MTE Forecasting and Tracking Workgroup #108

1. MTE Forecasting and TrackingWorkgroup #108 Goal: To have enough of the right type of MTE equipment in the right place at the right time to meet every customers need every time.

2. Examination of Root Causes • Challenges • Lack of knowledge of customers future needs – near and long term (rely on history). • Lack of knowledge regarding inventory in customers plants/facilities as well as USPS’. • Lack of understanding/lack of standardization regarding forecasting needs and inventory management. • Misuse of Equipment • Theft of Equipment

3. Corrective Actions • Forecasting Pilot Subgroup • Expanding program nationally • Equipment calculator tool • Case Study for improvement (replicate) • Inventory Reporting • Equipment Inventory Reporting System Internal Audit/Review completed • Currently being added to the on-line Daily Mail Condition Report (weekly) • Exploring External reporting options

4. Corrective Actions • Inventory Tracking using Technology • Exploring how MTE information captured at Business Mail Entry Units can be used to validate customer useage (equipment ordered vs. equipment used) • Exploring the use of RFID’s or Intelligent Barcode on pallets (inventory counts/tracking) – 2009 • Intelligent Barcode (Seamless Acceptance) can aggregate information on equipment entered by customer/origin site/overall.

5. Corrective Action • Best Practices Subgroup • Recent Survey conducted by PostCom and Mailing & Fulfillment Services Association revealed no consistencies in forecasting, ordering or tracking inventory and few best practices. • Researching content for Best Practices Guideline to be published by mid-summer.

6. Corrective Actions • Standardization Subgroup • Gathering information from mail preparers on inventory management methodologies. • Recent Survey of USPS MTE coordinators reflects lack of standardization in ordering and fulfillment of MTE (outside of MTESC Center Operations) • Research information to create standardization in all processes.

7. Corrective Actions • Contingency Subgroup • Have developed an approved list of equipment alternatives when it has been determined there is an MTE shortage. • Have developed a Contingency Process which includes local approval. • All will be published in the Postal Bulletin

8. Corrective Actions • Communications Subgroup • Public Awareness (Misuse/Theft) “It’s a Crime” campaign • Partnering with Inspection Service • PCC Article Published • E-mail created - hqmte@usps.gov • 1 800 ASK USPS (not yet published) • Create Internal/External Campaign (Kits) • Posters • Letter addresses to Mailers • Service Talks • Articles for Internal/External Publications • USPS.com

9. Corrective Actions • “Canned” MTE Presentation • MTESC’s • Ordering Cycle • Workingroup 108 • What “You” Can Do • Updated with completed tasks • To be used at Association meetings, PCC’s, Focus Groups, etc. • Communication Plan for completed tasks.

10. Corrective Actions • Rate Case/Automation Impacts • Subgroup currently being formed • Industry representatives familiar with rate impacts in mailer behavior • Industry representatives familiar with campaign trends • USPS mailing standards representative • USPS rate case specialist • USPS Operations requirements representative • Manager, MTE • Subgroup will evolve into a committee that meets 2 – 3 times a year.

11. Bringing It All Together • MTE Website (MTESC and local ordering) • Ordering Forms • Inventory Reporting • Inventory Management (tools) • 2-Way Communication • Newsletter • Best Practices • It’s A Crime Public Awareness Literature • USPS contacts