Printer Configurations Supported

Over 900 printer configurations are supported in the new Unibase by DMAC interface for bar codes and snippets of which POSTNET is the first released. Normally postscript, Epson, and HP will be the most used output formats. Device independence is still maintained, with the specific device associated with the named output device separate from the output program.

Meeting the requirements for Standard Mail, Automation Subclass, drove the requests for this feature. With this mailing, DMAC hopes it has met the requirements. In the next issue, I will report on any developments which arose after the writing of this article.

Cookbook Solution Documented

The steps to meeting the requirements for DMAC were as follows. First, write out our master list matchcode and addresses from Unibase by DMAC in comma delimited file format. Twenty minutes to find the format, program and check; a few minutes to output.

Second, import the comma delimited file from above into Group 1 Software's AccuMail (800-368-5806) for CASS certification run. We had an accurate list; we use "Address Correction Requested" on the newsletter. Still, the first run only gave 89.81 percent accuracy. Bill Baber, in checking the rejects found things like Av for Ave and PO BOX # for PO BOX caused the software to fail.

Manual Correction Required

Third, Bill Baber corrected all the rejects he could back into our master file and then steps 1 and 2 will be rerun. The Post Office needs the CASS certification printout to feel comfortable that the list is in good shape.

Fourth, read the comma delimited file output from the rerun back into Unibase by DMAC and update the master file using our three letter, three digit match code. Note that CASS does not touch the addressee part of the mail. Went ahead and changed our master file to add such things as email, fax, zip plus four, dwelling unit and longer fields for some things while we were playing with new fields.

Larger Labels Required

Fifth, we print the new labels (bigger size 4"x 1 7/16" Avery 4014) in sequence by the new ADC, instead of state, 3- Digit, 5-digit sequence rules. We elected to print the labels in upper and lower case because we think the preferred way of all upper case is a step backward.

Upside Down Front Page Required

Sixth, we had to change the front page format of The Unibase Technical Review to meet the requirement that the address be along the fold. Two tabs instead of one at the top were required also.

Mailing Results Not In Yet

Seventh, we will mail this and let you know the savings, complaints, suggestions etc. we receive. After January, most post offices which accept bulk mail will have a machine which can tell you what is wrong with your bar code. Playing with the density, and printer designation will probably solve most problems.

Work Closely With US Post Office

During this whole process we have been working closely with our United States Post Office representative. I am sure that the first time any organization uses the new POSTNET output this close liaison will be necessary. At least Unibase by DMAC makes it possible to print the POSTNET bar code now, not later so that service organizations can become familiar with the new Standard Mail rules.