c. Unique Identification for Unit Loads

In 2003 an enhanced distribution label (EDL) was developed to provide identification for trays, flat tubs and sacks. Detailed specifications for EDL and two other transitional labels were completed and formally adopted in 2004. A major effort in 2004 was the development of the code generation infrastructure, which is described in section II.M.2. The EDL is a critical component in the Surface Visibility strategy.

2. Enabling Infrastructure

The Postal Service will develop and deploy an enterprise-wide common infrastructure to generate and capture codes on mail and aggregates and to disseminate the information in near real time. Prepositioned, leveragable infrastructure enables an enterprise to build and deploy business applications that respond to emerging customer and internal needs.

a. Code Generation and Capture Infrastructure

In support of the initiative to adopt a 4-state barcode for encoding routing and tracking information on letters and flats, additional software was developed in 2004 for the wide field of view (WFOV) camera to decode the 4-state barcode. The WFOV camera is being deployed on all letter and flat mail automation equipment. Prototype testing of the WFOV camera's capability to decode the 4-state barcode has been completed, with live mail testing expected in early 2005.

Modifications to PARS and other related systems that process mail which is undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) or requires forwarding to read Address Change Service related data encoded in the 4-state barcode, began in 2004. Testing is expected in 2005.

To support the enhanced distribution label, an Automatic Tray Label Assignment System (ATLAS) was developed to coordinate all activities involved with the creation, distribution, printing, and maintenance of the EDL. Batch printing of EDL by postal personnel and customers is supported by ATLAS. ATLAS will replace the Postal Service's current Passport label production system and provide the capability of producing labels and/or submitting label orders online. In addition, a component of ATLAS called the ATLAS software "wedge" is being developed for mail processing equipment that supports machine-side, on-demand printing of EDL tray labels. Pilot testing of ATLAS will take place in 2005. The printers used to produce tray labels will also be replaced.

A new model printer, Microcom 426, offers higher print speed and quality to support EDL production. In 2004 a strategy to replace aging printers as they are retired with new printers was developed. Extensive testing is being conducted to assure that the 426 printers will function with existing software. Deployment of the new printers will begin in conjunction with the pilot testing of ATLAS in 2005.

b. Data Communications and Storage Infrastructure

The backbone of all postal automation programs is a local area network (LAN) at each plant that provides the underlying data handling infrastructure. The LAN is the conduit for downloading ZIP Code directories and sort plans to mail processing equipment, moving images of individual mailpieces for ZIP Code resolution, and moving operating and mail tracking data to computer servers for subsequent processing. Due to the increase in scope and sophistication of automation, these LANs need to be replaced.

In 2004 the Postal Service completed deployment of the Mail Processing Infrastructure (MPI) for 62 mail processing and distribution centers. The MPI uses a flexible, wired infrastructure known as structured wiring. It provides the highest reliability, scalability, and manageability at the least cost. The Board of Governors approved additional funding in 2004 for deployment to 108 more facilities, which include 100 plants, six remote encoding centers, and two administrative centers. Phase II of MPI deployment began in 2004 and will be completed in 2005.

Handheld, mobile data collection devices are essential elements of an Intelligent Mail system. The Postal Service deployed its first generation of 342,000 mobile data collection devices (MDCD) starting in 1999. In 2004 additional features needed to support the Intelligent Mail vision were identified. A supplier was selected to provide new scanners as part of the Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System (IMDAS). Funding was approved for full IMDAS deployment in November 2004.

3. Address Quality

The Postal Service and its customers depend on the completeness, accuracy, and currency of address information in every aspect of business functions, including list management, mail preparation, and mail processing and distribution. Poor quality of the delivery information directly impacts the cost of postal operations and service performance due to redirection and extra handling. Poor quality also diminishes the value of information inherent in the Intelligent Mail strategy.