IMB Barcode
The Intelligent Way to Barcode
The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) will become a USPS requirement for automated mail soon, replacing the current POSTNET barcode. As the leader in direct mail for Western North Carolina, MMS has been using the IMB barcode format on everything we print or inkjet.
The IMB incorporates several technical advances over previous barcoding technologies used by the USPS. By incorporating more barcode characters, the IMB is able to hold more, and more types of, data.
One distinct advantage the IMB holds is the ability to include a serial number within the code which can be tracked as the piece travels through the mailstream. By knowing when a mail piece has arrived, you can then time a follow up call from your sales team, or even trigger an email to be sent as a follow-up to your mail.
Want to know for sure how long it takes to get a direct mail postcard to Kalamazoo so you can get it there in time for your big announcement? Send a card beforehand with a "coming soon!" style message, and track the results. You not only prepare people and create interest, you now know with a higher degree of certainty how long that will take, allowing greater precision in mailing.
The change to the IMB Barcode also means your reply envelopes will need to be updated. We can print accurate barcodes which meet USPS regulation for position and size on nearly any size envelope, in quantities from 250 - 1,000,000! Contact our Customer Service Team today to place your order now and be within regulation before the switch!
