March 27, 2006

Staying on top of changing postal issues has always been a daunting task. Lately, though, it seems that the changes have been coming faster and more frequent than ever before. Consider the recent rate case. With an implementation date of January 8, the USPS^® gave the industry less than sixty days to prepare. That is hardly enough time to properly prepare, test, and deliver software. However, Firstlogic still managed to do it despite the USPS making changes to postage statement right up to a few weeks before implementation.

Now with another rate case looming, rumored to be filed in April, staying informed is even more crucial. That’s why I thought I’d use this blog entry to talk about information sources, both current and new.

I’m guessing you probably are well aware of the USPS main website of www.usps.gov. However, have you used or visited what I consider to be the “postal underground” of http://ribbs.usps.gov? Here is where you will find the latest Federal Register Notices, customer support rulings, information on emerging USPS products, and the listings of certified solutions. There is a wealth of information there, but the hard part is putting it all into context for your business. That’s where you can turn to industry associations.

Firstlogic is proud to have been members of a number of industry associations for a long time. Associations like Postcom (www.postcom.org), IDEAlliance (www.idealliance.org), Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers (www.nonprofitmailers.org), MFSA (www.mfsanet.org), AMEE, and NAPM (www.napmweb.org) just to name a few are outstanding associations I often highly recommend to our customers to join. These associations will often post newsletters or host list serves to discuss industry related news and how they impact their members.

Another great way to stay informed of industry changes is getting involved with your local Postal Customer Council (PCC). Your local PCC will often offer educational events as well as larger venues such as the National PCC Day, which falls on September 20 this year. Firstlogic has been providing speakers for these various events for several years now and they have been great ways to not only help provide education sessions on the latest in tools, technologies, and best practices in address quality and mail preparation, but they are also wonderful ways to interface with our customers.

If you are currently a member of an industry association, I encourage you to leverage the connections. If you are not a member, then please check out some of the links I’ve provided. Whether you’re just starting out in mail or have been at it for decades like many of us here at Firstlogic, I am confident you will find your investment in participating through associations like these well worth it.