Expand Internet Change of Address
The Postal Service goal is to increase the annual number of COAs submitted online from almost 7 million in 2007 to 12.5 million in 2010. Receiving COA information from movers electronically eliminates transcription errors and manual keying of COA data. It is usually more convenient for movers and can be linked to other move-related activities through Internet links. Most importantly, electronic COA allows instantaneous address validation when a customer submits the COA, reducing the number of incorrect or incomplete addresses, thereby improving service. To improve the quality of address information, the Postal Service will continue to promote the Internet as the primary method for change of address.
Continue to Improve the Address Management Database
Traditionally, the Postal Service relied upon Address Management System (AMS) audits in delivery units to verify the AMS database accuracy. The audits validated that all addresses were in the database, that addressing included all the necessary elements and correct format, and that files contained no incorrect information. In 2007 the Postal Service began using an additional, fundamentally different approach for improving address database quality by using in-process scanning to identify addresses that receive mail but are not in the AMS database or cannot be sorted to a delivery point. Using the system reports, managers are better able to identify problem addresses and update AMS with the correct address information. Database quality was also improved by the deployment of the Address Quality Reporting Tool (AQRT). It evaluates individual delivery routes and PO Box sections, ranks them on address quality, DPS percentages, and other key statistics. Managers use AQRT reports to more effectively prioritize address quality reviews.
Another AMS enhancement will increase the amount of DPS mail destined to high-rise buildings. Previously it was often not possible to sequence mail to businesses in multi-unit buildings unless the address included the office suite number. A new application, SuiteLink, uses in-process scanning software to identify business names that appear on mail that cannot be sequenced. SuiteLink reports those names to delivery managers who can then enter them into AMS and link them with the correct DPS-level address. Beginning in August 2009 software developers will be required to certify SuiteLink and make it available to their end-users.
Improve Mail and List Quality with Real-Time Feedback
Several tools and products are available to mailers to correct addresses and barcodes, and update the addresses of customers who have moved. To improve address list quality, the Postal Service is upgrading Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certification requirements. CASS certification now includes the Delivery Point Validation process which matches addresses on a list to addresses within the AMS database. Customers can correct non-matching addresses using Address Element Correction software. Use of these tools dramatically improves automation performance, increases address quality, and reduces undeliverable-asaddressed mail. More frequent mailing list updates to correct the addresses for customers who have moved is another step mailers must take to reduce undeliverable mail and the need for forwarding. New Move Update policies requiring mailers to update customer information within 95 days of mailing will be effective for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail in November 2008.
Once UAA mail is in the mail stream, new processes are available using the Intelligent Mail (IM) barcode, such as OneCode ACS, to provide feedback to mailers regarding their UAA mail so that addresses are corrected before the next mailing. Current innovative pricing for this electronic service encourages mailers to use the Address Correction Service to improve the quality of their mailings lists, resulting in more effective mailings and less UAA mail.
Mailers often acquire address lists and use them for mailings without a way to determine the deliverability of the names and addresses within the list. Using a list with outdated or poor-quality addresses reduces the value of a mailing and burdens the Postal Service with additional handling costs. In 2007 the mailing industry and the Postal Service began working together to implement a process to certify the quality of mailing lists. Although the procedures are not yet complete, they will shift the focus from processes to results. When implemented, list certification will take address quality to a new level. It will benefit the mailing industry by fostering a foundation of trust for list brokers and renters while improving mailers‘ return on their investment.