CHARLOTTE, NC – SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, announced today that SATO print engines now support the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB).

The Intelligent Mail Barcode is a new USPS barcode which will expand the ability of the postal service to track individual mail pieces. The IMB includes fields to identify the mailer, class of mail, special services and can uniquely number each piece of mail. It is a height modulated barcode with four vertical bar types – Full, Tracker, Ascender, and Descender.

The SATO M84xxSe Series, S84 Series, and Lt408 print engines now include the resident capability to print the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Mailers can begin using the IMB now, although they are not required to until May 2011. Mailers who begin using IMB early may qualify for discounts as early as this Fall. Effective May 11, 2011, the USPS will impose penalties for non-compliance with the IMB regulations.

“Once again, SATO has stayed abreast of new compliance regulations and updated our print engines far in advance of the mandated date to better serve our customers and valued partners,” said SATO's OEM sales & marketing manager.

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