Entries from January 1, 2006 - February 1, 2006
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.
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The Balance Between Automation and Creativity
January 26, 2006
I noticed an interesting article the other day regarding the Deputy Postmaster General and a presentation he gave regarding the proposed Flats Sequencing System (FSS). It was posted at http://www.dmnews.com/cgi-bin/artprevbot.cgi?article_id=35393.
Let me start by saying that I am all for automating the mail. The successes in postal automation are what have helped keep our postal rates stable for four years, drive the opportunities in worksharing, and continue to help push costs out of the system. The question I have lately is: Can we over-automate the system to the point where there is almost no more differentiation in the various mail pieces?
Here We Go Again...
January 24, 2006
Why is it that every time there is a change to postage rates, some organization starts spreading misinformation about how rates are set and in general how the system works? Usually, it comes from a competitive source to direct mail such as the newspaper industry. What surprised me this week is the posting at Americans for Tax Reform (http://www.atr.org/content/html/2006/Jan/01202006pr-postalhike.htm).
A Time to Innovate
January 18, 2006
The Byrds sang a song in 1966, with verses borrowed from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which talked about a time and season for everything. After four years of stable postal rates, it now appears a new verse is in order for the mailing industry – a time to innovate.
Another Way To Communicate
January 16, 2006
Welcome to a new year, a new set of postage rates, and a new method to share information. Welcome to my blog. What is a blog, you might ask? It’s a Web log where I will be posting several times a week to share and discuss current activities and perspectives in the commercial mailing industry.
There are many sources for information in this industry, but they are often a one-way street. Oh sure, there are the outstanding list serves and forums that exist, but these don’t always offer the chance to delve deeper into an industry-related issue. Moreover, they are often used as a sort of “help desk” for solving crisis situations.