USPS OneCode barcocde in .NET

About USPS OneCode Symbology

OneCode, also known as USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb), is a barcode standard developed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2006 to facilitate mail processing and improve tracking capabilities. The OneCode specification combines the functionality of previously used USPS barcodes, including POSTNET and PLANET, into a single barcode format. OneCode barcodes are widely adopted by businesses and organizations for efficient mail sorting, delivery tracking, and providing enhanced visibility throughout the mail processing cycle.

USPS OneCode Features

• Comprehensive Data Encoding: OneCode can encode various types of data, including destination ZIP codes, routing information, mail class, and unique identification numbers. Owing to these comprehensive data fields, it enables efficiently tracking and managing mail items throughout the delivery process.
• Delivery Point Validation: OneCode barcodes include a delivery point validation (DPV) feature, which ensures the accurate processing of address information. DPV checks the accuracy of the destination address by comparing it to a corresponding entry in the USPS address database, thus reducing delivery errors and improving the efficiency of mail processing.
• Increased Data Capacity: OneCode provides an enhanced data capacity compared to previous USPS symbologies. It can encode more information within a single barcode, including additional tracking details, supplemental service indicators, and customized mail handling instructions.

Applications:

• Business Mail Processing: OneCode barcodes are widely used by businesses for bulk mailings, such as invoices, statements, and marketing materials. The implementation of OneCode provides improved mail processing efficiency, enhanced tracking capabilities, and increased visibility for the status of mailings.
• Reply Mail Services: OneCode is often utilized to perform reply mail services, including business reply mail (BRM) and courtesy reply mail (CRM). It allows for easy tracking of responses, simplifies payment processing, and enables organizations to analyze the effectiveness of their direct mail campaigns.
• Postal Optimization: The use of OneCode barcodes supports postal optimization initiatives by providing valuable data to the USPS. It allows USPS to automate mail routing, improve delivery performance, and optimize resources.
• E-commerce and Package Tracking: OneCode barcodes are widely applied to the e-commerce sector for tracking packages and shipments. By placing OneCode barcodes onto shipping labels, online retailers can provide customers with real-time tracking information, ensuring transparency and visibility throughout the delivery process.

Comprehensive data encoding, delivery point validation, and increased data capacity of OneCode make it a valuable tool for efficient mail processing and tracking, contributing to automated mail operations, reduced errors, and increased customer satisfaction.