Enterprise-grade USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode Scanner SDK

Add an Intelligent Mail Barcode Scanner to your mobile application or web app within hours. Try the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK for iOS, Android, Windows, and Web now!

Definition

The Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) is known as a 4-State Customer Barcode since it comprises 65 bars in one of four different states, which together encode up to 31 digits. Contrary to other barcodes, it is not the width but the height of the bars that encodes information. Every bar consists of three regions (tracking, ascending, descending) that combine to form four possible states. The Intelligent Mail barcode encodes a barcode identifier, a service type identifier, a mailer ID, a serial number, and typically a routing code (ZIP code).

• It consists of 65 bars that encode up to 31 digits
• Built-in error detection

History

The United States Postal Service developed the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) as a successor to the POSTNET and PLANET barcodes. The IMb was introduced in 2009 by the USPS for internal operations. In January 2013, it became mandatory for commercial mailers and direct mail marketers seeking USPS automation discounts.  

Applications

The USPS Intelligent Mail barcode is used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sort and track letters, cards and flats.

The best option to replace outdated hardware scanners: The Scanbot Intelligent Mail Barcode Scanner SDK

With the Scanbot SDK, you can…

• Scan Intelligent Mail barcodes with smartphones
• Cut costs for outdated hardware
• Switch from dedicated scanners to smart multi-tools that talk directly to your systems
• Easily scan Intelligent Mail barcodes on the go
• Cover all tasks around inventory management, storage, and orders with one device
• Introduce interactive services such as Scan & Go
• Implement Intelligent Mail barcode scanning within hours – for a short time-to-value

FAQs