Address Element Correction and AEC II

AEC is a quality process that USPS developed with industry support.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“Address Element Correction (AEC) is a quality process developed by the USPS with industry support.”USPS original It works on inaccurate addresses that commercial CASS Certified address-matching software cannot match to a ZIP + 4 code.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“AEC focuses on inaccurate addresses, specifically those undeliverable addresses that cannot be matched to a USPS ZIP + 4® code using commercially available CASS Certified™ address-matching.”USPS original Such software may lack the information to match an address that is missing an element.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“If an address is missing an element, CASS Certified address-matching software may lack sufficient information to determine the correct or most accurate match to the ZIP + 4 product and, therefore, may not provide a ZIP + 4 code.”USPS original An address the software does not resolve becomes a candidate for AEC.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“After an address goes through this process and is not resolved, it becomes a candidate for AEC.”USPS original

AEC returns a complete, standardized address that matches a 5-digit ZIP Code and a ZIP + 4 code.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“The result is a complete and standardized address that can be matched to a 5-digit ZIP Code™ and ZIP + 4 code.”USPS original An address with missing or incorrect elements needs extra handling, which can delay delivery or make it impossible.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“If a mailpiece is missing address elements or contains incorrect address elements, it requires additional handling, including manual processing. This can delay delivery or even make delivery impossible.”USPS original A corrected address can take full advantage of USPS automation.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“This greatly improves your efforts to have the mail reach your customers in a timely and consistent manner by allowing the corrected addresses to take full advantage of USPS automation.”USPS original

AEC focuses on seven kinds of address problems:4Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 4“AEC focuses on the following addressing issues: Incomplete address Incorrect street name Missing or incorrect directional Missing or incorrect suffix Incorrect city name Incomplete building name Rural-style addresses conversion to city-style addresses”USPS original

• an incomplete address
• an incorrect street name
• a missing or incorrect directional
• a missing or incorrect suffix
• an incorrect city name
• an incomplete building name
• a rural-style address to convert to a city-style address

AEC does not process foreign addresses, supply missing secondary information or handle driving directions.4Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 4“AEC does not: Process foreign addresses Produce missing secondary information Handle driving directions (i.e. 5 miles south of mile marker 11)”USPS original It has an estimated correction return rate of 38%.1Address Element Correction (AEC) FAQPDF page 1“AEC has an estimated correction return rate of 38%.”USPS original

AEC resolves addresses with Computer Logic Resolution, a computer program that runs a series of evaluations and comparisons to correct insufficient addresses.4Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 4“CLR is a computer-based program that uses a variety of USPS programs and products to perform a series of evaluations and comparisons in an attempt to correct insufficient addresses.”USPS original Its programs use the ZIP + 4 and DPV products, which are updated weekly.4Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 4“AEC programs use the ZIP + 4 and DPV products, which are updated weekly to resolve addresses by using Computer Logic Resolution (CLR).”USPS original

Files travel through Electronic Product Fulfillment, or EPF, a secure USPS website where customers download processed files.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“Customers will be provided with access to a secure account on the EPF website where processed files can be downloaded.”USPS original

USPS processes AEC and AEC II files on a first-in, first-out basis.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“All AEC and AEC II are treated equally and processed on a first-in, first-out basis.”USPS original AEC returns a customer's file within 48 hours after accounting approves the request form.1Address Element Correction (AEC) FAQPDF page 1“Customer files are returned within 48 hours after accounting approves the AEC Processing Request Form.”USPS original

A mailer can choose the AEC Confidence Option, which returns only the corrections that AEC's logic rates with high confidence.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“This option is used to return only the AEC corrections where the AEC enhanced computer logic indicates a high confidence in the returned correction.”USPS original Records without the highest level of confidence go to AEC II.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“All records that do not have the highest level of confidence (usually resulting in an AEC return code ‘P1’ or ‘P2’) as determined through our logic will be sent through AEC II for resolution based on Delivery Force Knowledge.”USPS original

The input is a flat, non-indexed text file, never a dBase, Access or Excel file.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“The file can not be a dbase, Access or Excel file. The file must be a flat non-indexed, text file.”USPS original Each record has fixed-length fields and is 293 bytes long.10Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 10“TOTAL RECORD LENGTH 293 BYTES”USPS original

