Patent Publication Number: US-2016225041-A1

Title: Flow-Sorting System

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     As noted in U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, presorted and basic carrier route standard mail flats, and all bound printed matter (BPM) presorted and carrier route flats and periodicals flats meeting the standards in 201.6.2, must be consolidated into 5-digit Flat Sequence Sorter (FSS) scheme bundles and placed on pallets or containers, in sacks and trays or handling units, or in approved alternate containers, for 5-digit FSS scheme ZIP Code combinations within the same facility. Mailings that include 10 or more pieces of standard mail flats, 6 or more pieces of periodicals flats or 10 or more pieces (or 10 or more pounds) of BPM flats to a FSS scheme, must be prepared in FSS scheme bundles for that 5-digit FSS scheme. 
     Mailers may optionally prepare scheme pools with less than those minimums and may prepare an FSS scheme bundle if there is a minimum of 3 inches per bundle. Mailings of nonpresorted BPM flats may be included in FSS preparation, but will not be eligible for presorted or carrier route prices. The Postal Service also recommends the use of flat trays in lieu of sacks for FSS bundles. Bundles of flats prepared to FSS zones also may be combined with bundles of flats not intended for FSS processing when prepared to less finely presorted containers in accordance with these standards and the standards in 8.0. 
     Mailers currently place qualifying mailpieces from all price categories into a separate combined pool for each individual 5-digit FSS-scheme combination, and then prepare bundles of uniform size from those pieces. Mailpieces that meet the eligibility standards for 5-digit prices, basic and high-density carrier route prices, or BPM presort or carrier route prices will continue to be eligible for these prices when prepared in accordance with the FSS preparation standards. Saturation price standard mail and periodicals flats are not eligible for preparation under this option. High-density and high-density plus standard mail flats that meet the physical requirements in 201.6.0 may be included when prepared in accordance with these standards. 
     However, it can be difficult to quickly and accurately determine the best possible pricing for the mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is USPS compliant. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method is provided to quickly and accurately determine the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method is provided for filtering mail pieces into FSS and Non-FSS pieces. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method is provided for pricing mail pieces, including FSS, Non-FSS, and combinations of FSS and Non-FSS pieces. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method is provided for placing FSS, Non-FSS, and combinations of FSS and Non-FSS pieces into bundles, pallets or containers, sacks, trays or handling units, or other containers. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, means for filtering mail pieces into FSS and Non-FSS pieces are provided. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, means for pricing mail pieces, including FSS, Non-FSS, and combinations of FSS and Non-FSS pieces are provided. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, means for placing FSS, Non-FSS, and combinations of FSS and Non-FSS pieces into bundles, pallets or containers, sacks, trays or handling units, or other containers are provided. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, when the user has a mailing job where the mail type is flats and mail class is either standard, periodicals or bound printed matter, the system and method directs the operation of hardware, software, and combinations of hardware and software, to determine in order, what mailing pieces are eligible for FSS preparation, determine applicable prices of the pieces, and prepare bundles of the pieces to conform to the expected USPS output. By orderly implementing a filtering operation wherein FSS and Non-FSS pieces are first identified, followed by a pricing operation for groups with a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to groups with a very coarse level (3D), and then creating bundles, pallets or containers, and sacks, trays or handling units, of the FSS and Non-FSS pieces based thereon, the system and method identifies the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are illustrative and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosed subject matter, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings also illustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. No attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter and various ways in which it may be practiced. 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating a filtering process according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating a pricing process for identifying groups and prices of groups for pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a bundling process for bundling both groups that are eligible for FSS preparation, and groups that are not eligible for FSS preparation, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically an FSS preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pallet preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed sack and/or tray preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for standard mail according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals addressed in-county according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals addressed outside-county according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals containers according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for bound printed matter according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, when a user has a mailing job where the mail type is flats and mail class is either standard, periodicals or bound printed matter, the system and method directs the operation of hardware, software, and combinations of hardware and software, to determine in order, what mailing pieces are eligible for Flat Sequence Sorter (FSS) preparation, determine applicable prices of the pieces, and prepare bundles of the pieces to conform to the expected USPS output. By orderly implementing a filtering operation wherein FSS and Non-FSS pieces are first identified, followed by a pricing operation for groups with a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to groups with a very coarse level (3D), and then creating bundles, pallets or containers, and sacks, trays or handling units, of the FSS and Non-FSS pieces based thereon, the system and method identifies the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705. This is an exemplary operation, and where additional restrictions apply for claiming HDP and HD prices, combinations can be created in compliance with the additional restrictions if desirable to do so. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the process may perform 3 operations, wherein an order of operations may be varied as desired and steps therein may be combined, omitted or arranged as desired. First, the invention performs a filtering process to filter out all of the pieces that are not eligible for FSS preparation. To do so, the invention checks data of the pieces, such as but not limited to the destination zip code for each piece, and eliminates the pieces that are not going to a ZIP code that is covered by an FSS scheme machine, pieces that qualify for Walk Sequence Saturation rates, pieces that are eligible for a Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) discount, pieces that are part of a Firm Bundle (in this case, periodicals only, but the invention is not limited thereto), and pieces that qualify for In-County rates (in this case, periodicals only, but the invention is not limited thereto). 
