Level 1 concentrates on getting IMB Basic installed and running. Here the emphasis is on creating Basic IMBs (without Tracking IDs) and getting them on the paper. This level allows you to start producing mail with IMBs with minimal internal impact on existing processes. There are four options in the transaction document creation and mailing process to put IMBs on paper:
- Document Composition
- Document Re-Engineering post-composition
- Electronic Commingling
- External Sortation
See DPP - Four Options For Placing IMB on Mail for more details on each of the four steps in your production process where you can add an IMB.
Most organizations will not have the luxury of selecting only one of these four for all their transactional mail. Due to the diversity of lines of business applications, different software systems, legacy applications and time to market windows, frequently a different option to add IMBs will have to be chosen for your applications. You need to find a vendor who is flexible and can assist you in adding IMBs in all four possible process options.
We recommend you start small. Select one or two lines of business with a common option and replace your POSTNET™ and Planet Code barcodes with IMB Basic. This provides basic postal discounts and gives you initial experience in getting IMBs on paper. Then, you may want to move to Level 2 for more benefits.
See Implementing Enterprise IMB™ Solutions for more information on how CrawfordTech can assist you in implementing an IMB solution to fit your needs.
