Open Forum

  • 1.  Scans for Flats - Non FSS Locations

    Posted 03-07-2017 07:16 PM
    Hello,

    We have some customers that are asking for statistics on the scans or visibility of any tracking activity they will get on Flats that are processed through Non-FSS USPS locations. Does anyone have any statistics or insight they can provide regarding this question/topic?

    Thank you in advance. 

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    Kristen McKiernan
    President
    AccuZIP, Inc.
    Atascadero CA
    800-233-0555
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  • 2.  RE: Scans for Flats - Non FSS Locations

    Posted 03-08-2017 06:40 AM

    Historically the scan rates have been pretty low, (don't have any specific numbers) but I expect that will be changing pretty dramatically this year as the USPS moves their new Informed Visibility platform into production.  There are a number of new "logical" scan events that will be introduced, including bundle scanning for flats which will allow the USPS to scan the top piece of the bundle and then based on using the eDoc correlate that scan event to all the pieces in that bundle.  

     

    Bob Schimek | Senior Director of Postal Affairs | Satori Software Inc.

    1301 5th Ave Suite 2200, Seattle WA 98101-2676

    Ph. 206-834-2611 | Cell. 608-799-0465 | Fx. 206-357-2901 | www.satorisoftware.com

     

    Simply Powerful

     




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Scans for Flats - Non FSS Locations

    Posted 03-08-2017 10:01 AM

    Flat pieces in Carrier Route bundles are not scanned. Pieces in 3dg and ADC bundles are scanned, usually. Pieces in 5dg bundles are variable. We find that in high Carrier-Route mailings (larger mailings/comail) we see about 80-85% of the 5dg pieces scanned. In mailings with less Carrier Route, we see up to 95% of the 5dg mail scanned. It is important to use a tracking tool that calculates the 'scannable' pieces for Flats, or your results will be very confusing and difficult to interpret.
    Additionally, you may want to use reporting that offers bundle scan data, so you can see scans on the Carrier bundles to assure the mail is moving through in a timely manner.
    We do have this type of reporting, if you would like to contact me for more information.
    Thank you



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    Maureen Noe
    IMsight Lead Consultant
    Quad/Graphics
    Sussex WI
    (414)566-2677
    Maureen.noe@...
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Scans for Flats - Non FSS Locations

    Posted 03-08-2017 12:16 PM

    Hi Kristen-

     I’d encourage you or Postal Affairs functionary to attend events like Postal Exchange that Idealliance recently hosted in Clear Water earlier this year.  Informed visibility and FSS were significant topics of discussion and the people in charge of these functions at the USPS were on hand to discuss industry concerns and share future deployment.  I commend Bob Schimek who responded to your query who was an active participant in this year’s event along with other software vendors Chris Lien, Angelo Anagnostopoulos, and Lisa Bowes to name a few.  You don't need to be a member of MTAC to participate!     



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    Scott Eganhouse
    V.P. Business Development
    TEC Mailing Solutions, LLC
    Sun Prairie WI
    (608) 825-8525
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Scans for Flats - Non FSS Locations

    Posted 03-08-2017 05:33 PM
    Thank you Bob Schimek and Maureen Noe for the helpful data and facts.  We did a detailed client analysis for this particular project and were able to obtain the information needed using the Mail Direction File and USPS FCM Auto Flats Mail Flow Chart to determine which postal facilities handle Standard Mail Flats on Pallets as well as the facilities that process on AFSM100 and UFSM1000 equipment. We provided a comprehensive list of Scans MODs as well for these Flats.

    As Maureen noted, we are also using our mail tracking and reporting solution and extensive custom proprietary algorithms in a secure process which extracts the records with 'expected' scans from the entire list. This way the Percent scanned is for the 'expected' and more accurately reflects our clients' expectations.

    Mr. Eaganhouse - Thank you for the known information on the Postal Exchange.  AccuZIP is a corporate sponsor of Idealliance and actively participates in POTC and other important industry meetings throughout the year.  

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    Kristen McKiernan
    President
    AccuZIP, Inc.
    Atascadero CA
    800-233-0555
    ------------------------------

    Original Message