The USPS has agreed to lower the minimum height for the new Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) to .125 from .134 inches. This was a move pushed for by many in the industry, but especially those utilizing ink jet printing technology. The change should dramatically reduce costs associated with switching to the IMB from POSTNET barcode methodology.
This change was reported on by several industry groups with positive feedback across the board including this article from DMNews. The USPS even included the following comment in the May PCCInsider related to the change This change demonstrates the value of the Postal Service and mailing industry working together. And it’s another positive step toward realizing the Postal Service’s Intelligent Mail vision.
While challenges still exist, especially since the .125 is a minimum height, which is right at the maximum height limit for many printers and some USPS equipment will continue to have challenges reading the smaller barcode, we should consider this a step in the right direction for the industry and the USPS.
