Mailer Barcode QualityIndustry Best Practices

MTAC

November 6, 2002

Desired Outcome

Prepare and provide recommendations for best practices for mailer barcode quality as determined through the Merlin verification process. – Industry best practices to improve barcode quality for

letters and flats

– Value added reports for diagnostics of barcode quality

– Suggestions on a Merlin users guide for customers

– Communications plan for dissemination of the guidelines

Workgroup Status

Scott Hamel – USPS Co-Chair

Wanda Senne – Industry Co-Chair

Kathleen J. Siviter - Scribe

Workgroup Members – 26 Companies

Industry Best Practices Two Sub-groups Formed: Mailer’s Best Practices

– Ernie Broennie, Mail Unlimited Vendor’s Best Practices - Inkjet Addressing

Guidelines– Mark Breunig, Domino Amjet– Ramona Krogman, Videojet– Maureen Creely & Chuck Somerville, Scitex

Mail Preparation Quality

MERLIN Report Enhancements

July Software Release– Current Software Version Number for

MERLIN machines is posted on MERLIN Web Site

November 2002 Additional Releases As Needed

– Rates– DMM, Federal Register

MERLIN Barcode Error Reference Guide

Hernan A. Borja, USPS Engineering August 10, 2002 Update to Existing Publication

– Methodology– Thresholds– Reporting Errors– Error Code Descriptions– Easier to Understand

Mailer’s Guide to MERLIN

Kathleen J. Siviter – Postal Consulting Services, Inc. for PostCom

What is MERLIN Preparing for MERLIN Deployment – Phases Mailer Tips for Successful Barcode

Readability Resources Contacts

Communications National Postal Forum September Issue of

“Mailer’s Companion“ Business Service

Network National Account

Managers USPS Web Site MERLIN Training in

Norman Oklahoma Mailer Associations

Obstacles

Each member followed through on most commitments– Commitments not

met, other members of the group “picked up the ball” – team approach

Meeting Etiquette

Tips Group established target completion dates for

overall tasks– Target dates for interim tasks

Well defined objectives– Stayed on track

– Got agreement as went along

– Wouldn’t expand focus

Agenda created and sent to group well in advance of meetings

Tips

Co-Chairs met in person prior to each meeting to organize

Minutes taken by capable person who agreed to task ahead of meeting.

For most part, participants were prepared in advance of meetings

Used status grid to track progress

Status Grid

Timeline

Meetings– May 15th

– June 11th

– July 15th

– August 6th

– November 5th

Sunset

Questions?

And Answers