Automated Solutions
What are the benefits of using the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST)?
- Assist in streamlining procedures such as automate the preparation of Canada
Post paperwork;
- Automate customer’s payment cycle;
- Offer credit card as a method of payment;
- Offer a 3% automation incentive, automatically deducted from customer’s
invoice, for transmitted shipments using both versions of EST (Desktop or
Online version). The incentive is applicable to Shipping & Delivery Services bearing a
compliant shipping bar code label produced by EST, and is only available to
customer using their own equipment.
Note: Barcodes provide information such as customer number, service selected,
Postal code destination, resulting in better tracking. (Some restrictions may
apply).
- Work off-line with the Desktop version and access the Internet when customers
are ready to formally record or upload requests;
- Perform all software patches and upgrades automatically;
- Offer mailing charges using the built-in Calculation Worksheet and up-to-date
customized rate information;
- Improve billing accuracy;
- Increased timeliness of order processing;
- Prompt customers to select options related to services chosen such as: Collect on
Delivery (COD), Do Not Safe Drop, Leave at the Door);
- Give customers a central access to a wide range of Canada Post Communication
and Shipping & Delivery Services such as Lettermail, Unaddressed Admail, Addressed
Admail, Publications Mail, Catalogue Mail, Priority Courier, Xpresspost,
Expedited Parcel, Regular Parcel, Commercial*Expedited USA, Xpresspost USA
etc.);
- Eliminate back stamping of Admail Delivery Slips (ADS);
- Manage and record the PIN numbers for tracking purposes.
Top
Why two versions of EST and what are the differences between them?
Two versions of the EST application were developed to better meet customer
needs. The differences are as follows:
The On-line version is accessed via the On-line Business Centre (OBC), and is
ideal for smaller volume mailings (1 to 30 orders per day); customers are able to
save as many as 30 templates for Communications Services and 10 for
Shipping & Delivery Services.
Note: On-line version limitations:
Communications customers are not able to induct Partial mailings.
On-line Distribution customers are not able to induct bulk shipments or void
items.
The Desktop version allows customers to download the application directly from the Canada Post Web site. Customers are able to prepare their mailing off-line. Once customers are ready to formally upload their orders, they simply connect to the Internet and transmit their orders.
The Desktop version is ideal for medium to large volume mailings (20 to 200 or
more orders per day). Customers are able to save an unlimited amount of
templates with the Desktop version for Communications Services and Shipping & Delivery Services.
The basic functionality is the same for both versions. The Desktop version is
‘industrial strength’ to meet the needs of medium to large volume mailers.
A more detailed comparison of the Desktop and On-line versions is provided below:
Common to Both
- Internet connection (Mandatory);
- Valid User ID and Password required;
- Rating engine with latest rate information;
- Built-in Calculation Worksheet estimates mailing cost;
- Information is validated prior to printing;
- The "Transmit" feature eliminates data re-entry errors;
- Request for Statement of Mailing (SOM) deletion directly from the application;
Desktop version
- Work off-line and access the Internet only when customers are ready to upload their statement;
- Unlimited number of customer data templates can be saved;
- Statements of Mailing (SOM) can be transmitted one at a time or in batches;
- When required, software patches and upgrades are performed automatically;
- An application must be downloaded to each computer used to generate Statements of Mailing (SOMs);
- Manifest are generated;
- No support for Macintosh platform;
On-line version
- Work online to complete a Statement of Mailing (SOM);
- Customer tombstone information automatically appears in the data-entry screen when the User ID and Password are entered and validated;
- Offers a short solution (Express Order Entry) for Unaddressed Admail and Ship in Canada Services;
- Software updates are automatic;
- No software download is required;
- Customer templates can be saved (browser dependent); limitation to 30 templates for Communication services and 10 for Shipping & Delivery Services;
- Statements of Mailing (SOM) can only be transmitted one at a time (no batch file transmit feature);
- Manifests are not generated and not required;
Top
How do customers know which version is best suited for their business?
