NAMMU MEDIA GROUP
FRIDAY OCTOBER 10, 2003

THE ABC’s OF AIP
Attendees of the September 25th DATA MANAGEMENT FORUM were eager to hear the latest on the Address Improvement Project (AIP), and Leigh-Ann Stanton, General Manager, Addressing Information Management, did not disappoint. Leigh-Ann brought participants up to speed, then engaged in free ranging discussion on key issues. CLICK HERE to review the formal presentation.

In summary:

• The process of collecting and verifying data is far more time consuming than originally anticipated. A component adding visits to large sites and telephone conferences with smaller offices has been added to reach the quality standard demanded by this mega project.

• In 2004, there will be no changes to:
  -specs of current data
  -format of data file
  -AA rules

• Changes will be evident in:
  -size and accuracy of the data files
  -suite ranges (new)
  -address ranges
  -street names
  -household types and counts

• As a direct result of cautionary input by the Joint Technical committee, the AIP implementation schedule is now tentative, pending analysis of the November start-up PEI results. The PCSS product cut November 5th, shipped November 10th, in effect December 12th will contain PEI adjustments.

ACTION:

1. All mailers need to have an Address Accuracy statement prepared in
   October 2003. This AA rating statement will hold until September 2005.
   AA degradation is anticipated as AIP is implemented and this is the only
   way to avoid penalties.
2. NAMMU will begin a series of monthly AIP sessions in November to
   ensure this project is a win-win for CPC and the mailing industry.
   Cost aside, quality of data is crucial to mailers who will not easily change
   address records for long standing customers.
3. As with AA, NAMMU will establish a benchmark of awareness,
   understanding and preparedness for the proposed 2005 rollout of this
   project.
4. NAMMU will work closely with Canada Post to establish and quantify
   benefits for the customer/user. This is paramount in building a case
   for change within the customer’s organization.

Leigh-Ann is committed to the delivery of a high quality, all Canada address file. NAMMU supports the concept and will bring whatever industry assistance is needed to the table to ensure practicality, and that business needs are specific, clear and included realistically in time line planning.

AIP: CORPORATE CHECKLIST
Leading the discussion on potential industry impact at the Data Management forum, Ian Mooney (PRISM Data Services) reviewed his take from a large volume users’ perspective as well as his recommendations for action by customers at this point. CLICK HERE to review the formal presentation.

In summary:

• At a corporate level, establish who uses the address data and for that matter who uses the
  SERP software for any application. Ensure all impacted areas are aware of AIP.

• Verify whose responsibility it is to understand and manage the change, particularly with outsourcing on the rise.

• For many customers, AIP could have the same if not greater impact as Y2K. Resources and commitment will be issues.

• Legacy systems may have address management support systems written in COBOL and there is a shortage of people who know this language.

• It will pay to examine the impact of potential field size changes, particularly for municipalities, as well as increased size of directories.

ACTION:

• There will be a corporate impact to this project. Why not forward this bulletin and its attachments to all areas you think could be impacted? When the NAMMU benchmark survey comes out in November, you will then be prepared to respond with your organization’s issues and concerns.

BOOTH 1758: NAMMU CENTRAL AT DMA
NAMMU will be front and centre for the Canadian mailing industry at the DMA in Orlando, October 11-14, presenting DESTINATION CANADA. Promoting the Canadian mailing industry, bringing work and mail volume to Canada, DESTINATION CANADA has ambitious targets. The NAMMU booth will showcase the best the Canadian mailing industry has to offer and will launch the first release of the NAMMU eBUYERS GUIDE.

We thank our corporate sponsors, as well as our major event sponsor, Canada Post Corporation, for their support of this important initiative. Stop by Booth 1758 and see DESTINATION CANADA in action!

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