     Next, remaining pieces that qualify, are grouped following certain criteria to determine the price level. The groups are formed ranging from a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to a very coarse level (3D). These groups are not real groups (i.e., bundles), but are only used to determine the optimum price levels following the filtering process and prior to the creation of bundles, pallets or containers, and sacks, trays or handling units. At this point, the user can exclude HDP and/or HD eligible pieces to achieve an optimum price. 
     Finally, after the optimum prices are calculated for each piece of the groups, physical bundles are prepared for each individual FSS scheme. By filtering and pricing the pieces prior to actually creating physical bundles for each individual FSS scheme, the invention identifies the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705. That is, once all the pieces are created, FSS sacks, FSS Scheme pallets and FSS Facility pallets are created. As a further improvement, if there are not enough FSS bundles to satisfy the minimum requirements for the containers, the FSS bundles are put to the side, but are not broken out. The non-FSS pieces that were filtered out are bundled separately, following the pre-FSS preparation rules, and are combined with the FSS bundles that could not fit in FSS containers, and are then added to the correct containers, sacks and/or pallets. By using such a system and method, a customer gets the best possible price for the mailing, which is also USPS compliant. Further, efficiency is maximized by setting aside the FSS bundles that could not fit in FSS containers and then combining them with non FSS bundles in the right containers. 
     As noted above, in a first phase, a filtering operation is performed as illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 1 . The invention filters out all of the pieces that are not eligible for FSS preparation. The invention checks at least the destination zip code for each piece and eliminates the pieces that are not going to a ZIP code that is covered by an FSS scheme machine, pieces that qualify for Walk Sequence Saturation rates, pieces that are eligible for a DDU discount, pieces that are part of a Firm Bundle (Periodicals only), and pieces that qualify for In-County rates (Periodicals only).  FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating a filtering process  100  for identifying pieces that are not eligible for FSS preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces is first determined at step  102 , and non-FSS pieces are filtered out at step  104 . In each of the steps, identification of the piece is performed using sensors, detectors or other technologies as known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, details of the sensors and detectors are omitted from this description for clarity. 
     The non-FSS pieces filtered out at step  104  are directed out of the process at step  106 . The remaining pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are further filtered, and Walk Sequence Saturation pieces are filtered out at step  108 . The Walk Sequence Saturation pieces filtered out at step  108  are directed out of the filtering process at step  106 . The remaining pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are further filtered, and DDU pieces are filtered out at step  110 . The DDU pieces filtered out at step  110  are directed out of the Filtering process at step  106 . 
     The remaining pieces are evaluated to separate periodicals at step  112 , wherein periodicals and other remaining pieces are further filtered, and Firm Bundle pieces are filtered out at step  114 . The Firm Bundle pieces filtered out at step  114  are directed out of the filtering process at step  106 . The remaining pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are further filtered, and In-County pieces are filtered out at step  118 . The In-County pieces filtered out at step  118  are directed out of the filtering process at step  106 . The remaining pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are directed out of the filtering process at step  116  and to the pricing process of  FIG. 2 , described in greater detail below. Where no periodicals are detected at step  112 , the remaining pieces are also directed out of the filtering process at step  116  and to the pricing process of  FIG. 2 . A more detailed description of the filtering process is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As noted above, the user can exclude eligible pieces at this point to later achieve an optimum price. 
