Dear Customer,

The USPS recently made changes to their requirements for postage meters systems. Previously machines were required to have an Information Based Indicia (IBI). The USPS has since updated these requirements and is now requiring postage meters systems have Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI). Because of this, all IBI type postage meters are currently being replaced and removed from service. This affects 80% of our FP postage meters, of which yours is one of them (PostBase Series – PostBase 20, 30, 45, 45A, 65 and 85). This information can be found on The USPS Federal Register at www.federalregister.gov. The effective date is 12/04/2020 (Date USPS mandated IMI).

 

 

What exactly is IMI Technology and Why is the required?

IBI Technology was implemented with the goal being to incorporate technology into the postage mark that makes it harder to counterfeit, that makes counterfeiting easier to detect, and that offers value beyond postage. However, postage and transaction data that USPS gets from IBI is limited, and it inhibits them from fully automating some back-office operations (such as refunds and proper postage payment validation).

The IMI standard will require a constant internet connection to provide much more detailed real-time transaction data, enabling the USPS to automate operations, employ better security standards, and ensure correct postage is used. The new connectivity requirement will also guarantee machines receive USPS updates in real time with software improvements, rate changes, etc. Every organization requires a high level of security at all end points and the USPS is no different. Protecting private information, sensitive data, files and more is imperative for the USPS. IMI technology provides users with FIPS 140-2 security, the latest standard that is recognized as the most up to date security standard.

Because of these requirements, the USPS has ‘decertified’ all postage meters that don’t use IMI technology.

 

Here’s our plan for the ‘decertification:

  • With your ‘approval’ we will order the replacement meter.
  • The meter usually ships to our office within 7-10 days.
  • Our Service Techs will test the equipment & then call you for an installation date & time that you choose.\
  • The operation of the meter is exactly the same, so no training will be required.
  • The ‘un-used’ postage is then transferred from your old machine to the new IMI machine. Postage Account remains the same.
  • Average Service Techs time to ’swap out’ meters is 15-20 minutes.
  • The ink cartridges (if you have back-up’s) are the same, so you’ll have no change in supplies.
  • We ‘currently’ have over 3000 of these meters to ’swap out’……the average/day is 8.5 installations, so we very much appreciate your help in getting this done as quickly as possible!

 

Thank you, we appreciate your continued business with us.

 

Automation Mail & Shipping Solutions (FP Authorized Dealer)