Intelligent Mail Indicia Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Information Based Indicia (IBI) meter technology is now discontinued by the USPS
What's happening:
- The USPS® has discontinued IBI technology and per this mandate, non-compliant (IBI) devices must be withdrawn from service.
- SendPro® P-Series, Connect+ and DM InfinityTM meter users have been granted a temporary extension and must migrate by the end of their current lease or service agreement.
- All users should have a migration plan in place and must transition to a compliant solution as soon as possible to avoid disruption.
As an approved USPS partner, Pitney Bowes has you covered
with a suite of IMI-compliant solutions.
If you are using one of the following postage devices, you are using IBI technology.
To view our IMI-compliant solutions, click here.
Visit Your Account for more details and to get in touch with your Account Representative.
Replacement: SendPro® MailCenter 1000
Replacement: SendPro® MailCenter 2000
Replacement: SendPro® MailCenter 3000
Replacement: SendPro® MailCenter
Replacement: SendPro® Mailstation
Replacement: SendPro C-Lite or C/+
Replacement: SendPro C-Lite or C/+
Replacement: SendPro C-Auto or SendPro MailCenter
Replacement: SendPro C-Lite or C/+
Replacement: SendPro C-lite or C/+
Adopting the Intelligent Mail Indicia is required – but there are also six smart reasons to comply. Read the latest blog from our staff writer for news, tips and updates on the IMI changes.
USPS Mandate FAQs
How do I know if I have an IMI postage device?
If you are using one of the following postage devices, you are using IMI technology and are not required to make any changes at this time.
Where can I learn more about how to move to an IMI postage device?
Simply log in to Your Account to view if your meter is IBI or IMI technology. Here you can access a single view of all active meters and the IBI or IMI designation will appear to the right of the product name.
Click here to have an Account Representative contact you.
When will USPS require non-IMI devices to be removed from the market?
Per the USPS, DM Infinity, SendPro P-series and Connect+ devices have been granted a temporary extension of the meter withdrawal deadline. Find information and updates on your DM Infinity replacement here. View all of your IMI-compliant options here. As you reach the end of your current lease or service agreement, we'll put you in touch with your Account Representative to discuss your options.
Why did the USPS mandate a move to the IMI standard?
Postage and transaction data that the USPS gets from IBI technology is limited, and it inhibits them from fully automating some back-office operations (such as refunds and proper postage payment validation).
The IMI standard will provide much more detailed real-time transaction data, enabling the USPS to automate operations, employ better security standards, and ensure correct postage is used. This is not the first technology migration the USPS has mandated, and it certainly won’t be the last. We’re here to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Read more in our latest blog, USPS® IMI: Compliance Comes with Benefits
Interested in learning more? Click here to have a Pitney Bowes sales representative contact you.
How does the new IMI standard benefit my business?
Moving to an IMI-compliant solution from Pitney Bowes gives you the very best in sending technology. This not only makes you compliant with current
regulations, but also unlocks more value that Pitney Bowes can deliver: shipping savings, real-time analytics, unmatched security and so much more.
I’m not currently a Pitney Bowes client - am I impacted by the IMI mandate?
You may have an IBI device from another vendor. The IMI migration is an industry wide mandate where Pitney Bowes, Quadient and FP mailing solutions are impacted. Whether you’re already a client or not, we have a solution for you. Click here to see you are impacted.
I have an older meter, but it appears to be printing IMI postage. Do I still need a new device?
If your PCN is one identified above, you must still migrate. The IMI mark you see printed on your envelopes is to ensure that with the temporary extension granted, your mail continues to be accepted by the post office and inducted into the mail stream. However, your meter technology is still outdated and must be updated per the USPS mandate. Speak to your account representative to organize your migration plan as soon as possible to avoid any potential disruption.
What can I expect if you don’t take action to migrate before the deadline?
If you do not migrate in time, this delay can lead to business disruptions as you'll be unable to print postage per the USPS requirements. We recommend setting a migration plan that suits your needs and avoid disruption during peak volume times for your sending operations.
Existing clients can also login to Your Account to understand if your current technology is compliant.