The On-line version is suitable for small and medium customers (1 to 3 orders per day) who want quick document preparation and processing.
The Desktop version allows customers to work off-line on multiple mailings and access the Internet only when they are ready to transmit the Statement of Mailing (SOM) or Manifest (20 to 200 or more orders per day).
Top
How secure is the transmission between Canada Post server and the customer’s computer?
- The On-line version uses SSL 128 bit encryption, the same as Internet Banking encryption;
- The Desktop version uses SSL 256 bit encryption;
Top
How will EST meet the needs of all Commercial customers?
EST has been developed to meet the needs of the vast majority of our Commercial
customers who are using Communications and Shipping & Delivery Services.
EST is not customised for complex or unique requirement. Any customers, who
require more specific software, should consult our list of certified vendors who are
offering a Third Party Solution.
Top
Access/Getting Started
How do customers get access to EST?
To access both EST versions, customers will require a Canada Post customer
number and an On-Line Business Centre User ID and Password.
Canada Post Customer Number:
Customers are required to have a valid Canada Post customer number and a contract
number (when applicable). If customers do not have a customer number, contract
number, or have forgotten it, simply call the Commercial Service Network at 800-260-7678.
Top
How easy is the set up of EST?
For the On-line version, customers simply need to log on the On-line
Business Centre (OBC) using their User ID and Password and select the service.
Click here: Resources.
The Desktop version allows customers to download the application directly from Canada Post Web site. Consult the User guide for more detailed information on the Installation/Setup process and/or consult the HOW DO Is prior to the installation to get familiar with the
set-up process.
Top
How do customers download the EST Desktop version to their local computer?
If customers do not have high-speed Internet access, please note, as it is a large file, it may take up to 30 minutes to download.
Top
Where would customers find support for the EST?
Top
Technical Requirements
Will customers need an Internet Service Provider to transmit electronically to Canada Post?
Yes, it is mandatory for customers to have Internet access to use the EST with both
versions. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to acquire the Internet Service
Provider.
Top
What are the technical requirements to access and use EST and what are the incentives for existing and new customers?
To access the EST, the following equipment is required:
| Internet connection |
Mandatory, High speed preferred |
| Processor |
Pentium III processor (recommended Pentium IV 1.2 GHz or better) |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) |
256 MB of RAM or better |
| Hard-drive space |
200 MB of available space |
| CD-ROM (disk version available on request) |
16 speed |
| Monitor resolution |
800 x 600 |
| Operating System |
Windows 2000/XP |
| Scale (See Below) |
Serial connected (Optional) |
| Bar Code Scanner |
Optional |
| Browser |
Internet Explorer version 5.5 or greater
Netscape Navigator version 4.7 (128-bit encryption recommended) |
SOM/Manifest/Report Printer
(See #2 Below) |
Windows 2000/XP supported Laser |
Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slip
(See #3 Below) |
Windows 2000/XP supported Laser |
| Label Printer (See #4 Below) |
Windows 2000/XP supported Laser,
or Thermal printers |
- Currently EST supports Pitney Bowes, Weightronixs, and Mettler scales that can be connected to their computer through a serial port. Customers shipping less than 50 items per day or items that are of a uniform weight can use a standard digital scale and manually enter the parcel weight into EST.
- EST will print Statements of Mailing (SOM), Manifests and reports on all Windows
2000/XP supported Laser printers. EST will only produce reports on supported Laser
printers.
- For the Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slip (ADS), customers will need a laser printer to print the
labels and forms.
- The type of printer to be used for label production will be determined by the desired output. EST
can only capture a printer port and paper type once. If a tractor-fed labelling option is selected,
two printers and two printer ports will be required. The first printer and printer port would be for
manifests and reports, and the second printer and printer port would be for labels.
For more information on supported thermal printers, please contact the Canada Post Technical Helpdesk at 866-511-0546.
Note: If customers do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, customers may download a copy by clicking the following link: Get Acrobat!
