NRG Software Postal Tool Kit v1.5 How Can It Help Me? Catch data entry errors to insure proper mailing of packages. Proper addressing can reduce delivery time and package returns. Determine cost of mailing based on estimated weight Generate ready-to-mail packing labels with FREE* Delivery Confirmation numbers when sending USPS Priority Mail. *Reduced cost for Parcel Post Build package tracking right into your solutions. Send email notifications with tracking numbers when packages are shipped. Generate customer-friendly return labels with pre-paid postage Generate customs forms automatically for international mailing Overview The NRG Software Postal Tool Kit is designed to streamline the shipping workflow for FileMaker based order entry systems and shipping via the United States Postal Service (USPS). A wide range of functionality is can be seamlessly added to your existing solutions so that you can take advantage of address validation, city/state/zip code lookups, domestic and international rates, tracking, time in transit, barcoded label generation and electronic delivery confirmation. Before you can actually use the Postal Tool Kit you must first complete a licensing process with the USPS. Point your web browser to http://www.uspswebtools.com/registration/ and complete the registration process. USPS will then provide you with a unique username and password for accessing the Web Tool Kit. Next you will submit sample requests to the USPS test servers. Once complete, an email needs to be sent to USPS stating that the test is complete. USPS will then grant you access to the production servers and you can begin to use the Postal Tool Kit. If you intend to make use of the Address Validation capabilities of the Tool Kit then you must also ask the USPS to provide you with test access to this service before submitting your test requests. Your message should be addressed to icustomercare@usps.com and it must state that you will only utilize the Address Validation component for shipping of packages via USPS parcel services and that it will not be used to batch process existing records for the purpose of cleaning up your customer records. If you intend to make use of pre-paid Electronic Merchandise Return labels you must also complete USPS Form ps3615 and register with your local post office. Installation Distributed as a set of 13 database files, the NRG Postal Tool Kit communicates with the USPS servers using XML thru a FileMaker plug-in called the JavaCompanion. If you are using a Macintosh computer, place the JavaCompanion plug-in into the FileMaker Extensions (FMP 5/6) or Extensions (FMP7) directory located in the same folder as the
FileMaker Pro application. If you are using a Windows computer, place the JavaCompanion plug-in into the System (FMP 5/6) or Extensions (FMP7) directory located in the same folder as the FileMaker Pro application. Copy the FileMaker Java Extensions directory into the same folder as the FileMaker Pro application. If FileMaker is already running, please quit and restart the application. Configuration Open the NRG_Postal_Main database and complete the five step setup process for accessing the USPS servers. STEP 1:
You must first register to use the USPS Web Tools. Use the link on this screen to complete the online application form. Once you receive a response from to your application you can continue on to step 2. STEP 2: You will be provided with a unique User ID and Password via email by the USPS. Enter this information and continue to step 3. STEP 3:
Now you must send test requests to the USPS test server. This insures that the Postal Toolkit is working properly. When complete, continue to step 4. STEP 4: Now that you have submitted the test requests you must send an email stating the the test is complete and you would like access to the production servers. If your mail package is supported by FileMaker s built in mail commands you can press Send Message or else you can press Copy Body to copy the message to your clipboard for manual sending. Once you have received a response back from USPS you can continue to step 5. If you would like to email the USPS manually create a new email addressed to icustomercare@usps.com with a body similar to what follows: USPS -
We have successfully transmitted the test requests to the test server. Please grant us access to the production server for live use. We will also need access to the production server so we can generate sample delivery confirmation output for approval. Our USPS customer ID is XXXXXXX and our password is XXXXXXXXX. Or alternatively, you can call 1-800-344-7779 (7:00AM to 11:00PM EST) and select option 2 and ask for access to the production servers. If they ask how you are accessing the API s you need to tell them that you are using third-party software and have completed testing. Step 5 If you plan on taking advantage of the USPS Web Tool electronic label functionality you must print samples and send to the USPS test center. By default, the test requests are saved as PDF files in the same folder as the FileMaker Pro application. You will need to open these PDF files, print them, and mail to USPS for barcode readability verification before you are granted access to create live. In addition, you will need to print and fill out the Administrative-Guide17 document found in the Delivery Confirmation folder included with the Postal Tool Kit. Print and attach all 10 of the PDF images in the FileMaker Pro application folder. You must print the sample barcodes on the printer you will be using to print Delivery Confirmation labels. If you will be using multiple printers you must repeat this process for each printer. Mail the form, and your sample labels to: National Customer Support Center Attn: Barcode Certification - Web Tools (API) U.S. Postal Service 6060 Primacy Pkwy, Suite 201 Memphis, TN 38188-0001
You will receive a phone call or email once your barcode output has been approved. You are then able to generate real, usable labels. When you press the Continue button setup will be complete and you can start to use the Postal Toolkit databases to perform mailing functions. Tool Kit Preferences Upon purchase of the NRG Postal Tool Kit you will be provided with a replacement file which will enable full access to all functionality. The Tool Kit runs in demo mode for 10 days (or 100 transactions) from first installation with full functionality. Additionally, by selecting Setup Electronic Merchandise Return you can enter your postal account information as provided by USPS for pre-paid return label generation.