The key is an identification code or record id the customer supplies.10Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 10“A customer supplied identification code or record id.”USPS original Urbanization applies to Puerto Rican-style addresses only.10Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 10“Applies to Puerto Rican-style addresses only.”USPS original

The file name starts with the three letters AEC assigns at registration, then four numbers for the date, then .TXT.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“The file’s name must: 1. Begin with the three letters assigned by AEC following initial AEC registration for the service, (see Electronic Transmission Procedures) 2. Be followed by four numbers, reflecting the date the file was submitted, (mmdd), and 3. End with the file extension .TXT.”USPS original For example, YYY0925.TXT is a valid file name.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“For example, if your three AEC assigned characters are YYY and the 4 characters you chose were 0925, then YYY0925.TXT would be a valid file name.”USPS original The zipped file keeps the first seven characters, as in YYY0925.ZIP.8Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 7“The first seven characters of the zipped file name must be the same as the first seven characters of the text file name, e.g., if your text file name is YYY0925.TXT, the Zip file name must be YYY0925.ZIP.”USPS original A mailer who sends several files on one day may add a letter after the day, as in YYY0925a.txt.8Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 7“For multiple file submission on the same day, you may include an alpha character behind the day (dd). (i.e. YYY0925a.txt, YYY0925b.txt etc.)”USPS original

A vendor's file starts with a header record whose record type is HDR99.11Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 8“Indicates that the record has a header, which must have a required value of ‘HDR99’.”USPS original USPS charges the vendor's EPS account by the values in the header.11Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 8“The EPS account will be charged according to the values provided in the Header Record for each file submitted.”USPS original Its AEC II cycle field holds 30, 60 or 90 days.12Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 9“User may opt for 30, 60, or 90-day cycles.”USPS original Its AEC II frequency flag asks for AEC II corrections daily instead of weekly.12Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 9“AECII corrections return daily. Note: If not flag with (Y) return will default to weekly.”USPS original

AEC returns the original address file in the same medium the mailer provided, with a summary data report and a diagnostic report.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“After processing your addresses through AEC, Addressing Technology will return the original address file in the same medium that you provided. A summary data report that lists the number of addresses processed and elements corrected and a diagnostic report that lists information about the content of your original mailing file will be included with the return address file.”USPS original Each returned record holds the standardized delivery address when AEC resolved it, and blank fields when it did not.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“The standardized delivery address and other data if resolved; if unresolved the data fields will be blank.”USPS original It also holds the original record, unaltered.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“The original, unaltered record as submitted.”USPS original AEC names the returned file with an R before the extension, as in YYY0925R.ZIP.8Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 7“When we post your AEC processed file, the file name will be the same as the Zip file name with the addition of an “R” before the extension, e.g., YYY0925R.ZIP.”USPS original

In the resolution flag, N means the address has not been resolved to a specific delivery point.14Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 14“Address has not been resolved to a specific delivery point”USPS original In the DPV confirmation code, P1 means the secondary address is invalid.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“P1 – Secondary Address Invalid”USPS original

Opinion codes give the most accurate indication of why an address did not match the ZIP + 4 product.15Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 15“These codes offer the most accurate indication as to why the address did not match ZIP+4 product (byte 439 for two bytes).”USPS original For example, PF means no element of the street name matched any street name in the ZIP + 4 product.15Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 15“PF No element of the street name matched any street name in the ZIP+4 product.”USPS original

How codes describe what AEC did to the address to make it match the ZIP + 4 product.16Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 16“These codes provide a fairly accurate description of what was done to the address to enable a match to ZIP + 4 product.”USPS original For example, BN means AEC corrected the spelling of the street name.17Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 19“BN Corrected the street name spellings (e.g., DARLINGTON to ARLINGTON).”USPS original

AEC II is an enhancement to the AEC service.3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“AEC II is an enhancement to the existing AEC service, which identifies and corrects incomplete or inaccurate addresses using computer software.”USPS original It uses Delivery Force Knowledge, the work of local delivery unit employees who review bad addresses and enter corrections.18Address Element Correction II (AEC II) FAQPDF page 1“Delivery Force Knowledge leverages the efforts of local delivery unit employees who review bad addresses and enter corrections into an AEC II electronic process for return to the submitting customer.”USPS original USPS introduced AEC II to reduce mail that is undeliverable as addressed.18Address Element Correction II (AEC II) FAQPDF page 1“In an effort to reduce UAA, the USPS introduced AEC II.”USPS original