     In a second phase, a pricing operation is performed as illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 2 . Pieces need to be grouped following certain criteria to determine the optimum price level for each prior to forming bundles. The present invention creates pricing groups from a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to a very coarse level (3D). These groups are not real groups (bundles), but are only used to determine the price levels. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating a pricing process  200  for identifying groups and prices of groups for pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are directed out of the filtering process at step  116  and into the pricing process of  FIG. 2  at step  202 . The mail pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are first grouped by FSS Scheme at step  204 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement. For illustration, such minimum requirements can simply determine if the group can be expected fit into any FSS Scheme later identified, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The pieces filtered out at step  206  are directed out of the pricing process as non-FSS pieces at step  210 . 
     The remaining pieces that are eligible for pricing are further grouped into potential High-Density Pricing (HDP) groups at step  208 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for an HDP group at step  212 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for an HDP group, the invention assigns HDP prices to the pieces at step  214  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 , described in greater detail below. Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for an HDP group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential High-Density (HD) groups at step  216 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for an HD group at step  218 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for an HD group, the invention assigns HD prices to the pieces at step  220  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . 
     Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for an HD group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential CR groups at step  222 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for a CR group at step  224 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for a CR group, the invention assigns CR prices to the pieces at step  226  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for a CR group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential BarCoded 5-Digit (5B) groups at step  228 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for a 5B group at step  230 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for a 5B group, the invention assigns 5B prices to the pieces at step  232  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . As noted above, the user can exclude eligible pieces at this point to achieve an optimum price. Further, where a process of grouping pieces for basic Carrier Route (CR) rates, 5-Digit rates or 3-Digit rates cannot be applied for compliance or other reasons, the steps can be omitted without affecting remaining processes. 
     Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for a 5B group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential BarCoded 3-Digit 3B groups at step  234 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for a 3B group at step  236 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for a 3B group, the invention assigns 3B prices to the pieces at step  238  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for a 3B group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential 5-Digit (5D) groups at step  240 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for a 5D group at step  242 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for a 5D group, the invention assigns 5D prices to the pieces at step  244  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . 
     Where the group does not meet the minimum requirement for a 5D group, the remaining pieces are grouped into potential 3-Digit (3D) groups at step  246 , and each group is evaluated to determine if the group meets a minimum requirement for a 3D group at step  248 . Where the group meets the minimum requirement for a 3D group, the invention assigns 3D prices to the pieces at step  250  and are directed out of the pricing process and to the bundling process of  FIG. 3 . A more detailed description of the pricing process is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7-11 . 
     In a third phase, a bundling operation is performed as illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 3 . After the optimum prices are calculated for each piece in  FIG. 2 , the invention starts creating physical bundles for each individual FSS scheme, and can take into consideration other factors that affect optimum pricing. For example, FSS bundle thickness can be varied based on the container level for periodical mail. In Periodicals, to truly optimize postage, the system may direct the creation of 6 inch bundles because one component of the total postage cost is the number of bundles created for the mailing. However, the reality of processing FSS bundles is that 6 inch bundles are likely to break during processing, and bundle breakage adds significant cost to the Postal Service. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can further optimize postage by directing the creatation of 6 inch FSS bundles when the bundles are put onto an FSS Scheme pallet or container, and directing the later recreation of 4 inch bundles to reach an optimum balance between minimizing postage and minimizing bundle breakage. 
