Postal Service to deliver new systems

The U.S. Postal Service is making progress constructing an integrated "Information

Platform," which is a core component of the agency's plan to conduct e-business.

The Information Platform will integrate and deliver real-time information

to USPS managers to improve customer service and resource management. It

will also allow the Postal Service and its customers to pinpoint where the

mail is in the mail stream.

The Postal Service is constructing the platform and expects to have major

elements of the plan finished in two years.

Four high-priority systems are in their initial versions that the Postal

Service is rolling out:

* PostalOne!: A system designed to give large-volume mailers information

on where their mail is in the system. Customers will also have a streamlined

mail acceptance, verification and electronic payment processing system.

A pilot test is under way with 50 large-volume mailers.

* Processing Operations Information System: A system that will give Postal

Service managers the ability to track mail as it flows through the system.

It will help them determine where to place staff, equipment and other resources.

* Surface-Air Management System: A system that will determine and assign the

best ground or air transportation options for meeting a particular delivery

deadline. Eventually, the system will combine information from multiple

existing systems to support improved mail planning, scheduling, tracking

and payments to transportation carriers.

* Delivery Operations Information System: A system that will provide administrative

tools to help plan and manage delivery operations.