Knowing mail preparation in advance of actually applying the names and addresses to the mail pieces and entering the mailing enables the mailing facility to better plan their mail operation and optimize the transportation of the mail.
The function of Mail.dat is to provide this mail make-up data in a readily usable and commonly understandable format. The mailing facility receives Mail.dat files from a number of list providers; thus it is imperative that the supplied files be uniform. The mailing facility can use a supplied Mail.dat file to plan production and transportation for a single mailing or several Mail.dat files from multiple providers can be considered simultaneously for co-loading and distribution efficiencies.
Uniformity of Mail.dat files is essential. Thus the mailing industry -- list facilities and mailing facilities alike -- have agreed on this industry standard format. Of course, what is beneficial within the industry is equally important when data is to be communicated to the Postal Service.
This common standard coming to the USPS permits verification and acceptance and postage calculation to be completed with higher accurately and greater efficiency. This source of data eliminates overwhelming piles of paper forms used by the mailing facility and post office and contributes to the effectiveness with which everyone in the mailing industry can process mailings.
Confirm Tracking, PAVE Testing, ESP, Mail Acceptance, Mail Verification, Postage Payment, Destination Entry, Additional Entry, NSA'a; these are but a few of the many mailing industry events that are supported, facilitated, optimized, and standardized through the use of Mail.dat.