     Once all of the bundles are created, the invention starts creating FSS sacks, FSS Scheme pallets and FSS Facility pallets. If there are not enough FSS bundles to satisfy the minimum requirements for the containers, the FSS bundles are put to the side, but are not broken out. Then, the non-FSS pieces that were filtered out at step  106  in  FIG. 1  and at step  210  in  FIG. 2  are bundled separately, following the pre-FSS preparation rules, and are combined with the FSS bundles, and added to the correct containers, sacks and/or pallets. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a bundling process  300  for bundling both groups that are eligible for FSS preparation, and groups that are not eligible for FSS preparation, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are directed out of the pricing process and into the bundling process of  FIG. 3  at step  302 . A total number of mail pieces that are not eligible for FSS preparation are directed out of the filtering process at step  106  and are directed out of the pricing process at step  210 , and into the bundling process of  FIG. 3  at step  304 . 
     The mail pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are grouped to create FSS Scheme bundles at step  306 , and each bundle is evaluated to determine if the bundle can be placed on a pallet at step  308 . If the bundles can be placed on a pallet, the bundles are grouped to create FSS Scheme pallets at step  310 . If the bundles cannot be placed on a pallet, the bundles are grouped to create FSS sacks at step  312  and each FSS sack is evaluated to determine if the FSS sack meets a minimum requirement for an FSS sack at step  314  and if so, is used to create FSS Scheme pallets at step  310 . At step  312 , the system may implement the same process for creating FSS Scheme Sacks and FSS Facility sacks, wherein FSS Facility sacks are optional. 
     Each FSS Scheme pallet is evaluated to determine if the pallet meets a minimum requirement for an FSS Scheme pallet at step  316  and if not, is used to create FSS Facility pallets at step  318  which are evaluated to determine if the pallet meets a minimum requirement for an FSS Facility pallet at step  320 . If the pallet does not meet a minimum requirement for an FSS Facility pallet, it is mixed with FSS and non-FSS bundles at step  322 , along with FSS sacks that do not meet a minimum requirement for an FSS Scheme pallet. 
     The mail pieces that are not eligible for FSS preparation are grouped to create non-FSS bundles at step  324 , and the non-FSS bundles and FSS bundles are combined at step  322 . The combined non-FSS bundles and FSS bundles are evaluated to determine if the bundles can be placed on a pallet at step  326 . If the bundles can be placed on a pallet, the bundles are grouped to create pallets at step  328 . If the bundles cannot be placed on a pallet, the bundles are grouped to create sacks at step  330  and each sack is used to create pallets at step  328 . A more detailed description of the bundling process is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     By orderly implementing a filtering operation wherein FSS and Non-FSS pieces are first identified, followed by a pricing operation for groups with a very granular level (HDP) and the best price, to groups with a very coarse level (3D), and then creating bundles, sacks and pallets of the FSS and Non-FSS pieces based thereon, the system and method identifies the best possible pricing for a mailing, while ensuring that the final mailing is compliant with U.S. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, Section 705. 
     By using such a system and method, a customer gets the best possible price for the mailing, which is also USPS compliant. Further, efficiency is maximized by setting aside the FSS bundles that could not fit in FSS containers and then combining them with non FSS bundles in the right containers. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically an FSS preparation process according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for FSS preparation are directed into the process  400  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  at step  402 . The invention determines if the sort is requested for standard mail, periodical mail, or BPM machinable flats of mail at step  404  and if so, the invention then evaluates each piece for FSS qualifications at step  410 . If not, the invention determines that no sort changes are needed at step  406  and ends the process at step  408 . 
     If the mail qualifies, the invention determines if the pieces are periodical mailings at step  412  and if not, determines if the pieces qualify for saturation rates or DDU preparation at step  414 . If the pieces are periodical mailings, the invention determines if the pieces are In-Firm bundles at step  416  and if so, moves the pieces into non-FSS groups at step  418 . For remaining pieces, the invention then determines if there are less than 5000 pieces in the mailing or if the pieces are addressed In-County at step  420  and if not, again determines if the pieces qualify for saturation rates or DDU preparation at step  414 . For remaining pieces, the invention then determines if the user opts for FSS preparation at step  422  and if so, again determines if the pieces qualify for saturation rates or DDU preparation at step  414 . If the user does not opt for FSS preparation, the invention again moves the pieces into non-FSS groups at step  418 . 
