Patent ID: 6701215
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: G07B

Abstract:
A tracking system for a posted item created by a sender, prepared by a bulk mailer for delivery to a postal system and delivered by the postal system to an addressee, said tracking system comprising:labeling means operative at the bulk mailer for affixing to the item a unique code capable of being interpreted by code reading means and including information regarding the sender, the bulk mailer, the addressee, postal rate criteria a spatial location in a bulk mailing; data base means for creating a data base record for each item referenced to said unique code and accessible by the bulk mailer and the postal system, and for preparing a notification log; server means operatively associated with said data base means for providing the postal system with said notification log prior to delivery of said posted item; code reading means operative at said postal system for reading said unique code on the item and generating a processing log based thereon; comparing means associated with said data base means for comparing said notification log with said processing log and generating an exception log available to the bulk mailer and the mailing system regarding variations with respect to discrete items on said exception log.