The Postal Service’s unparalleled capacity to pick up and deliver mail and packages at every address in America has long been one of its defining attributes.
Now, as USPS folds new technologies into its delivery network, it’s applying this strength in new ways to benefit everyone. “Our goal is to embrace technology and enhance the value of mail and packages for mail owners, mail providers and consumers — from the first to the last mile,” said Chief Information Officer Ellis Burgoyne.
Underlying the Postal Service’s embrace of technology is the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), capable of capturing more robust information than previous technologies as mail or packages progress through the mailstream. With the IMb, mailers can eliminate paperwork as their mail or packages enter the network, link tracking information into a constant data stream with scanning, and predict with more certainty when letters and parcels will reach their destinations.
With IMb technology, USPS has improved the speed and efficiency of mail processing; eInduction, for example, verifies business mail has been accepted at the right facility and confirms the correct postage has been paid. Similarly, The Passive Adaptive Scanning System delivers tracking improvements and revenue protection at high-volume delivery units.
Technology also creates efficiencies in last-mile delivery operations. Dynamic routing and real-time delivery scans result in improved deliveries, better response to last-minute pick-up requests, and expansion of service options.
With technology, Burgoyne said dynamic processing and mail visibility will continue to build a robust business intelligence platform to support mail and package growth strategies. “It will help USPS create powerful and new services and products,” he said. “And it will help build stronger and enduring relationships with our customers, whether we’re working with them at the first mile or delivering to them at the last.”
Click here to visit a website with more information on how technology is changing the mail.
USPS News Link Story – First to last mile.
Whether this is a good thing or not is debatable. Regardless, we still have to work with the PASS. I work at a location with three separate areas of pitching (we have just over 100 carriers). We have only one of these machines and have not been able to ‘scan and pitch’ the parcels as originally instructed – at least we haven’t been able to do that AND finish all of our parcels by 0700. Management has already changed our BT the 2 hour limit and we’re at double our quota on PSEs – who are coming in with us to get this scanning done. I’m curious what others with similar annexes are doing to cope with using this machine.
Charlie said: “next rural mailcount that “hiding” the mail might be a little harder.”
When is the last time you heard of mail being hidden? 1956? One of the reasons the Post Office has such a hard
time keeping up with the other delivery services are old timers like this that can’t get their ass out of the 20th century.
I would bet that his favorite saying at work is “I don’t get paid to do that”.
Sounds like during the next rural mailcount that “hiding” the mail might be a little harder. That constant data stream would be interesting to follow.
Sounds as if we are behind the times lol
Sounds like more kick back
Sounds pretty awesome!!
Sounds like spend more and less jobs
Not sure why this new technology is needed. Mail to every address has taken place for years without it. How many millions were spent on adapting this new tool?
The money would have been better spent keeping small offices open long enough for customers in small towns to get in to actually use the service they need.