     If the pieces qualify for saturation rates or DDU preparation, the invention again moves the pieces into non-FSS groups at step  418 . If not, the invention determines if the pieces are in L006 at step  428  and if not, the invention again moves the pieces into Non-FSS groups at step  418 . L006 describes the required 5-digit Flats Sequencing System scheme sortation list. 
     If the pieces are in L006, the invention groups the FSS addresses by L006 Column B at step  430 , and determines if the groups meet class minimum requirements at step  432 . If the groups meet class minimum requirements, the invention applies pricing at step  434  as described in greater detail in  FIGS. 7-11 . The invention then separates groups into bundles at step  436  based on maximum bundle thickness values set by the user, for example, 3 to 6.5 inches; gathers groups into pallets at step  438  as described in greater detail in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; and gathers groups into sacks at step  440  as described in greater detail in  FIG. 6 . The remaining pieces are moved into non-FSS groups at step  418  and sorted without changes at step  424 . These pieces and those of the bundles, pallets and sacks are combined and ordered by ZIP code at step  426  for quality reporting and piece sequencing, prior to completion at step  408 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pallet preparation process according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for pallet preparation are directed into the process  500  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  at step  502 . The invention determines if the user has palletization add-on at step  504  and if so, the invention then determines if the user has selected bundle based pallets at step  506 . If the user does not have palletization add-on, the invention ends the palletization process at step  508 . Also, if the user has not selected bundle based pallets, the invention determines if the user has selected sack and/or tray based pallets at step  510 . 
     If the user has selected bundle based pallets, the invention weighs the amount of mail per FSS Scheme at step  512 , and if there is over 250 pounds to the scheme detected at step  514 , the invention creates FSS Scheme pallets at step  516 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if the pieces are over the user-entered weight for the scheme at step  518  and if so, the invention again creates FSS Scheme pallets at step  516 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if the user wants FSS Facility pallets at step  520  and if not, the invention continues palleting according to user&#39;s specifications, wherein any remaining FSS bundles go into other applicable pallets at step  522 . If the user wants FSS Facility pallets, the invention then determines if the pieces are over user-entered weights for the facility at step  524  and if so, the invention then creates FSS Facility pallets at step  526 . 
     If the user has selected sack and/or tray based pallets at step  510 , the invention then sacks and/or trays pieces according to sack and/or tray preparation processes at step  528 , and as described in greater detail in  FIG. 6 . If the user has not selected sack and/or tray based pallets, the invention ends the palletization process at step  508 . 
     The invention weighs the amount of mail per Scheme at step  530 , and if there is over 250 pounds to the scheme detected at step  530 , the invention creates FSS Scheme pallets at step  532 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if the pieces are over the user-entered weight for the scheme at step  534  and if so, the invention again creates FSS Scheme pallets at step  532 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if the user wants FSS Facility pallets at step  536  and if not, the invention continues palleting according to user&#39;s specifications, wherein any remaining FSS bundles go into other applicable pallets at step  538 . If the user wants FSS Facility pallets, the invention then determines if the pieces are over user-entered weights for the facility at step  540  and if so, the invention then creates FSS Facility pallets at step  542 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed sack and/or tray preparation process according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for sack and/or tray preparation are directed into the process  600  of  FIG. 6  at step  602 . The invention determines if the user has selected flats in tubs and/or trays at step  604  and if so, the invention then determines if there are enough pieces in the scheme to fill a tub at step  606 , including user entered minimums and class minimums. If the user has not selected flats in tubs and/or trays at step  604 , the invention bundles the pieces according to user-entered bundle maximum size values at step  608 . The invention determines if there are enough pieces in the scheme to fill sacks at step  610 , including user entered minimums or class minimums and if so, the invention places bundles in FSS Scheme sacks until full at step  612 . If there are not enough pieces in the scheme to fill sacks at step  610 , including user entered minimums or class minimums, the invention places the remaining bundles in FSS Facility Sacks, with the FSS Scheme Sacks, until full at step  614 . 
