From the course: Print Production: Direct Mail

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The Intelligent Mail barcode

The Intelligent Mail barcode

From the course: Print Production: Direct Mail

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The Intelligent Mail barcode

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- The USPS Intelligent Mail barcode, or IMb, packs a lot of digital information into its compact stature. The IMb consolidates the functionality of its barcode predecessors, the POSTNET and PLANET codes, into a unique and power packed 2D code. The 65 barcode encodes up to 31 decimal digits of mail piece data. Believe it or not, the IMb is the key to intelligent sorting, tracking, and address services, all wrapped up into one assuming little bar graphic. So want to know what's in the code? Of course you do! Moving from left to right, the first few bars indicate a barcode ID. The next little chunk indicates the Service Type, like first class or standard mail. After that is the Mailer ID, which is a series of numbers that is assigned by the USPS. Next is a Serial Number. Last is the Routing Code, which includes the exact address and zip code. By the way, use of the IMb allows USPS customers to qualify for automation discounts. Besides the aesthetic improvement of printing only one…

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