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U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Address Certification Programs for MailThe USPS has teamed with the mailing industry to develop several certification programs. These programs provide software and hardware manufacturers, service bureaus, and commercial mailers a common standard by which to measure the quality of address-matching software and mailing systems. They also provide useful diagnostics to correct software/hardware deficiencies. 1. The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) CASS evaluates the accuracy of address-matching software to assign delivery point codes, ZIP+4 Codes, five digit ZIP Codes and carrier route codes on mailpieces. All address lists used to produce mailings for automation rates must be matched and ZIP+4 Coded with current CASS-certified software. 2. Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC) MAC is a certification process designed in cooperation with the mailing industry to evaluate USPS manifest mailing products manufactured by vendors. MAC determines whether manifest mailing software accurately lists and calculates postage for identical- and/or non identical-weight permit imprint mailpieces according to the standards of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), the International Mail Manual (IMM), and Publication 401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System. Currently, this program is only available to software manufacturers who develop USPS single-piece itemized manifest mailing software for mailers seeking to generate manifested mailings. Mailers who develop manifest software for in-house use only and presorted mail/batch-listed manifest software products will be included in this program at a later date. For each specific manifesting category tested, the USPS evaluates the documentation for listing, class, rate, and postage accuracy. In addition, the accuracy, format, and content of facsimile mailing statements and any other postal forms (where applicable) are evaluated. If the USPS determines that the manifest mailing product satisfies all applicable standards, the developer is issued a MAC certificate for the product in that category. Certification is valid for one year or until the end of the current cycle. Vendors whose products are certified in any or all categories receive a MAC certificate and have their name, address, and manifest mailing product name and version number published in Postal Bulletin or a list of certified customers. 3. POSTNET Barcode Certification The POSTNET Barcode Certification process evaluates and certifies that printers, computer software or systems produce a POSTNET barcode that meets all dimensional and mathematical specifications as designated in Publication 25, "Designing Business Letter Mail". 4. Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) The USPS developed Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) training to assist mailers, printers, and mailing services in increasing their knowledge of proper mailpiece design. The program is a self-study course designed to train mailers to develop mailpieces that meet the USPS goal of 100 percent automation compatibility. Mailpieces that meet USPS regulations can significantly reduce postage costs and improve product deliverability. In addition, mailers who are knowledgeable of automation requirements can take advantage of automation discounts which further reduce mailing costs. Upon completion of training, individuals who would like to be recognized as their company's MQC specialist can take a certification examination. A MQC certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the exam. For additional information about the MQC training program, contact the postal business center serving the area or call the National Customer Support Center. 5. Multiline Accuracy Support System (MASS) The MASS is an extension of the CASS, which is a process designed in cooperation with the mailing industry to improve the accuracy of postal codes that appear on mail. MASS provides certification for multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs), remote video encoding (RVE) systems, and encoding stations. The MASS certification process is designed to evaluate the ability of MLOCRs, RVE systems, and encoding stations to process address information and apply an accurate Delivery Point Bar Code (DPBC). The MASS certification cycle is comprised of the following phases:
All MASS tests are similar to CASS Stage II tests in that the NCSC evaluates the performance of address-matching software and barcode application hardware after it has processed a test file. The NCSC issues MASS certification once the required level of accuracy is achieved. MASS certification is an annual requirement and is valid from the certification date until the end of any current annual period, i.e., from August 1 of one year through July 31 of the next. Customers must reapply for certification and achieve successful results for each annual period to remain MASS-certified and avoid interrupted service to their customers performance of address-matching software and barcode application hardware after it has processed a test file. The NCSC issues MASS certification once the required level of accuracy is achieved. MASS certification is an annual requirement and is valid from the certification date until the end of any current annual period, i.e., from August 1 of one year through July 31 of the next. Customers must reapply for certification and achieve successful results for each annual period to remain MASS-certified and avoid interrupted service to their customers MASS certification is required for all mailers using MLOCRs, RVE systems, or encoding stations when printing DPBCs on mailpieces that are to be submitted for mailing at discounted automation rates (see Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), Module A, Section 950). 6. Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) A process that evaluates presort software and determines its accuracy in sorting address files according to specifications in the Domestic Mail Manual. The address for more information is:
Last Reviewed 10/9/2008
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