MASS™
The MASS™ certification 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 mail.
Who is MASS™ for?
MASS™ certification is mandatory for mailers using MLOCRs, RVE, LVE, or encoding stations to print delivery point barcodes (DPBCs) on mailpieces submitted for mailing at discounted automation rates. Mailers using multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs) to print delivery point barcodes on mailpieces must also obtain MASS certification that includes CASS certified software for the address matching software used on the MLOCRs.
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Description
What is MASS?
MASS™ certification 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 mail. The MASS™ certification is a process similar to CASS but is designed for certification for Multiline Optical Character Readers (MLOCRs), Remote Video Encoding (RVE), and encoding stations to process address information and apply an accurate delivery point barcode (DPBC).
How does MASS™ work?
The MASS™ certification process is designed to evaluate the ability of Multiline Optical Character Reader (MLOCRs) and encoding stations to process address information and apply an accurate delivery point barcode (DPBC) to a mailpiece. However, RVE and LVE is designed to evaluate the ability of the entire remote or local video encoding operation to process address information and apply an accurate DPBC to a mailpiece.
The MASS™ certification cycle is comprised of the following phases:
- Software manufacturer certification
- Hardware manufacturer certification
- RVE/LVE manufacturer certification
- User certification
All MASS™ tests are similar to CASS Stage II tests in that the performance of address-matching software and barcode application hardware is evaluated after it has processed a test file. The Addressing and Geospatial Technology (AGT) office issues MASS™ certification once the required level of accuracy is achieved.
Maintaining Certification
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 meet the accuracy requirements each year to remain certified and avoid interrupted service to their customers.
Note: MASS™ certification is mandatory for mailers using MLOCRs, RVE, LVE, or encoding stations to print DPBCs on mailpieces submitted for mailing at discounted automation rates (see DMM 602.9.1.2).
Featured Resources
10/10/2014
MASS™ Electronic Testing
This presentation provides information on electronic testing for MASS™.
02/21/2018
MASS™ Technical Guide for Cycle N
This document provides a technical guide for MASS™ Cycle N. MASS™ is an extension of the CASS™ system.
03/19/2024
MASS™ Technical Guide for Cycle O
This document provides a technical guide for MASS™ Cycle O. MASS™ is an extension of the CASS™ system.
03/17/2023
MASS™ Order Form
This is an order form to request a test deck for MASS™ certification/recertification.
11/07/2022
12/20/2022
Terms and Conditions document for MASS™ Manufacturers
This document outlines the terms and conditions form for MASS™ certification.
12/20/2022
Terms and Conditions document for MASS™ End-Users
This document outlines the terms and conditions form for MASS™ certification for end users.
04/20/2023
CASS™/MASS™ Certified Products Guide - All Sections Data Files Cycle N - (Expires July 31, 2023)
This document contains the certified vendors list for CASS™ and MASS™ products for Cycle N.
08/15/2024
CASS™/MASS™ Certified Products Guide - All Sections Data Files Cycle O - (Expires July 31, 2028)
This document contains the certified vendors list for CASS™ and MASS™ products for Cycle O.
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Related Products
CASS™
The CASS™ certification process is designed in cooperation with the mailing industry to improve the accuracy of postal codes, i.e., Five-Digit ZIP Code®, ZIP + 4®, delivery point (DPCs), and carrier route codes that appear on mailpieces.
Periodicals Accuracy Grading and Evaluation (PAGE) Program
The PAGE program evaluates publication and print planning (ppp) software to determine its accuracy in calculating the percentage of advertising according to Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) standards.
Contact
For more information about the MASS certification process, contact us at 800-642-2914 or [email protected].