Incentives for our customers
Top
What is a Proxy Server and how do customer know if it’s required?
It is the role of the Network Administrator to provide assistance in determining
whether or not a proxy server is required.
A Proxy server is a server that sits between a client application, such as a Web
browser, and a real server. It intercepts all requests to the real server to see if it can
fulfill the requests itself. If not, it forwards the request to the real server.
Top
What does ‘Frequency’ means at the Barcode Range Maintenance screen?
The value entered in the ‘Frequency” field of the Maintain Barcode Ranges
windows is used to define which minimum threshold and replenishment size is to be
used by the application. For example, a value of 55 in the ‘Frequency’ field of the
barcode group USA/International will mean that the minimum threshold is 125 and
the replenishment size is 750 for USA/International.
For Centrally managed barcode groups, Active and Pending ranges are downloaded
from the central server database. Barcode groups with no range are displayed in the
Barcode Range list. In this case, only the barcode group name and ‘frequency’ are
displayed in the Barcode Ranges list.
Consult the Appendix B of the Installation Set Up User Guide for detailed information.
Top
Processing & Payments Features
Can customers pay by credit card when using the EST?
Commercial customers using the EST are eligible to pay their shipments/mailings
using a credit card; (some exceptions may apply I.e. credit limitation.)
Top
Specialized Features & Tools
Are there any services not supported by EST?
- Bookmail;
- Certified Mail (except Xpresspost Certified);
- Business Reply Mail (BRM);
Top
What is the E-mail notification feature?
The E-mail notification feature is available for bar-coded services only. An E-mail
message may be sent to several recipients to notify them that they will be receiving
an article. The notification will be sent only once the order has been transmitted
successfully to Canada Post. It will also contain bar code information for tracking
purposes. A 2nd E-mail notification option is also offered to the recipient.
Top
What information, if any, can customers save as template?
Customers are able to save basic information such as:
- Paid by customer (who is paying);
- Method of payment (coverage method);
- Service and Option (service description);
- Group shipping (distribution list);
Top
How many templates can customers save with the On-line version?
Customers are able to save as many as
- 30 templates for Communication Services, and
- 10 templates for Shipping & Delivery Services.
Top
If required, how can customers ‘void’ an item on the EST Desktop version?
This feature is not available with the On-line version. The voiding process is only available with the Desktop version. Following are more detailed information on the
voiding process:
| On-line |
Customers cannot ‘Void an item’ on the On-line version. - - When
customers receive their Statement of Account, they simply contact
Credit Management Group (CMG) to have the item corrected
cmg@canadapost.ca or call 800-267-7651. |
| Desktop |
Customers are able to ‘Void an item’ before transmitting the
Manifest; customers are able to void and item when the manifest status is ‘opened’.
If their order has been transmitted, they may contact “CMG”. There are two ways
to void an order on the Desktop application, as follows:
|
FAST
- Select ‘Void an item’ command button on the Desktop main page
- Select a Manifest from the ‘Opened Manifest’ folder
- Select an item from the ‘Detail pane’ and click ‘yes’ if you wish to void this item.
|
DETAILED
- Select Tools from the menu bar
- From the drop down select Search / Manage Orders Utilize any of the eight drop down list to refine their search criteria.
- Select Search will return a list of manifests in the search result pane.
- Click on the appropriate manifest. All of the items on the selected manifest will be listed in the detail pane.
- Click on the line item to be voided
- Select ‘Void’
|
Top
Questions related to
Marketing & Selling – Communications Business
What are the services supported by the EST for Communications Business Customers?
Top
Can customers prepare their mailing off-line with EST?
When customers are ready to upload their information to Canada Post, the Desktop
version is the only one allowing customers to work off-line and access the Internet;
customer may choose to transmit documents one at a time, or in batches.
Top
What type of printers do customers require with the Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slips?
A laser printer is required to print the Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slips (ADS).
Top
How do customers handle Partial mailings with the EST Desktop version?
