Over the last few years, there have been significant advances in the technology and design of mailing equipment to meet the needs of mail center operations. Productivity, speed and error-proof operations are vital to the success of the mail center, and with advances in technology, mailing equipment has grown from mail machines that automatically weigh, seal and meter stacks of mixed mail to digital information-based indicia program (IBIP) meters that generate unique indicia for each mailpiece for improved security. These latest developments are a far cry from the old mechanical meters of the past few years.
Four manufacturers, Francotyp-Postalia, Hasler, Neopost and Pitney Bowes, are leading the way for the improvements to the mail center by offering distinctive equipment that will improve your mail center operations. The following is a synopsis of the latest offerings of these four industry leaders.
I. Francotyp-Postalia Mailing Solutions
FP Mailing Solutions recently launched three new digital business-class meters mymail, ultimail 60 and ultimail 90. Each of these digital inkjet meters offers technological specifications unique to all FP Mailing Solutions' meters, plus they meet the digital requirements and performance criteria of the IBIP initiated by the U.S. Postal Service in 1999.
The mymail meter is the smallest of the three digital meters and is ideally suited for the small office/home office (SOHO). It can process up to 50 business-sized envelopes a day, is easy to use and designed with the low-volume mailer in mind. The SOHO user can enhance mymail system's flexibility by integrating an electronic scale, which can handle the capacity of up to five pounds. The mymail meter's refill capability allows users to download postage automatically via FP Mailing Solutions' exclusive TELESET system and a self-dialing internal modem. This meter also allows the user to access postage usage reports and receipts.
The ultimail 60 and ultimail 90 digital inkjet meters offer small to mid-sized companies the power to process higher volumes of mail with the IBIP required two-dimensional barcode. The ultimail 60 is recommended when processing approximately 100 pieces of mail per day. The ultimail 90 can process 150 to 1,000 pieces of mail per day.
The ultimail meters offer modular options, accommodating the mailing needs of any organization as it grows and changes. Users can manage weighing and feeding materials through the ultimail meter. In addition to integrating an electronic scale that offers a capacity of 10 pounds, users can attach interfaced scales and feeding stations that can automatically feed documents and supplements such as flyers, postcards, return envelopes and brochures.
Both ultimail meters feature:
II. Hasler
Drew Casey, responsible for Hasler's product education programs, sees 2003 as a "Year of Execution" following a transitional 2002. As more and more mail center managers turn to the Internet to facilitate their jobs and improve connectivity outside of the mail center, he sees a suite of PC-based products that will address a number of needs. These include sophisticated accounting and mail management systems such as Hasler's iMCM, System 36 and 77; Web browser-based products that permit greater decentralization of mail processing within the company; and more emphasis on inbound mail security including voice-activated tracking.
"A lot of people used to think their responsibility ended once a mailpiece was out the door, but they're discovering that's just not so," Casey explains. "Today, they are trying to complete the circle there is an emphasis on seeing what's coming into the mail center, what's going out and what's happening to everything in between. With that in mind, we are now entering a new age where our products are working together to provide total end-to-end tracking from shipment to signature with the integration of DMC and Smart Track."
Drew sees technology tools finding a permanent home in the mail center in three main areas:
Internet Connectivity "Though this technology has been available in higher-end products such as iMCM for quite some time, it is now gaining broader appeal. At one time, it was cost-prohibitive for all but the largest users, but now this functionality has found its way into smaller products such as scales and mailing machines that make it available to mail centers of every size."
Information Management "More and more companies are calling for cost-cutting measures across the board, in every department including the mail center. But if a directive comes down to cut costs by 10% and you have no idea where those costs are coming from, where do you begin? Mail center managers are realizing that they need a way to account for postage costs in every part of the organization, maximize every dollar they spend and consolidate all mailing costs in order to comply with these directives."
PC-Based Products "Just two years ago, we felt like we were waving the flag all by ourselves when it came to PC-based products. But finally, things are changing. People are no longer intimidated by PCs they see their value. And · the beauty of PC-based products is that they are evolutionary. Upgrades enable users to continually keep up with changing and improving technology without the high costs that equipment replacement brings with it."
