Postage is an essential aspect of everyday life and any thriving small business. Every business deals with shipments, packages, billings, payments, contracts, and packages via postage. Companies such as USPS (the United States Postal Service), UPS, and FedEx are crucial enterprise tools.
Within the following year, new changes are coming for postage meter standards.
Postage machine and scale use can help customers save up to 33% on rates. The updated equipment will enable businesses to process mail quicker and with greater accuracy. This will reduce the time and resources required to manage mailings. Learn about changes in standards, updates to postage meters, and how it will impact your business.
The Need for Updated Postage Meters by 2024
In 2024, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will mandate updates to all postage meter machines. Updates will adhere to new Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) standards. These standards are in response to recent advancements in postal security technology.
With these new rules, the USPS hopes to make postage devices more secure against cyber threats. To learn more about endpoint security, read our blog:
The USPS will decertify all Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage meter devices as of June 30, 2024. IBI systems should be fully phased out by December 31, 2024. At that time, the Postal Service will no longer allow any vendor to distribute them. Customers cannot add postage, so all older IBI meters will be deactivated by June 30, 2024.
Advancements in technology have played a substantial role in the need for postage meter machine updates. The new IMI system offers better security, accurate postage, automatic updates, and connectivity. So, updating the devices to meet the new standards can improve efficiency and security.
Security concerns are also a driving force behind the need for updates. The new IMI system provides better security for both businesses and the USPS. The USPS can ensure that meters are more secure and less vulnerable by enforcing the new standards. Updating them can provide businesses peace of mind and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity.
Potential Updates to Postage Meter Technology
The updated postage technology potentially brings significant improvements. Businesses will no longer need to deal with the outdated standards of IBI for their postage. Instead, they’ll enjoy modern technological improvements and updated security against cyber threats.
These updates can innovate how businesses manage their postage. Postage is about to be much more efficient, cost-effective, and secure because of this shift.
Integration with Cloud Computing Technology
One possible update is postal meter integration with cloud computing technology. This integration would allow:
- Streamlined postage management
- Enhanced flexibility
- Remote device management
- Postage cost-effectiveness
The technology will also be capable of running reports. Users will be able to track machine health, available funds, and generate departmental reports from any PC.
Enhanced Security Features
Security concerns were one of the defining factors of the change in these standards. Cyber threats are increasing daily. This trend increases the chances of unauthorized access due to leaked data.
- Postage devices will now have advanced security measures. These will include:
- Encryption technology
- Secure user authentication
- Other advanced security protocols.
Outsource Help To Get The Right Postage Meter Machines
The USPS requires all IMI-compliance updates to be completed by June 30, 2024. These upgrades to mail machines will benefit businesses, enhancing quality, security, and efficiency. Investing in outsourced help is wise to better prepare for upcoming changes and necessary purchases.
This way, you'll have the best information on complaint machines. For example, with FP-USA, the machine will check and update software and global postage rates with each fund download. If you partner with a managed print provider, they will help you identify these solutions to save time and money.
When choosing the right solutions, discuss budget planning and implementation with your print provider. The new standards bring about a significant change, and people will see their benefits in years to come. This is why it's best to outsource support to maximize efficiency, cost savings, and compliance for your businesses.