The EST can handle Partial mailings for Desktop users of Addressed Admail™,
Publications Mail™, Catalogue Mail™ and Unaddressed Admail™. This allows
customers to specify the date of the mailing at the line item level. When the
"Partial" radio button is selected, the changes made to the SOM data entry window
for Downstream Entry are applied with the exception of the outlet changes.
The EST will produce a packing slip for Multi-Shipments when a mailing type of
“Partial” has been selected. The packing slip will accompany the individual mail
shipments being inducted, enabling receiving offices to access the order on the
Canada Post server, verify the mail, and subsequently enter changes from the
verification process (if necessary).
Top
Is the Householder Count available within EST?
The ‘Get Count’ button is accessible and will invoke a query against the
Householder data to retrieve the counts for the specified coverage, route selection and count type (I.e. Consumers’ Choice vs. Total Point of Call).
Top
Can customers select Downstream Entry with EST?
Yes, but only with the Desktop version. Once the ‘Downstream Entry box’ has
been checked, an indicator is displayed on the packing slip. This feature is available
for Addressed AdmailTM, Publications MailTM and Catalogue MailTM
Top
How many Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slips (ADS) can customers print with the EST?
The On-line version has the following limit for Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slips:
Up to 75 ADS forms or 300 labels can be processed with the On-line version.
** A warning message pop-up indicates this limit when user has chosen the
Unaddressed Admail offering.
The Desktop version has no limit.
Note: The number of pieces per bundle is limited to 200 for both versions.
Top
Can Unaddressed Admail bag tags be re-printed?
While other documentation for Unaddressed Admail does have a reprint watermark
I.e. Statement of Mailing, Unaddressed Admail bag tags does not, but it can be re-
printed by simply clicking the ‘Re-print’ button.
Top
Do customers get an automation incentive for using Unaddressed Admail “Fully Feature” option?
A 2% discount is available to customers using Unaddressed Admail “Fully Feature
version”, meeting specific requirements (See User Guide). The discount is automatically deducted from the customer’s invoice.
Top
Can customers export mailing information (mailing logs) from EST?
EST exports transactional shipping information for a specified date range for use in
other applications. Exported files are in plain text format and include:
- SOM’s;
- SOM Items;
- SOM Item Add-on’s;
- SOM Mail Containers;
- SOM Item ADS;
- SOM Item ADS Details.
Please consult the Export Files Specifications.
Top
Shipping & Delivery Services
Can customers export shipping information (shipment logs) from EST?
EST exports transactional shipping information for a specified date range for use in
other applications. Exported files are in plain text format, and include:
- Manifests;
- Manifest Items;
- Manifest Item Add-ons;
- Manifest Bulk Items;
- Manifest Item Customs;
- Manifest Item Customs Goods;
Please consult the Export Files Specifications.
Top
What types of printers are recommended for the Shipping & Delivery Services of the EST?
EST allows customers to choose from two different Canada Post bar-coded label
options. The label option customers select will dictate the type of printer customers
will require.
- Plain paper address label:
- More flexible; does not require any specialized or specific printers (laser Deskjet);
- The easiest option to load and configure.
- Thermal label:
Top
What are the properties of Address Book, Import Entry and Shipping History Export?
- Address Book: can contain customer information such as shipping address, e-
mail address, telephone number and more. Address Book content remain in
EST until deleted by the operator;
- Import Entry: enables customers to import Order Entry information into the
EST database to simplify their shipment production. Orders which contain
Address Information are purged from EST once a package has been shipped
against it;
- History Export: supports the export of transactional shipping information for a
specified date range for use in other applications. Exported files are in plain
text format;
Top
Where can customers find the specifications for Address Book, Import Entry & History Export?
File specifications for Address Book, Import Entry and History Export are available
on the Web site under Resources and Support (right navigation bar).
Top
What is Quick ship?
Desktop version (only)
Quick ship means that a parcel has been pre-labeled and only requires a barcode.