Setup of the NRG Postal Tool Kit is now complete. Integration In addition to the NRG Postal Main database which performs the primary communication and data conversion with the USPS servers you will find ancillary databases which provide specific functionality. NRG_Postal_USPS_AddrInfo.fp3 Provides address validation services NRG_Postal_USPS_Zip_Lookup.fp3 Provides zip code lookup NRG_Postal_USPS_Tracking.fp3 Provides tracking services for package delivery NRG_Postal_USPS_Standards.fp3 Provides service standards for parcel post NRG_Postal_USPS_Rates.fp3 Provides mailing rates for a given service NRG_Postal_USPS_Priority.fp3 Provides service standards for Priority Mail NRG_Postal_USPS_Int_Rates.fp3 Realted file for NRG_Postal_USPS_Int.fp3 NRG_Postal_USPS_Int.fp3 Provides rates, restrictions, prohibitions, etc. for international mail NRG_Postal_USPS_ExpressCom.fp3 Provides service standards for Express Mail NRG_Postal_USPS_DC.fp3 Creates Delivery Confirmation labels for package delivery NRG_Postal_USPS_CS_Lookup.fp3 Returns a city and state for a given zip code NRG_Postal_USPS_SC.fp3 Provides Signature Confirmation labels for package delivery NRG_Postal_USPS_EMR.fp3 Provides Electronic Merchandise Return labels NRG_Postal_USPS_ExpressMail.fp3 Provides Express Mail labels for package delivery NRG_Postal_USPS_GlobalEM.fp3 Provides Global (International) Express Mail labels NRG_Postal_USPS_CustomsCP72.fp3 Generates CP72 Customs Forms (USPS PS 2976-A) NRG_Postal_USPS_CustomsCN22.fp3 Generates CN72 Customs Forms (USPS PS 2976)
Once you have been granted access to the production servers you can use these databases on their own or link to your existing databases. It is suggested that you create some new records and get the USPS response so that you are familiar with how they work before using in your own solution. Note that you can only use the Address Validation and Delivery Confirmation functions with a registered version of the Postal Tool Kit. Manual Usage Example 1. Open the NRG_Postal_USPS_AddrInfo.fp3 database. 2. Press the New button to create a new record. 3. Enter as much information into the Original column and press the Verify button. The USPS will respond back with a standardized address for the original address. Integrating with other FileMaker Databases Included with the Postal Tool Kit is a sample Integration example. If you have a basic knowledge of FileMaker Development you can open this file and dissect it to see the type of changes required to your own solutions. Following are the steps we took to create this sample database. 1. Created new database with generic address fields and unique id 2. Opened AddrInfo database and created a new field with the name/type of the field used for the unique ID in Integration database 3. Created relationship in Integration database between RecordID field. Checked allow creation of related records. 4. Added fields from relationship (response_* fields) to layout 5. Created script to perform address validation. First it sets values in the related file to the value of the current record. It then goes to Related Record (show only related is checked) and invokes the external script to perform address validation. 6. Added button to layout and set script to the Address Validation script that was just created As you can see, it s very easy to integrate the Postal Tool Kit with your existing FileMaker solution. Web Integration with Lasso 3 1. First, install and configure the Postal Tool Kit as described above. 2. Copy the sample files from Integration/Lasso3 Sample to your web server 2. Be sure that the NRG_Postal_USPS_AddrInfo.fp3 has web sharing enabled and is properly configured for access by Lasso 3. 3. Depending on how Lasso is configured, update the database name in the addrinfo_post.lasso file as necessary. 4. Open your web browser and navigate to the addrinfo.lasso page. 5. Submit the form and the validated results will be returned in the addrinfo_post.lasso page.
Electronic Labeling The Postal Tool Kit also allows you to print high-quality mailing labels that are compliant with post office specifications. The Delivery Confirmation, Signature Confirmation, Express Mail and Electronic Merchandise return modules support multiple formats for label images and depending on your FileMaker version they will be automatically imported into a label container. When printing labels they must ALWAYS be printed at 100% otherwise they will not be scannable by USPS equipment. Take care when affixing the label to the package be sure that packing tape does not cover the barcode. Alternatively, half-sheet labels are readily available for even faster labeling. For Priority Packages, Delivery Confirmation is FREE (a savings of $.45 per package) For other types of packages, Delivery Confirmation is $.13 (a savings a $.42 per package) Support
Support for setup and initial configuration is available via email by sending a message to support@nrgsoft.com or calling 262-363-4867. NRG Software is able to provide integration of the Postal Tool Kit with your solution for a nominal fee. Note that NRG Software is not responsible for changes or depreciation of Shipping API s by USPS however NRG Software will make a best effort to provide updates as needed because of any change in Shipping API s. Purchasing Contact NRG Software via phone, fax or email for pricing information. The Postal Tool Kit is available for single and multi-user solutions starting at $295.00. Contacting NRG Software Phone 262-363-4867 Fax 262-363-4867 Email support@nrgsoft.com Web http://www.nrgsoft.com NRG Software, LLC. PO Box 341338 Milwaukee, WI 53234-1338 License Agreement PLEASE READ THE LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS SOFTWARE. BY USING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU AGREE TO BECOME BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE, DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE, AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU OBTAINED IT FOR A FULL REFUND. 1999-2005 NRG Software, LLC. - All rights reserved. FileMaker is a trademark of FileMaker, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Express Mail, First-Class Mail, Global Priority Mail, Priority Mail and Zip Code are Registered trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service. Delivery Confirmation, Global Express Guaranteed, Global Express Mail, GXG, International Parcel Post, Parcel Post and Priority Mail Global Guaranteed are trademarks of the U.S. Postal Service. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.