Historical Context
PLANET (Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode system that was developed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to facilitate the tracking of mailpieces. Introduced in the late 1990s, the PLANET barcode system played a crucial role in modernizing mail sorting and tracking before more sophisticated technologies, such as the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), became prevalent.
Types/Categories of PLANET Codes
There are two main types of PLANET codes:
- Track Codes: These were used to track the location and movement of mail as it moved through the postal system.
- Confirm Codes: These were used by businesses to track bulk mailings, allowing them to confirm deliveries and track responses.
Key Events
- 1997: Introduction of PLANET codes by USPS to improve mailpiece tracking.
- 2006: USPS announces the phased introduction of the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), aiming to replace PLANET codes.
- 2009: Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) becomes mandatory for certain mailing services, marking the beginning of the end for PLANET codes.
Detailed Explanations
PLANET codes consist of a series of vertical bars, which represent numerical data in a machine-readable format. The typical PLANET barcode includes 12 or 14 digits. The barcode is scanned by postal sorting machines to identify and route the mail accurately.
Importance and Applicability
PLANET codes were a significant advancement in the automation of mail tracking. By allowing precise tracking of individual mailpieces, USPS could provide better service, improve delivery accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction. Businesses benefitted from being able to verify mail delivery and plan their follow-up activities more efficiently.
Examples
A typical PLANET barcode would look something like this:
142850123456
Here, the first set of digits typically identifies the mailer, while the latter digits are used for the specific mailpiece.
Considerations
While PLANET codes were revolutionary for their time, they have largely been supplanted by newer technologies like the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), which incorporates more data and offers enhanced tracking capabilities.
Related Terms
- Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb): A more advanced barcode used by USPS for mailpiece tracking, which combines the capabilities of PLANET and POSTNET codes.
- POSTNET: Another earlier barcode system used by USPS, primarily for encoding ZIP Code information.
Comparisons
- PLANET vs. IMb: The Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) is more comprehensive and incorporates more information than the PLANET code, offering greater efficiency and accuracy in mail tracking.
Interesting Facts
- PLANET codes are designed so that they cannot be misread by human eyes, as any broken or incomplete bar would be evident.
- Despite being phased out, PLANET codes paved the way for more advanced postal technologies, emphasizing the continuous evolution in postal services.
Inspirational Stories
Businesses, especially those involved in direct mail marketing, greatly benefited from the introduction of PLANET codes. This innovation enabled them to better manage and understand their mail campaigns, leading to improved targeting and customer engagement.
Famous Quotes
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker. This quote encapsulates how PLANET codes were a step towards the future of automated and efficient mail tracking systems.
Proverbs and Clichés
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” — This cliché reminds us that even something as simple as a barcode can hold significant value and transform industries.
Expressions, Jargon, and Slang
- Postal Barcode: General term for barcodes used in the postal system.
- IMb: Abbreviation for Intelligent Mail barcode.
FAQs
Q: What is a PLANET code? A: A PLANET code is a type of barcode used by USPS to track mailpieces.
Q: When was the PLANET code introduced? A: The PLANET code was introduced in the late 1990s.
Q: What has replaced PLANET codes? A: PLANET codes have been largely replaced by the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb).
Q: How many digits are in a typical PLANET code? A: A typical PLANET code has 12 or 14 digits.
References
- “USPS Postal Facts.” United States Postal Service.
- “Barcode Basics.” AIM Global.
- “The Evolution of Postal Barcoding.” Postal Technology International.
Summary
The PLANET barcode system played a foundational role in the tracking and sorting of mailpieces within the USPS. Although it has been largely replaced by the more advanced Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), PLANET codes marked an important technological advancement in postal services. They provided a robust and reliable means of improving mail delivery accuracy, benefitting both the USPS and its customers.