Delivery units can recognize the resident names on each route, which AEC cannot.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“The ability for Delivery Unit recognition of resident names associated with deliveries on each route.”USPS original Given resident names, they can pick the correct address among several matches.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“The ability to identify the correct address in the case of multiple responses when provided with resident names.”USPS original

Records reach delivery units through eUARS, a USPS program that gives them an electronic process for correcting address records.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“This program, known as eUARS (electronic Unresolved Address Resolution System) provides an electronic process for correcting address records.”USPS original

The customer picks a processing window of 30, 60 or 90 days.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“Customers may select a processing window of 30, 60 or 90-days for their file.”USPS original The window starts when USPS releases the records into eUARS.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“The processing window begins when customer records are released into the eUARS program for resolution through Delivery Force Knowledge.”USPS original Each error AEC II finds goes into a historical database, so the same error on another list is not submitted again.3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“As addressing errors are identified, they are added to a historical database so the same addressing errors, found on different mailing lists, are not submitted again.”USPS original

In AEC II's resolution codes, code 3 means the record has been corrected and delivery point confirmed.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“Code 3 — Address Corrected: The record submitted has been corrected and delivery point confirmed.”USPS original USPS corrects only the addresses presented and does not give mailers new address information.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“The USPS is only permitted to correct addresses presented and is not permitted to provide new address information to mailers.”USPS original

AEC II has an average correction rate of 51%.3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“AEC II process has an average 51% correction rate.”USPS original In USPS testing, AEC II resolved about 85% of the records submitted within 60 days.18Address Element Correction II (AEC II) FAQPDF page 1“During our testing, we have been able to resolve approximately 85% of all records submitted to the AEC II process within 60 days.”USPS original It returns processed files with AECII_ at the start of the name, as in AECII_YYY0925R.ZIP.8Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 7“When we post your AECII processed file, the file name will be the customer user id and the current date, with the addition of “AEC_II” at the beginning of the file and an “R” before the extension, e.g., AECII_YYY0925R.ZIP.”USPS original

AEC and AEC II are prepaid services.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“All AEC and AEC II are prepaid services.”USPS original AEC charges per one thousand records submitted, prorated for part of a thousand.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“AEC processing fees are calculated per one thousand records and prorated for increments less than a complete thousand.”USPS original A file of fewer than one thousand records pays the minimum fee for one thousand.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“A minimum fee for one thousand records is charged for all files containing less than one thousand records.”USPS original Prices are on Notice 123 on Postal Explorer.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“All current pricing is available on Notice 123 | Postal Explorer.”USPS original

AEC II charges for the resolved records it returns.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“AEC II processing fees are calculated on the number of resolved records returned to the customer.”USPS original Its minimum fee covers one hundred records and comes on top of the AEC fees.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“A minimum fee for one hundred records is charged for all files submitted. This minimum AEC II fee is in addition to the fees for AEC processing.”USPS original It charges for records marked Corrected or Address Does Not Exist.3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“The minimum fee for AEC II is available on Notice 123 | Postal Explorer for records indicated as Corrected or Address Does Not Exist (ADNE).”USPS original It returns other records at no additional charge, such as a historical file match.3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“AEC II also processes other types of records at no additional charge: … Historical File Match – The record submitted has been corrected to a record previously submitted and retained in the historical file.”USPS original

USPS defers a weekly AEC II invoice under $5 until the charges reach $5.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“In this case, weekly invoices/packing slips totaling less than $5 will be deferred until the $5 threshold is met.”USPS original If they have not reached $5 after 15 days, USPS charges the deferred amount.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“If the $5 threshold is not met after 15 days, the deferred amount will be charged to your account.”USPS original

