Thursday Thoughts on AI: Artificial Intelligence and Return Mail

No matter how well-managed a company’s address database, some mail will be returned to the sender. In most cases, that means a manual process of recording the reason for return, opening the piece to determine the document sent, and then updating the database. If there are multiple parties involved (e.g., agents or employers), or government regulations to be followed, then the process may be tedious or complicated.

Whenever possible, print 2D barcodes in the address block with key information. For companies using file-based processing, the barcode could include the job control file, the piece number and date of mailing. Without opening the envelope, scanners can match the returned piece to the document inside.

If that isn’t possible, then integrated extraction and scanning equipment are necessary. The envelope and the contents are scanned together as a complete packet.

Software can read the yellow “nixie” label and determine the reason the mailpiece was returned. That includes extracting moves, address errors, and other postal data. Combined with the information about the original document sent, artificial intelligent (AI) agents can process the next steps, including:

1. Interrogate customer system to determine if the address has already been updated.
   
   
2. Send the address through CASS and NCOALink process.
   
   
3. Review contents and notify sending department about return. If a check is returned, notify accounting to cancel check.
   
   
4. If company policy permits; update customer data and schedule reprint.
   
   
5. Create and send a communication (print, email, text) to the customer requesting address update.
   
   
6. Assign a customer service representative to contact the customer.
   
   
7. Place “hold” on future mailings to the customer until address update is completed.

Return mail will never be eliminated. Integrating automated processes powered by AI agents will reduce costs and improve future mailings.

Amazing Astronomical Fact: Smart telescopes use digital sensors to capture images and sends them to a computer, including a smartphone or tablet. The software stacks multiple exposures, reduces noise, and enhances brightness and clarity. While taking multiple images over minutes, or even hours, a motorized mount follows the Earth’s rotation, keeping the target centered.

Editing software designed for astrophotography further refines the image, removing blurs and sharpening the focus.

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51 or NGC 5194, is a spiral galaxy located approximately 31 million light-years away. It took approximately 18 minutes to take the photo for this post.

#artificialintelligence #ai #returnmail #agenticAI #whirlpoolgalaxy #theberkshirecompany

Missed a past newsletter? No worries they're all saved on our Thursday Thoughts on AI page.