I.e. the mailroom enters the destination Country or Postal Code and the weight of
the item, and then inducts it into the mail stream.
Top
If customers are using a scale, how do they enter the weight of an item in EST?
If customers have the appropriate supported scale identified in the
A requirement, then the weight of the item is automatically transmitted into the
application. (Click “Refresh weight’)
If customers ship less than 50 items per day or ship items that are of a uniform
weight, customers could use a scale or manually enter the item weight into EST.
Top
When customers are shipping to the United States, will they be prompted to complete Customs forms?
When customers are shipping to the USA, EST will automatically inform customers
that Customs form is required. EST will present customers with the appropriate
forms, as well as prompt customers to provide the appropriate information
depending on the service selected.
Top
How do customers determine if a Manifest is required or not?
The On-line version will not produce a Manifest. The barcode label states that no
manifest is required because each item is entered as a single transaction.
The Desktop version will produce three (3) copies of the Manifest.
Top
Do customers get an automation incentive for using Shipping & Delivery Services?
A 3% automation incentive, automatically deducted from customer’s invoice, is
offered to customers using either the Desktop or On-line version. The discount is
applicable to Shipping & Delivery Services bearing a compliant shipping bar code label
produced by EST, and is only available to customer using their own equipment.
Top
EST Resources and Support
How can you obtain technical help?
- If customers have set-up or technical questions, contact the EST Help Desk
weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM (Local Time) at 800-277-4799.
- If customers need supplies or more information about Canada Post products and
services, contact Canada Post Shipping & Delivery Services weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM
(Local Time) at 888-550-6333.
- If customers need a User ID and a Password.
Top
Are there any self-serve (On-line) EST support tools available?
Yes, there is various support documentation available on-line at the following
addresses:
Top
What topics are covered by the User Guides?
Top
Is there any checklists provided?
Top
What type of information is provided in the How Do Is?
- Download and Install;
- Ship a package using On-line version or Desktop version of EST;
- Create a Statement of Mailing using On-line version or Desktop version of EST;
- Void an Item using the Desktop version;
- Import a File;
- Import Address Book;
- Delete a SOM;
- Reprint;
- And, More…
- How Do Is
Top
Third Party Shipping Systems
What is a Third Party Shipping System?
- For customers that have more complex business processes or work with multiple
carriers, Canada Post recommend the use of Third Party solutions or a Recognized
Customer Developed Shipping System (CDSS) approved by Canada Post.
Note: Canada Post has developed an approval program* list of approved vendors to assist customers with any unique needs they may have;
- Customers will be responsible for contacting the vendor of choice and
communicating their unique situation, business process and specific requirements.
Top
What are the advantages of a Third Party Shipping System?
Customers can make a seamless transition from their existing system to
implementing a new product that incorporates a unique service-level agreement;
Upon reviewing the customer’s specific requirements, the Vendor will provide a
proposed solution. Should customers be in agreement with the terms and conditions
regarding support, customers may enter into an agreement with the Vendor and
Canada Post;
Customers will have the opportunity to identify specific support needs, customized
reporting requirements, and identify ongoing costs (equipment, maintenance and
rate updates)
The software may be tailored to meet customers’ specific needs. In some cases, the
Vendor may be able to utilize customers hardware and therefore, supply only
software and peripherals;
Among other condition, in order to qualify for our 3% Automation Incentive
Program, customers must ship a minimum of 10,000 mail pieces annually. The
rebate program will begin when Canada Post receives customer’ first electronic
manifest. Customers’ account will be credited at the end of a 12-month period
provided the applicable minimum volume commitment has been met. Note: the Vendor approval program ensures that the vendor produce Canada Post compliant
labels and electronic manifests, as well as customer specific rates.
Top
Who are the Third Party Shipping System approved Vendors?
Canada Post Corporation - approved eLink Vendors List
Note: Customers using Third Party Shipping Systems or Customer Developed Shipping System (CDSS) are eligible for 3% Automation Incentive program.
Top
Text Only
