March 28, 2014
USPS is preparing for the future with the “Contextual Keying,” a method to help provide dynamic routing and 100 percent visibility for packages in the mail-processing system.
The innovation is in anticipation of increases in parcel services now and for years to come.
At three pilot locations, retail associates have begun entering delivery data at the point of sale. When a package is presented for shipping, the retail associate enters either a street address or a PO Box address at a POS terminal, generating an 11-digit ZIP Code. The additional keying step will lead to improved mail processing and — ultimately — dynamic routing of the package. 
Dynamic routing is a technique that sequences a changing series of delivery points in a logical and efficient order.
“Dynamic Contextual Keying is a key component of creating 100-percent package visibility for our customers and improves our delivery capabilities of packages,” said Retail Channel Operations VP Kelly Sigmon.
The implementation of this new standard operating procedure for package acceptance at retail will continue in stages and be completed by April 18, 2014. Retail associates will be trained through a stand-up talk and the NCR R62.0 New Functionality Guide located at the POS ONE Program Office website.
Delivery and Post Office Operations VP Ed Phelan said implementing this standard operating procedure “solidifies the Postal Service’s ability to deliver quality package services now and into the future.”
1)Ok, so we are ‘generating’ an eleven digit zip code. Is this information being transferred and printed out on the PVI labels? If not, how do we answer customers that inquire about the extra step to complete a mailing? And to that point, why are we taking the extra step, if the information doesn’t transfer to the mail piecs?
2)Another issue.
The information on the customer screen doesn’t always match what the window clerk is seeing on the montitor. This leads to a lot of “gasps” from the customer, because they are seeing other, pricier, available options. The window clerk doesn’t know what the customer is seeing and can’t explain something they can’t see. This leads to a lot of confusion. We shouldn’t be confusing the customer. The customer and window clerk should be seeing the same information to remedy this.
Any reason why this is the case? The window clerk is left to explain our system with no explanation.
3)One last thing. The tracking that is optional to buy on medai and first class is available wether the customer purchases it or not. What is our SOP to answer the customer with this question?: “Why are you selling me something that is free?” No one will reply to me on this. We face the customer, we should be given answers to give to them.
thanks for your attention to these matters,
Michael Hewett