Customers pay by credit card or through an account in the Enterprise Payment System, or EPS.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“AEC customers agree to make their initial payment and all subsequent payments through either a US Postal Service EPS account or valid credit card.”USPS original An EPS account needs a Customer Registration ID, or CRID.20Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Sign Up Instructions - AEC & AEC IIPDF page 1“A valid Customer Registration ID (CRID) is required to set up an EPS account.”USPS original USPS then emails an invitation code that links the EPS account to the AEC account.20Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Sign Up Instructions - AEC & AEC IIPDF page 1“The email will include an invitation code and provide instructions to link your EPS account to AEC or AEC II.”USPS original

AEC does not process a file that arrives without payment.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“Files received without payment will not be processed.”USPS original It does not accept a file whose name breaks the file name rules.5Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 2“Files that are not named in accordance with these requirements will not be accepted.”USPS original AEC and AEC II cannot process packed data or foreign addresses.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“AEC and AEC II cannot process packed data or foreign addresses.”USPS original

A vendor's header gives the total count of records submitted.11Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 8“Total count of records submitted.”USPS original If that count differs from the file's real count by more than 15%, USPS processes the file by hand and phones the vendor.11Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 8“The difference between the value in ‘Recs Submitted’ and the actual number of records in the file cannot be less than or greater 15%. If so, the file will be processed manually and the vendor will be contacted by phone.”USPS original

When no records wait in the hold queue for a ZIP Code, AEC II starts at once and the order cannot be canceled.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“If there are no records in one or more of the AEC Hold Queue(s) for the ZIP Code(s) submitted, AEC II processing begins immediately, and the AEC II order cannot be canceled.”USPS original USPS cancels an order in the AEC II hold queue when the customer sends no instructions within one week of the turnaround notice.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“Orders in the AEC II Hold Queue are cancelled if processing instructions are not received from customers within one (1) week of notification of the estimated turn around time for their order.”USPS original

A customer who cancels AEC II gets only the corrections AEC made and pays the standard AEC rate per record.7Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 5“Customers electing to cancel AEC II processing of their file receive only corrections provided through the AEC process and will not receive corrections made through the AEC II Historical File. Records will be charged at the standard AEC rate per record submitted.”USPS original AEC II permanently deletes the records it does not resolve within the processing window.19Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 3“All records not resolved through the AEC II process, within the customer selected processing window, will be permanently deleted when processing is completed.”USPS original

AEC does not return standardized addresses for military, unique or general delivery ZIP Codes.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“Delivery addresses returned are parsed into individual address elements; however, addresses with military, unique, or general delivery ZIP Codes will not be parsed because AEC does not produce or return standardized addresses for addresses having these types of ZIP Codes.”USPS original Processed files stay on EPF for 30 days.6Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 11“Files will remain on EPF for 30 days.”USPS original USPS makes no warranty for the returned AEC file and is not liable for damages from its use.21Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 20“The Postal Service makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the returned AEC file, nor will the Postal Service be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or other similar damages arising out of use or inability to use the AEC return media, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.”USPS original

• Addressing and Geospatial Technology answers questions about AEC and AEC II at 1-800-238-3150 or cds.ncsc@usps.gov.2PostalPro: Address Element Correction (AEC)“For more information about AEC, contact Addressing and Geospatial Technology at 1-800-238-3150 or email cds.ncsc@usps.gov.”USPS original3PostalPro: Address Element Correction II (AEC II)“For more information about AEC II, contact Addressing and Geospatial Technology at 1-800-238-3150 or email cds.ncsc@usps.gov.”USPS original
• Request forms and payment go by fax to 901-681-4409.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“A completed request form and payment in the form of a credit card or USPS EPS account number must be faxed to 901-681-4409 before electronic files can be processed.”USPS original
• The Mailing & Shipping Solutions Center opens EPS accounts at MSSC@usps.gov or 877-672-0007.9Address Element Correction (AEC) & AEC II User Guidepage 6“To obtain a USPS EPS account visit USPS Business Customer Gateway, or email Mailing & Shipping Solutions Center at MSSC@usps.gov, or call 877-672-0007.”USPS original
• The PostalOne! Help Desk answers questions about paying AEC through EPS at 1-800-522-9085.20Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Sign Up Instructions - AEC & AEC IIPDF page 1“If you have questions or concerns regarding the EPS process, you may send email to cds.ncsc@usps.gov or contact the PostalOne!® Help Desk at 1-800-522-9085.”USPS original