What is the OneCode™?

The OneCode™ (4 State, 4CB) is designed for use in high speed, automated, mail sortation machines. This allows both the PLANET Code and POSTNET barcode information to be combined into a single barcode with expanded tracking capability. The 4-CB configuration—containing 31 digits—is only slightly longer than an 11-digit POSTNET or PLANET barcode.

Why do I want to use it?

  • One barcode instead of two (three, four) frees up more mail piece real estate. (Your marketing team members will love you, when you tell them they can add one more logo or graphic now that the ACS keyline and PLANET Code are gone)
  • More digits than PLANET™ Code for use in tracking OneCode™CONFIRM mail. Uniquely track every piece out and back.
  • More data capacity allows USPS to use the 4-CB for more applications beyond the OneCode™ ACS or CONFIRM! Puts you in position to take advantage of new services from the USPS just by changing a few digits in your barcode instead of doing a document redesign
  • The USPS has proposed the sun setting the POSTNET for postal discount starting as early as 2009, so if you don’t start using the OneCode™ now, at the very least, but it your short to medium term project plans.
  • Barcode can be used for ADF document tracking. With the ability to uniquely identify each piece, you may not need to add a 2D or 3of9 to track your mail pieces through the document factory.

When it is available?

It is available now for 1st Class Letter CONFIRM and ACS users and will likely be available to 1st Class Flats CONFIRM/ACS mailers in early 2007. You should expect to be able to send a letter with a OneCode™ in March-May 2007, if you are not participating in CONFIRM or ACS. We will try our best to keep up with the USPS announcements, but your best bet is to check out the links below straight from the official source.

Additional information/Links

USPS RIBBS Site for OneCode
This site contains a number of very interesting resources. In addition if you register with the USPS, they provide an online encoder/decoder and sample software for a number of different lauaguage and operating systems

Barcode Specification
This is a highly techincal document, but it has critical information on how to print the barcode. If you want to avoid the late night chat with the Postal Clerk and the Merlin reports check this out.

Online Encode/Decorder
With the POSTNET and PLANET™ Code you could hand decode the values, well not anymore. However, the USPS has conveniently provided an online encoder/decoder.