MASS™ Certification

The MASS system is an extension of the CASS™ system, which is a process designed in cooperation with the mailing industry to improve the accuracy of Postal codes that appear on mailpieces.

MASS provides certification for Multiline Optical Character Readers (MLOCRs), Remote Video Encoding (RVE), Local Video Encoding (LVE), and Encoding Stations. The MASS certification process is designed to evaluate the ability of MLOCRs, RVE systems, and encoding stations to process address information and apply an accurate DPBC to a mailpiece.

The MASS certification cycle is comprised of the following phases:

• Manufacturer certification (via CASS) of software used in MLOCRs
• Manufacturer certification (via MASS) of the hardware/software combined
• Vendor certification of end-user MLOCR, RVE, or encoding station operations

All MASS tests are similar to CASS Stage II tests in that the performance of address-matching software and barcode application hardware is evaluating after it has processed a test file. The MASS Department issues MASS certification once the required level of accuracy is achieved.

MASS certification is an annual requirement and is valid from the certification date until the end of any current annual period, i.e., from August 1 of one year through July 31 of the next. Customers must reapply for certification and achieve successful results for each annual period to remain MASS-certified and avoid interrupted service to their customers. MASS certification is required for all mailers using MLOCRs, RVE, LVE systems, or encoding stations when printing DPBCs on mailpieces that are to be submitted for mailing at discounted automation rates (DMM™ Module A, Section 950).

For more information, call the National Customer Support Center at 1-800-238-3150 or view the MASS Technical Guide for a list of Certified Vendors.