Adapting to Industry Changes: IMI Compliant Postage Meters

This post originally appeared on EO Johnson's blog.

Postage meters have long been essential for businesses and organizations that send out large amounts of mail. From small offices to large corporations, postage meters save companies time and money. But like many tools in the workplace, postage meters are evolving. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has updated its compliance standards, and now organizations must ensure their postage meters are IMI compliant. If you’re unsure what this means or how it affects your operations, don’t worry. This blog will explain what you need to know about IMI compliant postage meters and what steps you should take to stay on track.

What Is IMI compliance?

IMI stands for Intelligent Mail Indicia, a new digital postage standard created by the USPS. This system ensures that postage meters provide more secure, accurate, and trackable postage. Unlike older systems, IMI offers improved features like:

• Real-time connectivity: IMI compliant postage meters connect to the USPS in real time, ensuring accurate postage rates, up-to-date information, and improved efficiency.
• Enhanced security: IMI reduces the risk of postage fraud by ensuring postage transactions are encrypted and secure.
• Data collection: IMI allows for detailed tracking of mail, helping businesses improve mail management.

The USPS is phasing out older postage meters that use the outdated IBI (Information Based Indicia) standard. If your current machine isn’t IMI compliant, you will need to upgrade to continue sending mail efficiently.

Why are these changes happening?

The USPS is implementing IMI compliance to improve the mailing process. With more businesses relying on digital tools, secure document management, and automated workflows, the IMI standard aligns with modern technology, efficiency, and security needs.

What organizations need to do

If your organization uses postage meters, here are the steps you need to take to adapt to these changes:

1. Check your current postage meter Review the equipment you’re currently using see if it meets the older IBI standard or the newer IMI standard. If you’re unsure, contact your postage meter provider.
2. Upgrade to IMI compliant postage meters If your machine doesn’t meet IMI standards, you will need to upgrade to an IMI compliant postage meter.
3. Train your team Make sure your employees understand the new features of IMI compliant postage meters. Features like real-time tracking and secure transactions can help streamline mailing workflows for employees when used effectively.

Why upgrading to IMI compliant postage meters matters

Ignoring IMI compliance requirements isn’t an option. The USPS has already started phasing out non-compliant machines, and businesses using older technology may experience disruptions. Upgrading to IMI compliant postage meters ensures:

• No disruption to mail operations: Your business can continue sending mail efficiently without delays or penalties.
• Cost savings: Accurate postage rates prevent overpayment, while real-time data helps optimize mailing costs.
• Enhanced security: Your organization is protected against postage fraud and misuse.
• Improved efficiency: New features like real-time rate updates and mail tracking save time and improve workflows.

Final thoughts on IMI compliant postage meters

The transition to IMI compliant postage meters is a positive step for businesses and organizations. If you haven’t already made the switch, now is the time to do so. By staying proactive, your organization can adapt to these changes smoothly and continue running an efficient, cost-effective mail operation.

Contact your EO Johnson Account Executive for more information on IMI compliance or to explore your options for postage meter upgrades. Our team of local service and support experts are here to help you navigate this change.