MTAC Forms 3 New Work Groups
The Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) recently formed 3 new Work Groups numbered 144, 145 and 146. Details about these groups, including who to contact to join, are below.
MTAC Work Group #144 – Modify Intelligent Mail Container Barcode Construct (IMcb)
The USPS would like to enhance the current
IMcb to include destination processing facility information in the
barcode. Currently, the
IMcb is comprised of 4 data elements – Application Identifier, Type Indicator, Mailer ID and Serial number – and does not include any destination information. The added destination information will enhance visibility and handling of containers (pallets and rolling stock) to yield:
a) Enable commercial mailers visibility into USPS network
b) Improved reconciliation of mailings and revenue accuracy (Seamless Acceptance)
c) Enhanced commercial mail measurement
d) Improved forecasting and processing efficiencies
Desired Results:
Consensus on modification of barcode specification and placards
Agreement on the specific data element to identify destination processing facility
Consensus on an implementation plan/schedule
Contact:
To join this group, contact Stephen Dearing of the USPS at steve.m.dearing@usps.gov
MTAC Work Group #145 – Promote Significant Usage of 24-Digit Tray Labels
The USPS would like to expand the use of IMTb on all commercial mail mailings - today, the only requirement is for Full Service. The extension of IMTb to all commercial mail mailings - all trays, flat tubs and sacks - will allow for increased visibility in the network. This will:
a) Enable commercial mailers visibility into USPS network
b) Ensure unique identification of all tray and sack mail
c) Enhance commercial mail measurement
d) Improve forecasting and processing efficiencies
e) Reconcile mailings and ensure revenue protection
Desired Results:
- Consensus on objective and modifications to mailing standards
- Develop an implementation plan/schedule
- Agreement on a schedule for retiring legacy tray labels – 10-digit and 10/24-digit formats
- Identify and document implementation issues
Contact:
To join this group, contact Stephen Dearing of the USPS at steve.m.dearing@usps.gov
MTAC Work Group #146 – Providing Container, Tray and Piece Level Detail to Full-Service Customers
The value of mail increases when information is timely, reliable, consistent, accurate, and translated into meaningful content. The confirm service offered to mailers today provides limited visibility on mail based on scans received from mail processing equipment. This information is translated differently by CONFIRM subscribers to determine mailing performance which often leads to challenging mailer/USPS discussions. The subscriber does not receive scans from handling units (trays, etc.), transportation, and containers (pallet, containers, etc.). Mailers need mailing information to grow mail.
Desired Results:
Two phase implementation approach: Phase one will expedite the provisioning of additional scan data to Full Service mailers. Phase two will encompass all mailers that use Intelligent Mail barcodes consolidated and centralized into Mailing Information Systems (MIS). MIS will be capable of maintaining nesting relationships (associations/relationships between Mail Pieces, Handling Units (Trays), and Containers) in concert with transportation information such that visibility of a mailing is maintained throughout the USPS network.
- Phase one will provision tray and container scans along with nesting information to Full Service customers
- Enable users to select recipients of information based on CRID/MID and By/For relationships.
Contact:
To join this group, contact Stephen Dearing of the USPS at steve.m.dearing@usps.gov
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