The Surface Visibility (SV) program collects end-to-end data on mail and packages. The data is used to create visibility for Postal Service™ customers and to support planning, management, and optimization of the surface transportation network. The SV Program supports robust product tracking, measurement, and analysis. All facilities with processing operations must have SV scanning capability.
The SV program began in 2004 using hand-held scanners that look similar to the hand-held devices used by letter carriers, retail clerks, and business mail entry unit clerks. SV scanners are differentiated from Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System (IMDAS) and other hand-held scanners by the yellow label on the top of the SV scanner.
Currently, nearly 2,300 SV hand-held scanners are not being used by processing operations. The Postal Service needs to recover these unused SV scanners. Because these scanners are no longer manufactured and the current inventory is nearly depleted, the scanners must be collected and returned for refurbishment. The Postal Service will reissue the scanners to support current SV sites and Network Optimization where new processing operations sites need scanning capability.
All sites should locate and return unused SV scanners. In addition, all SV sites should check current inventory and return under-used devices. Safety note: Before mailing back the scanner, first remove the battery from the scanner.
Referring to the critical shortage of equipment, vice president product information, Jim Cochrane stated, “We have a critical shortage. Check storage areas and cabinets. Talk with everyone who has been a part of the program. Let’s find them and get them back in inventory. Scanning is the lynchpin to developing a world-class information platform; we must leverage all viable opportunities to support scanning.”
Mail back unused and inoperable SV hand-held scanners on or before January, 31, 2012, to the following address:
Critical Parts Center
Attn: Surface Visibility Recovery Program
758 Columbia Road, Suite 101
Plainfield, IN 46168
— Product Information,
Chief Information Officer, 12-29-11