Casey admits that 2002 was a difficult year for the mailing industry as it was for just about everyone, with a shaky economy, changing technology and job insecurity. But he is facing 2003 with a renewed sense of optimism. "We've made it through a tumultuous transitional year," he says, "and now there's only one thing left to do do the work!"
III. Neopost
Neopost's most recent development is the introduction of new mail machines suitable for high-volume mail centers. Mail machines such as Neopost's IJ85 and IJ105 offer high-speed digital mailing solutions for companies with sizable monthly mailings or large, periodic direct mail marketing programs.
The IJ105 is ranked as one of the fastest digital mailing systems for mixed weight and in-motion processing. Its modular design provides flexibility to accommodate new or evolving mail applications. Neopost's IJ105 reaps the rewards of years of interface design and ergonomic enhancements. It features the only touch screen and keyboard system in the market, allowing IJ105 users innovative technology that enables easy navigation by simply touching the screen.
Believing that the future of mailing equipment lies in universal compliance, this year Neopost introduced six new digital mailing systems that fully comply with Postal Service IBIP specifications for secure digital postage meters. IBIP mandates that all digital meters print indicia containing unique two-dimensional barcodes on each mailpiece, eliminating mail fraud.
With the introduction of digital technology, mailing has become easier and more reliable, efficient and productive, together with significant reductions in noise level. Neopost utilizes Hewlett Packard InkJet Printing Technology, which meets Postal Service Digital Meter requirements and allows the IJ85 and IJ105 to print high-quality text and graphics messaging. Its Click 'n' Snap ink cartridge offers effortless cleaning and re-inking.
This new Neopost equipment offers high- speed, dynamic weighing, which integrates the scale into the mail flow process. It eliminates the step of manually transferring mail from the scale to the mail machine bringing to mid-volume mailers technology, convenience and efficiency.
IV. Pitney Bowes
In 2002, Pitney Bowes launched the revolutionary DM series digital mailing solutions. The DM Series solutions, powered by IntelliLink Technology, provide a digital gateway for mailers to access Pitney Bowes and Postal Service services.
IntelliLink's state-of-the-art architecture provides global access to a complete suite of management information and service capabilities. Customers can download carrier and postal rates, class or service changes and can even guard against obsolescence by obtaining instant updates for the DM Series operating system. IntelliLink also provides 24/7 access to the Pitney Bowes Postage-by-Phone system for postage replenishment.
IntelliLink enables customers to access online Postal Service special services such as Delivery and Signature Confirmation services and can process and track Certified Mail online. For businesses starting a new campaign or using a new postal service, IntelliLink can deliver envelope ads and/or postal inscriptions at the touch of a button.
The capabilities that IntelliLink can bring to your mail center are all easily accessed from the IntelliLink control center the integrated, intuitive interface that manages your DM Series System.
While IntelliLink technology provides all these services, Pitney Bowes states that the core benefit of the DM Series is the vastly improved productivity provided in systems that are easy to operate. The DM Series requires no special operator training step-by-step on-screen prompts provide all the help that is needed. Several new technologies have been developed that enable the DM Series to surpass the efficiency levels available in the past.
Versatile Feeding Systems mail of varying thickness and size is aligned and fed with little or no adjustment required.
Integrated Weighing Systems Each model provides an integrated weighing option that ensures every piece of mail processed bears the correct amount of postage.
Secure Sealing Each model has pressure rollers to ensure a tip-to-tip seal every time. This protects the envelope contents from damage or loss.
High Output Depending on the model selected, the DM Series can process from 90 up to 240 pieces of uniform mail per minute.
With meter technology constantly evolving, mail managers must keep abreast of the latest developments. Each of these manufacturers offers equipment that will allow managers to more effectively process their mail. As one of those managers, your task is to investigate these options closely and determine which best suits your needs.
For additional information on any of the product highlighted in this article, please visit one of these Web sites: www.fp-usa.com, www.haslerinc.com, www.neopostinc.com, www.pb.com.