     If there are enough pieces in the scheme to fill a tub at step  606 , the invention creates FSS Scheme trays with loose pieces, excluding bundling, at step  616 . If there are not enough pieces in the scheme to fill a tub at step  606 , the invention creates FSS Facility trays with bundles pieces at step  618 . Finally, the invention continues sacking and traying any remaining FSS Bundles into the next applicable sack and/or tray at step  620 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for standard mail according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for standard mail pricing are directed into the process  700  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  at step  702 . A total number of mail pieces that are eligible are separated into Carrier Routes (CRRTs) at step  704  of process  700 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each CRRT. The invention then determines if there are 300 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  706  and if so, the invention applies High-Density Plus prices to those pieces at step  708 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if there are 125 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  710  and if so, the invention applies High-Density prices to those pieces at step  712 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then determines if there are 10 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  714  and if so, the invention applies CR Basic prices to those pieces at step  716 . 
     The invention then groups the remaining pieces into 5D/5D schemes at step  718  of process  700 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each 5D/5D scheme. The invention then determines if there are 15 or more pieces that are 5 ounces or less, or if there are 10 or more pieces that are greater than 5 ounces, that have ZIP+4+DP at step  720  and if so, the invention applies 5D automation prices at step  722 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then combines the remaining pieces at step  724 , and counts the number of pieces in each 3D/3D scheme. The invention then determines if there are 15 or more pieces that are 5 ounces or less, or if there are 10 or more pieces that are greater than 5 ounces, that have ZIP+4+DP at step  726  and if so, the invention applies 3D automation prices at step  728 . For the remaining pieces, the invention then combines the remaining pieces at step  730 , and counts the number of pieces in each 5D/5D scheme. The invention then determines if there are 15 or more pieces that are 5 ounces or less, or if there are 10 or more pieces that are greater than 5 ounces at step  732  and if so, the invention applies 5D presort prices at step  734 . For any remaining pieces, the invention applies 3D pre-sort prices to those pieces at step  736 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals addressed In-County according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for periodicals addressed In-County are directed into the process  800  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  at step  802 . If the mail pieces are found to be addressed Outside-County at step  804 , the mail pieces are directed into the process  900  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  at step  808 . If the mail pieces are found to be addressed In-County at step  804 , the invention applies the In-County, non-DDU pound price at step  806 . A total number of mail pieces that are eligible are separated into CRRTs at step  810  of process  800 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each CRRT. The invention then determines if there are 125 or more pieces or if 25 percent of deliveries are to a specific CRRT at step  812  and if so, the invention applies In-County, High-Density prices to those pieces at step  814 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  816  and if so, the invention applies In-County, CRRT Basic prices to those pieces at step  818 . 
     A total number of remaining mail pieces that are eligible are separated by 5D ZIP at step  820  of process  800 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each 5D ZIP. The invention then determines if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific 5D ZIP with ZIP+4+DP at step  822  and if so, the invention applies 5D automation prices to those pieces at step  824 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if any piece has ZIP+4+DP at step  826  and if so, the invention applies 3D automation prices to those pieces at step  828 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific 5D ZIP at step  830  and if so, the invention applies 5D non-automation prices to those pieces at step  832 . For any remaining pieces, the invention applies 3D non-automation prices to those pieces at step  834 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals addressed Outside-County according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for periodicals addressed Outside-County are directed into the process  900  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  at step  902 . If the mail pieces are found to be addressed In-County at step  904 , the mail pieces are directed into the process  800  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  at step  906 . If the mail pieces are found to be addressed Outside-County at step  904 , the invention applies the DSCF Outside-County pound price at step  908 . A total number of mail pieces that are eligible are separated into CRRTs at step  910  of process  900 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each CRRT. The invention then determines if there are 125 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  912  and if so, the invention applies Outside-County, High-Density prices to those pieces at step  914 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific CRRT at step  916  and if so, the invention applies Outside-County CRRT Basic prices to those pieces at step  918 . 
