Recently, Canada Post began introducing new technology and business processes to improve mail tracking capabilities and delivery quality.

Using barcode technology, Addressed Admail^TM Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailings will be tracked from order creation to container destination processing points. The capture of mailing information at induction and arrival at container destination processing points will improve service levels through better management of customer's mailings and the identification and correction of potential service issues.

In July 2004, customers will be able to access their mailing information through the On-line Business Centre on Canada Post's website under "Track a Mailing".

Addressed Admail (LCP) customers who want to benefit from this new technology and business processes must:

• Use the desktop version of Canada Post's Electronic Shipping Tool (EST) to prepare and submit their order
• Create their mailing plan and barcoded mailing labels using barcode-recognized SERP presortation software
• Apply barcoded mailing labels to their mailing containers, monotainers/pallets
• Provide barcoded Packing Slips (for partial mailings)
• Produce a brief Mailing Summary

In order for presortation software to produce the required barcodes on container, monotainer / pallet labels, Canada Post has developed a testing program called Barcode Recognition that evaluates the ability of a software package's specifications to produce barcoded labels.

The list of SERP Vendors who have had their software tested and approved for Barcode Recognition is available here.