One Code — A Vision for Address Quality
January 31, 2006
Have you looked at the address block on a mailpiece lately? Talk about information overload! We’ve got three to five lines of address information, a Postnet code, a Planet Code®, an Address Correction Service code, and an optional endorsement line. All of this is supposed to fit into a tiny window on the letter envelope given the contents don’t shift during handling to obscure the crucial information. For flat-sized mailpieces, we also need to make sure the label is not obscured with strapping materials or wrinkled shrinkwrap as well or lose the possibility of automation efficiencies.
Enter the new single barcode that replaces much of that information with a size no greater than the current Postnet code. Does this sound too good to be true? To some it is, to others it is another example of innovation and enhanced postal automation.
The barcode to which I refer is a 4-state code design known as the “4-CB.” A 4-state code looks like our current Postnet code; however, the bars can be in 1 of 4 states instead of 2: short, tall up, tall down, or full. With this new barcode, 31 numbers can be stored thus encompassing the codes for the delivery point barcode, Planet Code, ACS, and the OEL. It truly is a one code vision.
As important and innovative as this is, there are a few important concerns. First, unlike Postnet or Planet Codes, the 4-CB is not human readable. In other words, if the barcode cannot be read by the equipment, then all automation possibilities are lost. This certainly “raises the bar” for printing equipment.
The second problem is that the data contained in the 4-CB is numerical only. Remember, this code is supposed to replace the ACS information. ACS is alphanumerical data today, so we’re talking a potentially big change for ACS to work with this new code.
Those challenges aside, I think the new approach is great and I applaud the USPS® for selecting a code that truly balances the needs of the many versus the desires of the few. With this new code, not only will every mailpiece have the possibility for ACS updates, but also the means to be tracked via the Confirm® program. Visibility into the mailstream is vital for both the USPS as well as the industry.
You will hear more about this new 4-CB this year as the USPS finishes testing the code on flat-sized mailpieces. The tests on letter-sized mail have been very successful, including those with codes at half the original suggested height. This means that the new code not only will take up the same width as the current Postnet code, but also nearly the same in height. It truly is a one code for everything.
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Reader Comments (3)
Would there be a switch over to the new bar code (and all the changes to the ACS participant code) or would there be an overlap period where Postnet and Planet codes and the current ACS format would be used by some mailers, and the 4 state BC would be used by others?
Or if the 4 state works well on letter mail, but not on flats (until all flats are produced the same....) would it just be allowed on letters and the old formats be used on flats?
OK - so that's two questions.... but I guess they both concern the implementation plans of the USPS.
It is my understanding that the switch over from Postnet to 4-CB will be gradual. While the USPS equipment may indeed be able to read the code, the equipment to produce it is another matter.
The letter versus flats question is interesting. Obviously, the equipment to process them is different, which is why the USPS is running two different readability tests. I am expecting to hear positive news, hopefully at MTAC, on the flats readability for the half-height code. This would mean that we could use the same code size, thus supporting the “one code vision” for both types of mail.
It will be very interesting to see if letters or flats adopt the 4-CB first. You would think letters would because of the ACS and CONFIRM advantages. MLCOR support, though, is going to be the big question. Flats could benefit from theoretically improved APPS readability, so that could drive their adoption.
At any rate, we’ll likely be hearing more soon from the USPS on their rollout plans, so stay tuned!