Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What tracking system/IT system does Prime use?
A. Prime items bear an identifier which is compliant to the UPU S10c standard. The barcode representation of the item-Id must follow the UPU S46 standard; this standard specifies code 128 as the only symbology for linear barcodes on special Letter items.
UPU standard messages are used for the exchange of tracking information: UPU M17-EMSEVT V1, UPU M14-PREDES V2.0, UPU M13-RESDES V1.1, ...
IPC will arrange for a PRIME specific mailbox for item level exchanges (EMSEVT) on the GXS network; despatch and consignment level messages are exchanged via the mailboxes used for Letter mail.
Thanks to the establishment of bridges between the different EDI networks EDI interchanges are possible, and in a transparent way, between operators connected on two different networks. For example between GXS and Post*Net
Q. How about the CSS system? What hardware is required?
A. The Customer Service System (CSS) is a web-based system that requires no installation software and presents no compatibility problems for postal operators. Basically all one needs is an Internet connection and a PC.
- A fast reliable continuous Internet connection is required
- Preference should be given to a leased line/ broadband of minimum 64 Kb/s
- Operating system – Linux, Mac OS X or Windows XP or later
- Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 7 or higher (6 still supported), Opera or Safari
- Note - Web Browser based – no local software to be installed
Hardware:
- Processor - Pentium III based PC or higher
- Memory - At least 512 MB of memory
- Monitor - Windows supported graphics display adaptor & monitor with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
Q. Are there performance guidelines?
A. There are performance guidelines and Pay for Performance systems for Delivery but customer service staff are also measured.
Customer service staff uses Letters' CSS to ask questions and give the responses that ultimately answer a customer's delivery enquiry. Prime partners are given strict time limits within which they must respond. Details about items are in the system so this historical database saves time. And it's environmentally beneficial - by cutting out paper records and enquires, follows up, etc.
Q. Who are already signed up to Prime?
A. To date, postal operators in 90 countries are involved. If you want a full list, please email kathleen.treanor@ipc.be.
Together, our members handle 80% of the world's postal traffic, which amounts to an immense volume of 336 billion letters a year.