# Presentation: 672177

## Interfacing with the Automatic Induction for the AFSM-100MTAC #96

**Mike Winn****	****	****	****	****Dave Williams**
**Industry Co-Chair****	****	****	****Postal Co-Chair**

## Charter

**Explore efficient exchange between mailers’ output to postal input for flats processing with automated induction**
**Develop innovative preparation techniques without increasing mailers’ preparation costs **

**Notes:**
MTAC 96 began about the same time as the Phase I deployment of the automatic induction or Ai systems.  Our first meeting took place September 2005 at the processing and distribution center in Southern Maryland.  This visit gave work group members a chance to see flats being processed on an AFSM-100 utilizing an Ai system. 

MTAC 96 has been a very productive work group.  Over the last 14 months, we have kept focus on our charter. 

##  Tested  Alternate Flats Preparation  

**Mailer Prepared ACTs on Dollies**
**Mailer Prepared ACTs on Pallets**
**Mailer Prepared “Auto Ready” Pallets**

**Notes:**
By the summer, we were ready to identify best practices matching mailer’s finishing processes to the Postal Service’s current and future mail processing capabilities.

Three scenarios were developed for two large mailers who volunteered to test alternate ways of flat preparation.  

## Test Preparation

**1****.  Mailer Prepared ACTs on Dollies**

**Notes:**
ACT is the green plastic automation compatible tray used with automatic induction.

In this first test, an operator manually filled each ACT with about 1 foot of flats.  It took about 50 seconds and 5 handfuls to fill an ACT.  Then the operator stacked the ACT on a dolly or mobile platform.  Each dolly could hold 12 ACTs. 

The biggest negative associated with this test was the weight of a full ACT.   Weighing  49 lbs., the ACTs became too heavy for repetitive motion from an operator.

Flats in ACTs on dollies maintained integrity during transport from the mailer’s plant to the P&DC at Southern Maryland where dollies were inducted into a dolly dock, and the flats were sorted by the AFSM.  

## Test Preparation

**2.  Mailer Prepared ACTs on Pallets**

**Notes:**
In the second test, the operator followed the same manual process in Test 1, except placing ACTs on a pallet.  18 ACTs could fit on one pallet.

As with the other test, there was good operator productivity.  However, the ACTs were heavy and difficult to place next to each other on the pallet.    

Once the pallet arrived at the postal plant for processing, the ACTs were transferred to dollies and inducted at the dolly dock.  As with the first test, there was no mail damage or anomalies reported. 

However, due to the weight of full ACTs, automation changes and investment would be required by mailers to lift and stack ACTs.  Staging and transportation of the reusable containers would be another issue that would affect mailers.

So neither the first nor second preparation method was endorsed by our work group. 

## Test Preparation

**3.  Mailer Prepared “Auto Ready” Pallets**

**Notes:**
In the third test, mailers developed an  “Auto Ready” pallet.   We defined this as a collection of presorted flat mail bundles secured by 1 or 2 straps.  There is no compensation within these bundles.

In this testing scenario, the pallet also contained bundles for multiple sort plans with schemes separated by a cardboard slip sheet.

Flats that face the same direction and bundles that are not shrink wrapped are technology enablers for postal automation.

Two large mailers built “Auto Ready” pallets – one using a manual method and the other using an automated process.  Both of the mailers volunteering for the preparation of the “Auto Ready” pallets had no adverse effect in their addressing and finishing lines.

## Benefits of “Auto Ready” Pallets

**Direct Connect with Flats Processing**
**Avoids Cost of Bundle Breakage**
**Feasible for Mailers using Both Automated and Manual Processes**
**Compatible with Auto Prep Technology**

**Notes:**
There are many advantages if mailers prepare an “Auto Ready” pallet of flats.

 Since the multiple sort schemes can be contained on one pallet, mailers can achieve maximum efficiencies in their current pallet transportation methods.

 Bundles will bypass APPS operations, eliminating costs associated with bundle breakage and re-handling. 

It must be acknowledged that not all mail preparers have strapping capabilities on every line.  Another constraint to the “Auto Ready” pallet would be customers who require shrink-wrapping to prevent damage or provide security for their product.  And there are some pieces that require compensation due to the glossy nature of their covers.  

## “Auto Ready” Pallet Recommended for Ai Environment

**Straps Only**
**Non-Compensated Bundles**

**MTAC 96  Endorses “Auto Ready” Pallet**

**Notes:**
In the final report to be issued by MTAC 96, the “Auto Ready” pallet will be recommended as the best way to prepare flats for the interface with our new automatic induction.  If you remember the charter for MTAC 96, the “Auto Ready” pallet considers the output of a mail preparer as the input to a piece of postal automation –  the Ai on the AFSM-100 and possibly the FSS.

## Conclusion

**Use Final Report Recommendations and Transition to a new FSS Work Group**
**Conclude Activities of MTAC 96**
**Extend Thanks to MTAC 96 Work Group Members**

**Notes:**
The life cycle of MTAC 96 is similar to the Phase 1 deployment of Ai.  We started when Phase 1 started, and we are ending as Phase I is completed. 

During Phase 1, there were 210 Ai systems installed on AFSM-100s at 59 sites.  

During the period that MTAC 96 functioned, much was accomplished and much was learned. 

On behalf of the industry co-chair, Mike Winn, and myself,  I want to thank all of those who worked and supported our work group over the last 14 months.

**Questions?**