Darwin VDP Software and IMB Barcode

[vaugh6288]

We are running into an issue with Darwin and the IMB barcode:

When we process a mailing list through NCOA and CASS certification, not all records receive a ZIP + 4 code (either the list wasn't managed well or a street name was misspelled, etc.)

When we merge the processed list into Darwin 3.1/InDesign CS5 - the IMB outputs fine for records containing the ZIP+4 code (31 characters in length). But when we come across a record that did not receive the ZIP+4 (25 characters in length) Darwin cannot output the IMB on the piece. Obviously, this is a pretty major flaw in the system and we need to see how other people are handling this issue.

Is anyone else out there experiencing the same thing?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Craig]

Well.... duh the non zip +4 records do not have the information to make an IMB. If you follow the USPS regulations you are not suppose to mail to undeliverable addresses, hence the reason for CASS, DPV and NCOA. This is NOT a flaw in the system... just a flaw in what you are doing with the undeliverable data.

Send the customer the undeliverable addresses and tell them to fix them if they want them mailed otherwise mail them First Class Single Piece Rate and charge accordingly.

 

[vaugh6288]

Well, for the sake of the problem I have just assume that we have all the post office needs to deliver the pieces. Other programs like XMPie treat the IMB like a font and can output the barcorde even with record without zip+4 data, Darwin doesn't seem to be able to do so.