Barcodes
Barcodes
As of September 1, 1999, all outgoing USPS mail and UPS packages will be required to contain a barcoded number for chargeback purposes.
Three options are offered below to help meet the barcode usage requirement:
1) Preprinted Envelopes - When ordering envelopes from Reprographics, you can request that barcodes be printed on the back of envelopes.
2) Preprinted Barcode Labels - SDSU Reprographics creates barcode labels. The labels are available in sheets of 30 labels. The price is $2.50 per sheet. You may contact ReproGraphics at 4-2967 if you have any questions or wish to place an order.
3) Software Purchase - Departments can purchase their own barcode software. If you would like to obtain information about vendors who sell this software, call us at 4-1552.
General Barcode Information:
Please do not make copies of barcodes! Barcodes must be very sharp and precise. When copied on a standard office copier, barcode quality may be compromised, such that our barcode scanners cannot effectively read the barcode. Mail with non-scannable barcodes will be returned to the sender.
The new barcode procedures are for internal billing purposes only. The barcode type that should be used is called Code 39 (also called Code 3 of 9). Before you mass-produce your own barcode labels, it is suggested that you send a sample to Mail Services so that we may test barcode quality and readability with our scanner. The barcode should be placed on the back of mailpieces. When sending out multiple pieces of mail that are bundled together and charged to the same account, a single barcode label may be affixed to the first mailpiece of each bundle. Only mail that requires metered postage to be affixed by Mail Services needs to be barcoded. POSTNET or FIM barcodes such as those found in MSWord are designed for automated sorting purposes and reserved for use by the United States Postal Service. These barcode applications are not designed for our internal use.
For mailings from campus funds only (general or reimbursed):
The old 6-digit FRS numbers will continue to be used for mail chargeback purposes. Therefore, you may continue to use envelopes that have already been barcoded with an old FRS number.
The new Oracle numbers will not be used for mail chargeback purposes. Do not have barcodes made for Oracle account numbers.
If you have a newly created Oracle account number that has no equivalent FRS number, please call Mail Services and a new 6-digit postage chargeback number will be issued to you. The 6-digit chargeback number is the number you should barcode.
For mailings from Foundation only:
The previous 6-digit Foundation account numbers that were preceded by an "F" are being discarded and will no longer be utilized for chargeback purposes. SDSU Foundation has converted to a new financial system-Banner-and will be using all new numbers.
Mail Services' postage accounting system will recognize an 11-digit number provided by the Foundation. The 11-digits correspond to the first and second fields of the Banner accounting string: the 6-digit Fund field and 5-digit Org field. Mail with an incorrect format (other than 11 digits) will be returned to sender.