Effective June 30, 2024, the USPS® will phase out all Information Based Indicia (IBI) postage scale technology and require all postage scales to be upgraded to a new system called Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI). This is bad news for organizations that lease postage scales; non-compliant devices will be removed from service by December 2024. This is good news for Stamps.com customers; the transition to IMI will happen automatically by December 2024, so no action is required on your part.
Important dates and highlights
- The USPS has decertified all postage meters that use IBI on June 30, 2024.
- USPS will no longer accept decertified mail after December 31, 2024.
- The IBI has been in use for over 20 years, but the IMI is a major update and change for the USPS.
- Stamps.com customers don’t need to do anything
What does this change mean and how does it affect your business? Let’s start with the basics: Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) is a technology Postage meter Used to transmit information to the USPS. As of June 30, 2024, postage meters still using IBI have been decertified, but the USPS will accept postage from decertified meters until December 31, 2024.
After this period, your postage scales will have to continue to use IMI technology, which means if you currently lease a postage scale from Pitney Bowes, Quadient, etc., you’ll have to physically replace your postage scale to meet IMI compliance – not a fun task – imagine taking your phone into an Apple store. every Every time there’s a software update it causes a lot of confusion, not to mention an outdated way of working with technology.
The good news is that Stamps.com customers will be transitioned to IMI by December 2024. We’re working to ensure no changes are required on your end, so you can focus on your business without interruptions or delays. NetStamps® postage doesn’t need updating and no special equipment is required, so you can buy and print postage online anytime, anywhere.
No action is required, but it’s worth understanding IMI and its benefits.
What is Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)?
As mentioned above, Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) is a technology Postage meter Used to send information to USPS. Permit stampteeth, Printed postage It replaces traditional stamps and postage meter marks. IBILike IMI, it is a type of printed postage. It was created to provide the USPS with more centralized data and increased security.
After 20 years of IBI, USPS has been rolling out IMI over the past decade, which builds on IBI but employs more modern technology. 10 Years of InitiativesGoing forward, the USPS will be forcing all postage weighing machines – all hardware and software – to adopt IMI.
What benefits does IMI bring?
IMI has several advantages, some of which are:
- Enhanced security
- Email efficiency
- Automated and streamlined returns
With Stamps.com, you can enjoy all the benefits of IMI without the need to physically exchange postage meters.
Enhanced security
IMI offers stronger data encryption and fraud prevention. Encrypted data prevents information from being accessed or stolen, and with increased security checks, fraudulent attempts are more likely to be detected sooner.
Email efficiency
IMI lays the foundation for automating tasks that can cause delays. Avoiding these delays improves delivery times and reduces wait times. This new technology also reduces the chance of adjustments being made for erroneous measurements.
Automated and efficient returns
IMI allows for more detailed tracking and makes it easy to track reimbursements. IMI barcodes also contain easily accessible information like insurance, keeping everything in one place.
Have these changes affected mailing or delivery?
This change will be automatic for Stamps.com customers, and our teams will implement these changes before the December 30, 2024 deadline, ensuring that workflows are not interrupted or affected and that postage meters comply with the new regulations.
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact our support team via email or phone at (855) 608-2677, Monday through Friday, 8AM-8PM CST. We’ll be happy to assist you.
Do you need to update your postage meter?
Not so for Stamps.com customers, but if you lease postage machines from Pitney Bowes, Quadient, or others, these changes can be unexpected, costly, time-consuming, and complicated. To make matters even more complicated, you’ll have to replace your postage machines by December 30, 2024, to comply with IMI. Those who leased the machines will have felt the inconvenience, but… Bought The machine is in a serious condition and you should contact your provider to inquire about their IMI implementation plans.
We are excited to introduce you to the benefits of IMI as we work to ensure the transition continues to be smooth.
Are you part of an organization with multiple locations and considering switching to Stamps.com to avoid costly renewals and tedious changes to your postage meters? Please submit the form below and our team will contact you.
