The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) is a 65-bar USPS barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. It combines the data of older barcode types such as POSTNET and PLANET into a single barcode. The IMB system allows mailers to track individual pieces of mail and provides visibility into the status of each mailpiece throughout the postal network. IMB is widely adopted in the United States for efficient mail handling and offers greater accuracy in delivery.
VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK product web page,
https://www.verypdf.com/app/barcode/barcode-recognition.html
VeryPDF Barcode SDK with Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) Support,
Download the trial version of VeryPDF Barcode SDK to decode IMB today,
https://www.verypdf.com/dl2.php/VeryPDFBarcodeSDK.zip
How Do IMb Mail Items Move Through the USPS Mailstream?
IMB Barcode Format
The IMB consists of 65 vertical bars, with each bar being full, half, or absent. The barcode encodes multiple fields, and its structure is broken down into the following components:
- Barcode ID: 2 digits used to identify the presort status.
- Service Type Identifier (STID): 3 digits that define the service requested, such as First-Class Mail or Standard Mail.
- Mailer ID (MID): 6 or 9 digits identifying the mailer or business sending the mail.
- Serial Number: Up to 9 digits used to uniquely identify each mailpiece or track its status.
- Routing Code: 0–11 digits derived from the ZIP Code, which aids in delivery route sorting.
Example of IMB Fields:
| Barcode ID (2 digits) | STID (3 digits) | MID (6 or 9 digits) | Serial Number (9 or 6 digits) | Routing Code (ZIP) |
The IMB offers a more comprehensive way of tracking mail, improving on older barcodes by providing a unique identifier for each piece of mail, allowing for enhanced tracking, reporting, and delivery accuracy.
✅ VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK
VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK is a robust software development kit designed for developers to integrate barcode scanning functionality into their applications. The SDK supports reading a variety of barcode formats, including the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB).
Key Features of VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK:
- IMB Barcode Support: The SDK can decode the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB), extracting all necessary fields, including the Barcode ID, STID, MID, Serial Number, and Routing Code.
- High Accuracy: The SDK ensures high accuracy and efficiency when scanning and reading IMB barcodes, even in poor lighting or low-quality prints.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for various platforms, such as Windows, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for desktop, web, and mobile applications.
- Customization: Developers can easily integrate the SDK into existing applications and customize the functionality to fit their specific needs.
Using VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK to Read IMB
VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK provides a simple API to read and decode the IMB from images, PDFs, or live camera feeds. Here’s an overview of how it works:
- Initialization: Initialize the SDK in your application to enable barcode scanning.
- Scan or Load Image: Capture the barcode from a live camera or load a saved image containing the IMB.
- Decode: The SDK decodes the IMB, extracting the Barcode ID, STID, MID, Serial Number, and Routing Code.
- Results: Process and display the extracted data for further analysis or integration into mail-tracking systems.
Example:
// Load image
var result = BarcodeScannerSDK.ScanImage("path_to_image");
// Extract IMB information
if (result.BarcodeType == BarcodeType.IMB)
{
var barcodeID = result.GetField("Barcode ID");
var stid = result.GetField("STID");
var mailerID = result.GetField("MID");
var serialNumber = result.GetField("Serial Number");
var routingCode = result.GetField("Routing Code");
// Process the information as needed
}
The VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK makes it straightforward for developers to add barcode reading functionality to their software, enabling reliable and fast decoding of IMB barcodes.
Conclusion
The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) is an essential tool for mail tracking and routing in the United States Postal Service. It encodes multiple pieces of information into a compact 65-bar format, streamlining mail operations. With the VeryPDF Barcode Scanner SDK, developers can easily integrate IMB barcode scanning into their applications, enhancing tracking capabilities and improving operational efficiency.
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We look forward to the opportunity of working with you and providing developer assistance if required.