Here is a good article from the USPS PCC Insider on the Intelligent Mail push:
Intelligent Mail helps customers better manage their business
The Postal Service is working with the mailing industry to apply new technology to drive improvement in both service and efficiency. The Intelligent Mail barcode enables the tracking of individual mailpieces from creation by the mailer, entry into the Postal Service, through various stages of transportation and processing, up to the point of delivery.
This total mail visibility is a key to improving service, reducing costs and adding value to mail.
Among the customers currently using the Intelligent Mail barcode is JCPenney Company, Inc., one of the nation’s largest retailers. The company enters more than 1 billion pieces annually in letters, flats and catalogs, and company officials are excited about the value Intelligent Mail will bring to their company.
Along with the Intelligent Mail barcode on mailpieces, JCPenney also uses OneCode Confirm service and electronic documentation through the PostalOne! system. This combination allows the company to realize near real-time tracking on its retail marketing campaigns and review activity through online reports.
“The Intelligent Mail barcode along with OneCode Confirm will take the variability out of the mail, which will improve our overall delivery predictability,” says Ty Taylor, manager of Postal Affairs at JCPenney. “The data we receive back from the Postal Service will not only enable us to improve our marketing and logistical planning, but it also enhances the entire direct mail media experience to our JCPenney customers.”
Beginning in 2009, mailers will be required to use Intelligent Mail barcodes on automation letters and flats. Mailers will have two options. With “Full Service” Intelligent Mail, mailers apply Intelligent Mail barcodes to mailpieces, trays, sacks and pallets and submit electronic documentation. With the “Basic” option, mailers apply Intelligent Mail barcodes to mailpieces only.
For information about PostalOne!, go to usps.com/postalone. For questions about Intelligent Mail, contact the Intelligent Mail group at imaq@usps.gov.