# Presentation: 498725

## MTAC BRIEFING

## Launched October 1, 2001

**a**

**Near Real-Time Data**
**“****Start-the-Clock” Data**
**Service Performance Measurement**
**Expanded Planet Code Functionality**
**User-Friendly Web Site**
**Dedicated Customer Support **

_**Launched October 1, 2001**_

***CONFIRM************ - Production System***

***84 customers certified, 118 customers reapplied or applied***

**Notes:**

For Origin Confirm, USPS identifies the Confirm subscriber by the response piece’s POSTNET Code.  As a result, nine digits are available to the mailer to identify a customer, particular mailing, or other information that can be used to link the mail piece to an established information database.

## “Start the Clock” Process

***“******Start the Clock” Process***

***CONFIRM************   ******Advanced Shipping Notice***

***Deadline for compliance with ASN requirements extended to March 1, 2002.***

**Notes:**
The information reported to the mailers consists of:
The PLANET Code digits
The POSTNET Code digits
A postal operation number which indicates the sort scheme of the processing run (e.g., primary sortation, on incoming mail, delivery point sequencing on outgoing mail).
Location number (Postal facility) 
Date and time of the processing run.
The data is presented in a standard comma delimited format, which is easily importable to all database software.

## Performance Measurement Reporting

***For USPS***

***Performance Measurement Reporting***

***CONFIRM*********

**Notes:**
Mailers can choose to place the PLANET Code on every piece or on just select “seed” pieces within their mailing.
There are some mailers who may not wish to to redesign their mailpieces to accommodate the PLANET Code. In that case you can print the PLANET Code on “smart" seed pieces only.
USPS developed the Confirm Smart Seed at the request of mailers so that the PLANET Coded seed pieces do not have to reach a delivery point.  The processing of the PLANET Code for Smart Seeds work the same way as basic Destination Confirm.  However, the Smart Seed mail piece contains a fictional address that will allow the piece to be processed on Mail Processing Equipment, but will never leave the destination Post Office -- it will be discarded  This is because the ZIP+4 is addressed to the Postmaster of that ZIP using the 9998 tag.  
Mailers need to follow the following standard for addressing Smart Seed pieces:

PLANET Code Track & Trace
87[XX] Confirm Way
City, ST  ZIP-9998
Currently during the Pilot Phase, do not require postage.

## CONFIRM - Equipment Status

***CONFIRM************ - Equipment Status***

**Notes:**
USPS is completing the deployment process to extend the service to flat mail.  A number of current pilot mailers are already testing the capability.  Nationwide deployment will be completed in Fall 2001.

## Increased PLANET Code Functionality

**a**

***Increased PLANET Code Functionality***

***Also, new 2-digit Service IDs that identify class and shape of mail for both Destination and Origin Confirm.***

- Framing Bars

- Service

- Type ID
- (40)

- Mailer ID
- (assigned by USPS)

- 5 DIGITS

**Notes:**

For Origin Confirm, USPS identifies the Confirm subscriber by the response piece’s POSTNET Code.  As a result, nine digits are available to the mailer to identify a customer, particular mailing, or other information that can be used to link the mail piece to an established information database.

## CONFIRM Training of Field Personnel

_**Create Understanding Internally**_**:**
**What is Confirm?**
**How it works?**
**How and why do customers use Confirm?**
**What tools are available?**
**How to use Confirm to help customers and improve performance? **

**Notes:**
Mailers can choose to place the PLANET Code on every piece or on just select “seed” pieces within their mailing.
There are some mailers who may not wish to to redesign their mailpieces to accommodate the PLANET Code. In that case you can print the PLANET Code on “smart" seed pieces only.
USPS developed the Confirm Smart Seed at the request of mailers so that the PLANET Coded seed pieces do not have to reach a delivery point.  The processing of the PLANET Code for Smart Seeds work the same way as basic Destination Confirm.  However, the Smart Seed mail piece contains a fictional address that will allow the piece to be processed on Mail Processing Equipment, but will never leave the destination Post Office -- it will be discarded  This is because the ZIP+4 is addressed to the Postmaster of that ZIP using the 9998 tag.  
Mailers need to follow the following standard for addressing Smart Seed pieces:

PLANET Code Track & Trace
87[XX] Confirm Way
City, ST  ZIP-9998
Currently during the Pilot Phase, do not require postage.