Mailer Barcode Quality Industry Best Practices

1. Mailer Barcode QualityIndustry Best Practices MTAC November 6, 2002

2. Desired Outcome • Prepare and provide recommendations for best practices for mailer barcode quality as determined through the Merlin verification process. • Industry best practices to improve barcode quality for letters and flats • Value added reports for diagnostics of barcode quality • Suggestions on a Merlin users guide for customers • Communications plan for dissemination of the guidelines

3. Workgroup Status • Scott Hamel – USPS Co-Chair • Wanda Senne – Industry Co-Chair • Kathleen J. Siviter - Scribe • Workgroup Members – 26 Companies

4. Industry Best Practices • Two Sub-groups Formed: • Mailer’s Best Practices • Ernie Broennie, Mail Unlimited • Vendor’s Best Practices - Inkjet Addressing Guidelines • Mark Breunig, Domino Amjet • Ramona Krogman, Videojet • Maureen Creely & Chuck Somerville, Scitex • Mail Preparation Quality

5. MERLIN Report Enhancements • July Software Release • Current Software Version Number for MERLIN machines is posted on MERLIN Web Site • November 2002 • Additional Releases As Needed • Rates • DMM, Federal Register

6. MERLIN Barcode Error Reference Guide • Hernan A. Borja, USPS Engineering • August 10, 2002 • Update to Existing Publication • Methodology • Thresholds • Reporting Errors • Error Code Descriptions • Easier to Understand

7. Mailer’s Guide to MERLIN • Kathleen J. Siviter – Postal Consulting Services, Inc. for PostCom • What is MERLIN • Preparing for MERLIN Deployment – Phases • Mailer Tips for Successful Barcode Readability • Resources • Contacts

8. Communications • National Postal Forum • September Issue of “Mailer’s Companion“ • Business Service Network • National Account Managers • USPS Web Site • MERLIN Training in Norman Oklahoma • Mailer Associations

9. Obstacles • Each member followed through on most commitments • Commitments not met, other members of the group “picked up the ball” – team approach • Meeting Etiquette

10. Group established target completion dates for overall tasks Target dates for interim tasks Well defined objectives Stayed on track Got agreement as went along Wouldn’t expand focus Agenda created and sent to group well in advance of meetings Tips

11. Co-Chairs met in person prior to each meeting to organize Minutes taken by capable person who agreed to task ahead of meeting. For most part, participants were prepared in advance of meetings Used status grid to track progress Tips

12. Status Grid

13. Timeline • Meetings • May 15th • June 11th • July 15th • August 6th • November 5th • Sunset

14. Questions? And Answers