Q: What do the initials ASCII stand for and how is it used?
A: American
Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII is a standard for representing computer data. See also EBCDIC. Q:
What is Barcoding and why should I use it?
A: Barcoding represents
zipcode information in graphical format. The zipcode is represented by a series of vertical lines that enable a piece of mail to be handled with automatic sorting machines at the post office. Q: I have heard the term "CASS Certification." What does it mean?
A:
Coding Accuracy Support System, is used to improve delivery and qualify for postal automation discounts. Mailers or their list suppliers must use "CASS" certified software at least
every six months to update the zip code, zip+4, and DP Barcode data on their mailing lists. Mailers must be able to demonstrate that their lists are CASS certified to claim postal discounts by submitting
a report to the Postal Service. Q: What does Comma Delimited mean?
A: Data that is marked at the beginning or end of each field of a record with a comma. This the most common data format used on diskettes. Q:
What does the term Count refer to?
A:
The number of names available on a given list. Q: What is Title Addressing?
A: Use of an assigned title, job function, or description rather than a specific person's Name on a mailing label. The purpose is to direct the mailing piece in the most efficient way.
Titles can have a significant impact on response rates. Examples would be "Director" or "Software Buyer". Q:
What does the term Default mean?
A: To use a title like "Director" on records where a personal name is not
available. This is commonly requested as "default to title ________________" with the title specified. The alternatives to defaulting are to skip records without names available or to simply
send the mail to the institution or location without a title. Q: What does Deliverable refer to?
A: The proportion of names on a mailing list that will reach the recipient. Q:
What is a Diskette?
A: A magnetic plastic disk that is the most common way to transfer computer information or for
providing mailing labels for personal computers. Q: What does EBCDIC represent?
A: Like ASCII, EBCDIC is a standard for representing computer data. Q:
What is an Indicia?
A: An indicia is a imprinted designation on a mailpiece that indicates postage payment. It can be
used in place of a postage stamp or metered mail. Q: What is an Iomega® Zip Disk?
A: A special type of diskette that holds 100 megabytes of information compared to 1.4 megabytes on a normal diskette. Very useful for large files but
not available on all computers. Q: How can I use a Key Code?
A: A code consisting of letters and/or numbers which is assigned to a specific list by the list user to facilitate the tracking of responses and analysis of a list's effectiveness. The
key code is printed on the mailing label or elsewhere on the mailing piece and/or order form. Q: What is a Magnetic Tape?
A: The most popular medium for transferring electronic data between main frame computers.
Q: What does the term Merge refer to?
A: A service which allows multiple lists
to be combined into one single list so the pieces may be sorted to optimize postal discounts. Q: What is a Merge/Purge?
A: A computerized matching process which identifies and eliminates duplicate mailing labels (at the name, institution,
or address level) on 2 or more lists. Q: What is a Nixie?
A: An incorrectly addressed mailing label returned to the sender by the USPS. Q: What does Nth Select mean?
A: A random list selection designed to produce a representative cross-section of a list. Most often used to test the
effectiveness of a list by mailing a quantity less than the full count or to reduce a list to the number of available mailing pieces. Q:
What is a Postal Presort?
A: The process of preparing mail by sorting pieces destined for the
same area so they qualify for postal discounts. Q: What are Pressure Sensitive Labels?
A: A self-adhesive label attached to a backing sheet. Each label is peeled off and applied to a mailing piece. Q:
What does SCF refer to?
A: Sectional Center Facility, a postal area identified
by the first three digits of the zip code. Q: What is a Seed?
A: A name and address included in a mailing list by a list owner or mailer to monitor the usage of the list. Q:
What is Zip+4?
A: An extension to the traditional 5-digit zip code that identifies addresses more accurately geographically. |
