IMb — Implementing IMb: Best Practices and Common Beginner Mistakes

Implementing the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) can deliver tangible benefits — improved tracking, automation discounts, and fewer delivery errors — but beginners often face implementation hurdles. This friendly guide explains practical steps, best practices, and common mistakes to avoid when adopting IMb in your mailing or shipping workflow.

Getting started: who needs IMb and how to obtain it

IMb is relevant if you send mail or parcels via the USPS and want better tracking or automation savings. Small businesses commonly obtain IMb capability through:

• Postage providers and online shipping platforms: Services like USPS Click-N-Ship partners or commercial mailing providers generate IMb for you.
• Mailing software: Dedicated mail production software and some ERP or shipping modules can create IMb records and manifests.
• Third-party print/mail vendors: Full-service vendors can print IMb-compliant mailings and handle USPS drop-off and manifesting.

Best practice: validate early and often

Validation is the most important step. Before running large batches, validate IMb generation and printed barcodes:

1. Run test prints and scan them with a handheld or smartphone scanner that supports IMb verification.
2. Confirm that decoded data (Mailer ID, serial number, delivery ZIP) matches your records.
3. Submit sample mailings through your provider and confirm that USPS scan events appear in the expected timeframe.

Print quality and placement — the small details that matter

Poor print quality or incorrect barcode placement are leading causes of unreadable IMb labels. Follow these tips:

• Use recommended barcode dimensions and quiet zones as specified by USPS.
• Print with high-contrast ink on a clean, matte surface to avoid glare and smearing.
• Avoid placing the IMb over seams, perforations, or areas likely to be folded or damaged.

Integrating scan events into your systems

IMb delivers value when scan events are integrated into your order management, CRM, or customer notification systems. Make sure to:

• Capture the IMb piece identifier in your shipping or order records so each scan maps to an order.
• Use APIs or manifest reports from your postage provider to ingest scan events automatically.
• Set up notifications for key events (arrived at facility, out for delivery, delivered) to keep customers informed.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

• Assuming IMb is plug-and-play: While many platforms support IMb, you must confirm that your specific Mailer ID, STID, and serial numbering meet USPS rules. Work with providers that offer IMb validation services.
• Skipping test batches: Failing to test can lead to unreadable barcodes and lost discounts. Always run pilot mailings and verify that USPS scan events appear as expected.
• Neglecting record linkage: If you don't link IMb identifiers to internal order numbers, scan events won't help with customer service or analytics. Maintain a mapping table that ties IMb serial numbers to orders.
• Poor print quality or incorrect placement: Use quality printers and follow USPS placement guidelines to ensure reliable scanning.

Real-world implementation example

A mid-sized e-commerce company wanted better visibility for monthly catalogs and small parcel shipments. They adopted IMb through their postage provider and made three operational changes: (1) switched to laser printing on matte stock, (2) stored IMb serial numbers in their order database, and (3) integrated their postage provider’s API into their customer notification workflow. After implementation, they saw a reduction in customer inquiries about deliveries and qualified for automation discounts on bulk mailings.

Measuring success

Track metrics that show IMb’s impact: percentage of mail pieces with successful first-scan reads, number of scan events per mailpiece, reduction in misrouted items, and postal discounts received. Combining these metrics gives a clear picture of operational and financial benefits.

When to consult an expert

If you manage large-scale mailings, complex manifesting, or integrated USPS accounting, consider a mailing consultant or partner. They can help with Mailer ID registration, software selection, and process optimization — saving time and reducing compliance risk.

Implementing IMb is a practical step toward modernizing mail operations. For beginners, the best approach is to start small, validate thoroughly, ensure print quality and record linkage, and iterate based on scan data. With careful rollout, IMb delivers reliable tracking, automation efficiency, and potential cost savings that are meaningful for businesses of all sizes.