FASTforwardSM
The FASTforwardSM system contains more than 16
million permanent change-of-address (COA) records filed with
the Postal Service by relocating customers who have their mail
forwarded to their new address. These COA records reflect a six
month period related to the move-effective date the customer
provided. The FASTforwardSM COA data is updated weekly.
The new address supplied by the relocating Postal customer
must be ZIP+4 codeable to qualify for addition to the FASTforwardSM
file. All customer addresses submitted to a FASTforwardSM
client are processed by Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)
certified ZIP+4/DPC Licensee software and coded where possible.
However, new address (forwarded to) information is provided only
when a FASTforwardSM match to the customer name and
address is attained. The provision of COA information is controlled
by strict name and address matching logic.
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FASTforwardSM Versions
Multi-line Optical Character Readers
The original FASTforwardSM application was developed
to interface with commercial mail-processing equipment, such
as multi-line optical character readers (MLOCRs). Any new address
provided by FASTforwardSM as a result of a match is
appended with the ZIP+4/DPC information along with a text representation
of the new (forward to) delivery address. This returned information
is sprayed on the mailpiece in the barcode clear zone by the
MLOCR system.
Space must be provided on the envelope for the two lines of
the new address to be sprayed on the mailpiece. The window of
an envelope for the two lines may not be lower than 5/8"
from the bottom. The advantage is that the mailings can continue
to be mailed at discount rates. The disadvantage is that no move
update information is returned to the mailer. To get this information,
the mailer could have a separate set of cards run through the
system to get back the new address.
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Computer-Based
The second version, FASTforwardSM for database
correction, provides FASTforwardSM Licensees the ability
to the update computer-based name and address databases electronically
prior to the creation of the mailpiece. This version also requires
Licensees to have a FASTforwardSM interface that meets
Postal Service specifications. In the event that a new address
information is returned, the effective date of the move and the
carrier identification for the new address are also returned.
This returned information is used to update the database.
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Licensees
The FASTforwardSM system consists of a licensed
computer system containing FASTforwardSM name-and-address-matching
software and the COA database. The Postal Service is the sole
owner and distributor of the FASTforwardSM hardware
and software components that comprise the FASTforwardSM
system. Specifically, this includes the x software, the computer
system itself, and the small computer systems interface (SCSI)
integrating cable that connects the x systems to the Licensee-owned
or -leased system components. The FASTforwardSM system
is sole property of the United States Postal Service © 1996,
All rights reserved. Moore Business Communication Services and
Moore Response Marketing Services are nonexclusive Licensees
of the United States Postal Service. The price at which FASTforwardSM
services are being offered by the Licensee is neither established,
controlled, nor approved by the USPS.
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