ASK THE EXPERTS: Get Smart About Intelligent Mail® Barcode

[bvcmail1]

I've started the process towards prodcuing the IMB. I have my mailer ID and downloaded the decoder software from RIBBS. I've done a presort using my Postalsoft Business Edition software. What I don't seem to be grasping is where does the decoder come into play? There seem to be some steps that I can't/haven't figured out yet.

[PB-Paul]

Hello bvcmail1-

Generally your presorting software would automatically do the encoding of the barcode for you.  Most vendors (Pitney Bowes included), have already integrated the information and encoding needed to produce a proper Intelligent Mail Barcode into their software.  The encoder is something you would probably use if you weren't using a mail list management software application such as your Postalsoft.

I'm not familiar enough with Postalsoft to specifically direct you to where to go in the software to enter the information needed.  There should be a place in the software where you can enter the Mailer ID, usually before you presort your list.  It should also give you a way to specify what type of barcode you want to print when you print your addresses, often this would be in the mailpiece or envelope editor (e.g. POSTNET or Intelligent Mail Barcode).

There may be additional settings in your Postalsoft software that need to be set in order for it to be able to produce the barcode.

Does this help?

[LindaJ]

We use the Pitney Bowes Smartmailer 7 program and I went into the system and chose the Intelligent Mail Barcode, but it still looks the same.  What else do I need to do?

[PB-Paul]

Hello LindaJ.

First, you need to have a Mailer ID assigned to you by the USPS.  If you don't already have one, you can see the postal acceptance specialist at your BMEU (Business Mail Entry Unit) post offices and request one.  The Mailer ID must be entered into the SmartMailer preferences.

From SmartMailer's Edit menu, choose Preferences. Click on the Intelligent Mail Barcode tab, then click the "Mailer Names and IDs" button for the Routing Only Mailing Parameters.  On the next screen, click the "Create" button to enter your name and Mailer ID.  Click OK when you are finished.

You also need to indicate that you are using the Intelligent Mail Barcode in your presort setup.  Before presorting, select the Intelligent Mail Barcode option in the Mail Piece Setup screen of the Presort Setup Wizard. Then presort your list as you normally would.

When designing your envelope layout in Envelope Designer in preparation for printing, click the barcode toolbar button (or choose Edit, then Barcode from the Envelope Designer menu) and make sure you select the Intelligent Mail Barcode type before saving your layout.

After presorting, print one or two addresses from the sorted list (.SRT file), and verify that you are printing the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

[bvcmail1]

Paul - I guess I am slow or maybe was just overthinking the whole thing. After I exported the file I saw the field that you use to create the barcode. It was a total Home Simpson moment for me. We will be testing today on our laser machine and next week on the inkjet.   thanks!

[PB-Paul]

No worries, glad it looks like you have what you need to be able to print the barcode. Please don't hestitate to post again if you run into any issues.

[LindaJ]

I now a have a 9 digit Mailer ID and have followed the steps given, but when I tried to print a trial run, I get an error "Uniqueness of PKID is violated".  What does this mean and how do I fix it?

Thank you,

Linda

[PB-Jeremy]

LindaJ,

I have sent you a private message in order to help you with this.  Could you please click on Messages (upper right hand corner of this page) and then click on error please?

Thank you,

Jeremy