Conversion to Automated Mail Processing and Nine-Digit ZIP Code--A Status Report
GGD-83-84
Published: Sep 28, 1983. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 1983.
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Highlights
GAO reported on the current status of Postal Service plans to implement automated mail processing and the nine-digit ZIP code.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| United States Postal Service | The Postal Service should conduct, as planned, an extended test on one or two of the bar code sorters (BCS's) already accepted in Phase I to (1) identify BCS performance capabilities, (2) identify potential design defects, and (3) obtain reliability data. If design flaws are detected, the Postal Service should fully enforce existing contractual remedies. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postal Service should ensure that Phase II equipment test results accurately reflect anticipated operating results by (1) staffing Phase II optical character reader/channel sorter (OCR/CS) and BCS release-loan and acceptance tests at levels consistent with normal operating conditions, and (2) using Postal Service, not contractor, personnel to operate BCS's during testing. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should issue written guidance clarifying organizational responsibilities for these programs and establishing management responsibilities for program oversight, including oversight of budget support and training. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should provide technical support to large-volume mailers by establishing an orientation program to analyze mail from large-volume mailers and to demonstrate to these mailers the capabilities and limitations of the OCR. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should provide technical support to large-volume mailers by providing training for Customer Service Representatives (CSR's) and associate office postmasters to enable them to effectively communicate OCR readability problems to mailers. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should provide technical support to large-volume mailers by making technical support available to CSR's and associate office postmasters. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should develop policies and procedures for determining whether mail is eligible for the ZIP-Plus-4 discount. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should develop policies and procedures for training and equipping acceptance unit staffs to check for compliance with OCR readability criteria. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should develop policies and procedures for using actual OCR readings to monitor implementation of the ZIP-plus-4 rate incentive program. |
The Postal Service does not believe it is feasible to use OCR's to qualify particular mailings. It agreed, however, to use OCR's as a diagnostic tool to determine how well mail that has already been accepted actually performs.
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MechanizationOptical scannersPostal ratesPostal service contractsProduct evaluationIT acquisitionsPostal serviceData automationContractor personnelInformation systems