     A total number of remaining mail pieces that are eligible are separated by 5D ZIP at step  920  of process  900 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each 5D ZIP. The invention then determines if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific 5D ZIP with ZIP+4+DP at step  922  and if so, the invention applies 5D barcoded prices to those pieces at step  924 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if any piece has ZIP+4+DP at step  926  and if so, the invention applies 3D barcoded prices to those pieces at step  928 . The invention then determines for the remaining pieces if there are 6 or more pieces to a specific 5D ZIP at step  930  and if so, the invention applies 5D barcoded prices to those pieces at step  932 . For any remaining pieces, the invention applies 3D non-barcoded prices to those pieces at step  934 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for periodicals containers according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for periodicals containers are directed into the process  1000  of  FIG. 10  at step  1002 . If the mail pieces are found to be in FSS bundles at step  1004 , the invention applies FSS bundle prices, the same as 3D/SCF, at step  1006 . If the remaining mail pieces are found to be in FSS trays and/or sacks at step  1008 , the invention applies FSS tray/sack prices, the same as 3D/SCF, at step  1010 . If the remaining mail pieces are found to be in FSS Facility pallets at step  1012 , the invention applies FSS Facility prices, the same as 3D/SCF, at step  1014 . If the remaining mail pieces are found to be in FSS Scheme pallets at step  1016 , the invention determines if the FSS Scheme pallets are entered at an FSS facility at step  1018 . The invention applies container charges as before to any remaining mail pieces. If the FSS Scheme pallets are not entered at an FSS facility, the invention applies FSS Scheme prices, the same as 3D/SCF, at step  1022 . If the FSS Scheme pallets are entered at an FSS facility, the invention applies no pallet charge at step  1024 . Additional processes or process modifications may be provided to reflect container pricing for a 5-digit pallet that contains only carrier bundles. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating more specifically a detailed pricing process for bound printed matter according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A total number of mail pieces that are eligible for bound printed matter pricing are directed into the process  1100  of  FIG. 11  at step  1102 . A total number of mail pieces that are eligible are separated into CRRTs at step  1104  of process  1100 , and the invention counts the number of pieces in each CRRT. The invention then determines if there are 10 or more pieces or 10 or more pounds to a specific CRRT at step  1106  and if so, the invention applies FSS Carrier Route prices to those pieces based on zone at step  1108 . Otherwise, the invention applies FSS Presort prices to those pieces, based on Zone at step  1110 , and for both, the invention then applies pound price based on zone and subtracts any barcode discounts if applicable. Where FSS Carrier Route Pricing and FSS Presort pricing are not available, FSS Barcoded and FSS Non-Barcoded pricing may be used if applicable. 
     By first performing a filtering process to separate FSS and non-FSS eligible pieces and then grouping pieces prior to actual physical grouping, the present invention can determine an optimum price before actually creating the physical groups, thereby taking advantage of both price arrangements and grouping arrangements that best fit the situation. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can further address issues arising in real postal operations. For example, FSS Preparation and optimizing postage is typically a balance between bundle size and production realities. In Periodicals, to truly optimize postage the system directs the creation of 6 inch bundles because one component of the total postage cost is the number of bundles created for the mailing. However, the reality of processing FSS bundles is that 6 inch bundles are likely to break during processing, and bundle breakage adds significant cost to the Postal Service. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can further optimize postage by directing the creation of 6 inch FSS bundles when the bundles are put onto an FSS Scheme pallet or container. These FSS bundles will go straight to the FSS machine and avoid USPS bundle processing where breakage occurs. After the FSS scheme pallet or containers are made, the system may be directed to unbundle and rebundle the remaining FSS bundles at a smaller bundle thickness (generally 4 inches). In doing so, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can further create the optimum balance between minimizing postage and minimizing bundle breakage. 
     Various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter may include or be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. Embodiments also may be embodied in the form of a computer program product having computer program code containing instructions embodied in non-transitory and/or tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, USB (universal serial bus) drives, or any other machine readable storage medium, such that when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Embodiments also may be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, such that when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. 
     In some configurations, a set of computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium may be implemented by a general-purpose processor, which may transform the general-purpose processor or a device containing the general-purpose processor into a special-purpose device configured to implement or carry out the instructions. Embodiments may be implemented using hardware that may include a processor, such as a general purpose microprocessor and/or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that embodies all or part of the techniques according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in hardware and/or firmware. The processor may be coupled to memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk or any other device capable of storing electronic information. The memory may store instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to perform the techniques according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize those embodiments as well as various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.