Data Quality and Currency

Paradigm automates, standardizes, and CASS certifies the residential and business lists that have been geocoded. This means the data meets the U.S. Postal Service specifications and qualifies for the lowest postage rates available. Mail lists are current and valid for up to 90 days after purchase and can only be used for one mailing.

Delivery Point Verification (DPV^®)

As part of the Paradigm Quality Assurance process, the Delivery Point Verification (DPV^®) system through the USPS is applied to every mail list. The DPV^® System assists mailers like Paradigm in obtaining accurate delivery address information. The determination of whether or not to mail records that are not Delivery Point Validated depends on the type of mailing being executed (1st class, certified, etc…) and client preference. In 2004, the USPS delivered 2.4 billion pieces of mail based on letter carrier knowledge. The postal term for this is Personal Knowledge Required (PKR) and gives the postman the flexibility to deliver mail if he/she knows where the recipient lives and the location of that address.

Intelligent Mail^® Barcode

Coming soon the USPS is adding functionality into their barcoding system called Intelligent Mail^® Barcoding (IMB). This will give Paradigm a way to track standard mail that is used for most public awareness programs. The level of tracking is somewhat unknown, but this will give pipeline operators a way to answer one of the questions in measuring the effectiveness by identifying “what percentage of stakeholders received your communication”.

Ink-jetting and slugging

The direct mail piece is addressed, sorted, and trayed per U.S. Postal Services regulations. Paradigm also adds verbiage to the names and titles used on the business records, called slugging, in an attempt to get the piece delivered to the appropriate person.