What I need to know about USPS® Intelligent Mail Indicia

Businesses of all sizes have long relied on postage meters to assist in mailing their communications. Postage meters save money since the postage meter indicia (markings that carry the necessary postage information) costs less than a stamp, and eliminates trips to the post office.

Intelligen Mail Indicia (IMI) replaced Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) which was the first digital postage management system. The up-to-date technology of IMI provides more detailed transaction data, enables automation of costly back-office operations, and employs better security standards. The USPS now requires that all mailing systems meet the IMI standards.

Full compliance and additional benefits The new IMI standard was designed to safeguard the USPS and everyone who uses a mailing system, from small businesses to large enterprises. Additional benefits of IMI include:

• Accurate postage  Even the most careful manual data entry may produce errors. With an IMI meter, the postage is automatically calculated after you input the required Service Class. Using IMI saves money and mail is not returned for lack of postage.  

• Automatic updates The USPS requires systems with IMI to connect to the manufacturer’s servers every 72 hours. With frequent information use, the USPS is better able to manage mail flow. Updates, including rate changes and other modifications, arrive at the meter in a timely fashion, avoiding over or short payments.  

• Stronger security The Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. IMI adheres to its standards to ensure that information is transmitted securely, whether it is going to or from the postage meter.  

• Greater connectivity There is no need for a dedicated phone line. Instead, dedicated LAN connections are required to ensure a constant connection, which enables faster updates and postage refills.

To gain additional insight into IMI Compliance, download the complimentary Ebook: Quick Reference Guide: Everything you need to know about USPS® Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) Compliance and Infographic: What you need to know about the new USPS® Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) Standards You do have a choice when it comes to which postage meter you use, but it must comply with USPS standards. IMI captures more data, provides the USPS with more real-time data, and ensures that you always use the correct amount of postage.

iX-Series Postage Meters by Quadient meet the latest IMI and Dimensional Weighing (DIM) USPS requirements. Gain a complete suite of tools that offer a one-stop approach to processing, tracking, reporting, and reconciling postage expenses for mail and parcels.

Click here to learn more about Quadient’s IMI-compliant iX-Series postage meters.