2. REMOTE ENCODING CENTERS
When all electronic means of resolving address information have been exhausted, the mailpiece image is sent to a remote encoding center (REC) where operators use video display terminals and keyboards to process the address information.

Providing partial RCR results with the image often allows the operator to process the address with minimal keystrokes. The RBCS sends barcodes electronically to a barcode sorter, where the barcode is applied to the mailpiece, keeping it in the automated mail stream.

In 2002, we closed an additional five of the original 55 stand-alone RECs due to continued improvements in our automation read rates. This brings the number of stand-alone RECs to 20. We continue to look into other consolidation options that could result in the closure of additional RECs in the future. At the same time, we began the process of moving flat mail keying from the plants to the RECs and are planning to key parcel images generated by the Automated Package Processing System (APPS) program at the RECs.