challenges, and having a collaborative, evolutionary approach to the successful implementation of the IMB, the USPS pushed back the mandate to May 2009 to coincide with an anticipated price change that same month. In addition, the Postal Service changed the proposed rule on the POSTNET barcode so mailers can earn discounts until May 2010. This collaborative approach to IMB implementation is a huge step forward to ensuring its success. Preparing to Implement the IMB For mailers, this collaborative approach and changes to timing of the IMB are a major beneﬁt. The other critical component is to heed Baruch’s advice and take action now to prepare for implementation. Below are a few key steps to consider: Leverage Available Resources to Educate Yourself — One of the most important things that mailers can do right now to prepare for implementing the IMB is to get educated and close any knowledge gaps. The USPS is hosting IMB conferences and an educational seminar series in major US cities. In addition, mailstream technology providers are oﬀering IMB webinars and customer education opportunities. 1 to a postal trade association or group, consider joining one, such as: Postcom (Association for Postal Commerce), www.postcom.org; The National Postal Policy Council (NPPC), www.postalcouncil.org; or the USPS’s Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), http://ribbs.usps.gov/mtac.html. By taking a proactive approach to prepare for the implementation of the IMB and taking these actions into consideration, mailers can help position their organizations for future success. The rewards will include the opportunity for greater postage discounts, reduced costs, improved operations and maximized customer response rates. It’s time to start laying down those pontoons; it will be time to cross before you know it. John L. Campo is Vice President of U.S. Postal Relations at Pitney Bowes. He is responsible for building key industry alliances at senior levels with other stakeholders interested in the future of mail, posts and carriers, and through these relationships, inﬂuence USPS policy, the Board of Governors and Postal Rate Commission. John can be reached at john.campo@pb.com. Pay Close Attention to Technical Speciﬁcations — Mailers should dig into the details of the technical speciﬁcations issued by the USPS and work closely with their own IT departments and external service providers to maximize the opportunities that the Intelligent Mail Barcode has to oﬀer. 2 3 Participate in Trade Associations and Groups — If you don’t already belong 40 MAY-JUNE 2008 | WWW.MAILINGSYSTEMSTECHNOLOGY.COM http://www.postcom.org http://www.postalcouncil.org http://ribbs.usps.gov/mtac.html http://www.kirkrudy.com http://www.kirkrudy.com http://www.mailingsystemstechnology.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008

Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Peer to Peer It’s an Inside Job Greening Your Mail Center Adopting an Automated Document Factory Intelligent Mail and Address Quality 7 Steps to Combat “Do Not Mail” A Successful Resolution Q&A with Dan G. Blair, Chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission The Intelligent Mail Barcode Developing High-Performance Teams Simple Strategies to Save You Money A Powerful Social Network With Change, Comes Opportunity Increasing the Deliverability of Mail Kate’s Slate Products & Services People of Distinction Advertiser Index Sho Time

Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.