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The Postal Service will promote adoption of barcodes on all mail containers. Current barcodes designed to promote unique identity of containers are the Mail Transport Equipment Label and the 24-digit Enhanced Distribution Label. The 4-state barcode is a new information-rich barcode designed to identify bundles and mail pieces. These barcodes will be scanned during automated processing to provide a platform for automating visibility throughout the system.

The Postal Service will explore an in-process verification approach to enhance efficiency. The process entails analyzing mail at induction and as it flows through automated processing equipment, and reconciling data against the electronic documentation and postage charges.

Provide Continuous Mailing Intelligence and Transparency

Data obtained from mail in-process has great potential to improve mail quality and make it a more responsive, measurable, and an indispensable business solution. Through technology, the Postal Service will make mailpiece data available for a fee to customers so they can manage their marketing campaigns and operations more effectively. Postal Service management will have access to the same secure data so it can maintain a continuous feedback and dialogue loop with customers, and deliver consistent, timely, and accurate information. Design and testing of this visibility feedback is scheduled for 2007, with implementation by 2008.

4. Aggressive Sales, Promotions, and Outreach

The Postal Service has an enormous opportunity to reach out to potential customers and markets. Its goal is to develop the potential of customer relationships and equip the entire workforce of 700,000 employees to work together to grow business for the Postal Service.

Employee Outreach to Households and Small Businesses

The Postal Service has achieved initial success with its Customer Connect and Business Connect programs, which equip selected employee groups to identify and develop new business opportunities. Customer Connect prepares carriers to talk with their customers about using the mail to grow business. Moving forward, the Postal Service will expand Customer Connect to more offices with significant growth opportunity, to double participation and revenue.

Postmasters have always been a vital part of the communities they serve. With Business Connect, they receive the tools and training to identify targeted small businesses, make professional presentations about postal products and services, and establish themselves with these customers as the primary local resource for business growth and success. In the first 3 months of Business Connect, postmasters across the country met with 137,000 small businesses to discuss how the mail can help acquire new customers, retain current customers, and grow their business. As the success of this program builds, more tools and training will be provided to increase Business Connect to 3 million annual contacts by 2010.