Proofing
Static Proof
Static Proof refers to a digital file that is sent out for approval. This file contains only that content that remains the exact same through the entire printing of the job. Any variable or merged content will be proofed with an additional step.
ProofHQ
ProofHQ is an online proofing system that streamlines the process of managing document reviews, proofing and approvals for marketing teams.
Merged proofs
Merged Proof refers to a digital file that is sent out for database-driven merged variable approval. This file contains "personalized", changing items such as unique IDs, names, addresses, and even graphics. Merged proofs contain sensitive personal information and therefore are uploaded to our secure sftp for final approval.
Inkjet proofs
Inkjet Proof refers to a hard copy scan of an inkjet sprayed finished item that is sent out for variable approval. These pieces are most commonly postcards, glued self-mailers, and closed-face #10 envelopes, inkjet sprayed with an address block or unique identification. Inkjet proofs contain sensitive personal information and therefore are uploaded to our secure sftp for final approval.
Production
Offset printing
Offset printing or web offset printing is a commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface (paper). We use this technique as a cost effective means of printing large volumes of survey instruments that have the exact same content.
Digital printing
Digital printing refers to a high speed variable environment either laser based equipment or inkjet based technologies. It is best suited for variable content short runs. It will accommodate multiple variable content.
Match Verification Inserter
Camera systems that are installed on mail inserting equipment that read the id of one piece (cover letter) and compares it to the id of a second piece (survey) to guarantee that the pieces are a match. These cameras are tied directly into the timing mechanism and will stop the machine if the pieces do not match.
Inkjet addressing
The process of inkjet spraying an address block or unique identification to a preprinted or finished piece. These pieces are most commonly postcards, glued self-mailers, and closed-face #10 envelopes. Inkjet is a fast and relatively inexpensive way to personalize a high print volume, especially when compared with laser printing. Inkjet printers operate by using heads to spray droplets of ink onto the piece below. The heads are mounted over a conveyer belt that carries the pieces under them. The computer programs exactly when to spray each address block based on how fast the conveyer belt is moving and the width of the postcard, mailer, or envelope. The finished piece then passes under a heating lamp that quickly dries the ink to prevent smudging.
Stitching
In the printing industry, stitching refers to a popular book binding method in which folded sheets are gathered together one inside the other and then stapled through the fold line with wire staples. The staples pass through the folded crease from the outside and are clinched between the centermost pages. Two staples are commonly used but larger books may require more staples along the spine. The Stitch method is most effective for binding booklets and publications with around 64 pages or less. By its nature, Stitching requires the book’s page count to be in multiples of four.
Glued spine
A booklet binding method in which a layer of adhesive holds the pages and cover together instead of stitching. Automatic folding, trimming and gluing are achieved in one pass on our high speed equipment.
USPS Processing
NCOA
NCOA is a secure dataset of approximately 160 million permanent change-of-address (COA) records consisting of the names and addresses of individuals, families and businesses who have filed a change-of-address with the USPS. Developed with secure data store technology to increase security of postal customer data and protect the privacy of this information, NCOA enables us to update your mail lists with new addresses prior to mailing.
CASS
The CASS Certification process improves the accuracy of the carrier route, 5-digit ZIP, ZIP + 4, and delivery point codes that appear on mailpieces and provides useful diagnostics for correcting deficiencies within the mail list.
CASS Undeliverables
CASS Certified™ software requires use of both the DPV and LACSLink® products when processing address lists. This requirement ensures ZIP + 4 codes will be assigned only when the primary number of the address can be validated using the DPV (Delivery Point Validation) Product, and whether the input address reflects any municipality conversions. The DPV Product allows users to confirm known USPS addresses as well as identify potential addressing issues that may hinder delivery. These addresses are flagged within the database and can be extracted if requested.
Physical Undeliverables
Even after using NCOA and CASS/DPV, mailers may still experience UAA (Undeliverable As Addressed) mail volumes. There are other causes of UAA mail that the current hygiene products will not catch such as people who move and do not report it to the USPS, address is valid, but the addressee does not reside at that location due to death, divorce, set-up/data entry errors and missing apartment numbers. CASS/DPV only certifies a valid delivery point but does not certify the addressee.
DPV
Delivery point validation
Barcode /Data Processing
QR Code 
A machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information such as unique forms id’s.
2D Unique ID barcode 
2D means 'two dimensional'. 2D barcodes contain more information than conventional one dimensional linear barcodes. Conventional barcodes get wider as more data is encoded. 2D barcodes make use of the vertical dimension to pack in more data. 2D barcodes are based on data that is extracted from a specified database field.
IM Barcode 
The Intelligent Mail barcode, is used to sort and track letters and flats and also allows for automation discounts. It expands the ability to track individual mail pieces and provides you with greater visibility into the mail-stream with the use of OneCode ACS and OneCode Confirm (EasyTrack).
Forms ID
Form ID’s are unique part numbers assigned to each version of a survey project. These are represented with the use of a QR code that can be read and sorted automatically through new scanning technology. These replace the need for time consuming hand sorting. Unique part numbers need to be assigned for each version and language of a survey per project.
Topline
A unique id that can be tracked back to each respondent. It appears at as the top line of all our standard address panels. This number should be deidentified as to not include any PHI or PII. Standard industry practice is to map a unique member ID provided by the client.
Scanning
OMR Zone
Optical Mark Recognition Zones uses the process of capturing human-marked data from survey. OMR zones are added to each check box or circle fill bubbles to determine if it has been marked or not.
OCR Zone
Optical Character Recognition Zones are zones that capture alphanumeric hand-keyed, type-writer, and cursive data.
ICR Zone
Intelligent Character Recognitions-Is an advanced OCR or-rather more specific- handwriting recognition system that allows fonts and different styles of handwriting to be learned by a computer during processing to improve accuracy and recognition levels.