Wheeling, Ill. – BÖWE BELL + HOWELL (BBH) today announced major milestones for the NetSort sorting software solution. With more than 70 customers running NetSort on nearly 200 systems, and 11 of its multi-line optical character reader (MLOCR) system customers now achieving USPS Full-Service certification for the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMB), NetSort has evolved to a fully-fledged, proven technology in the market. In addition to these successes, BBH reports that 30 additional NetSort users are in the advanced testing stages required to successfully complete the Full-Service certification process.

Since launching NetSort in 2008, BBH continues to integrate user feedback into new releases, creating a robust solution for mailers who need to manage all aspects of Full-Service IMB implementation.

"We're using the National Postal Forum to make a strong statement about NetSort and the success our customers are having with it," said Mike Swift, president, BBH Postal Software and Sorting. "NetSort is the industry's only end-to-end, single vendor solution for managing the requirements for IMB implementation. No other company can make this claim, and none can offer the flexibility and power we have built into this unique software offering."

NetSort enables mailers to manage unique mailpiece IDs for the required 45 days across multiple sorters and sites. They can handle multiple tray/pallet/container associations, create and submit electronic mailing reports, and leverage other features that support USPS compliance and maximum discounts. Meeting new requirements for tray and pallet tracking is now streamlined through wireless short- and long-range scanners that read and upload data. NetSort also supports submission of Mail.dat 9.1 files with multiple CAPS accounts.

In addition to the technology, BBH provides the service and expertise that customers need to help them navigate through the complexities of postal regulations. "We create a true partnership with our customers," said Swift. "Like them, we recognize the challenges facing our industry. By working together we help them succeed, and they in turn provide us with additional insights for product development or enhancements."

"The entire experience of upgrading to be Full Service compliant was made much easier because of the BÖWE BELL + HOWELL people and products," said BBH customer Mark Kolb, vice president of United Mailing Services, Wisconsin's largest mailing services provider. "Their expertise on postal matters, and the technology to achieve our business and postal objectives, was second to none."

United Mailing Services and other BBH NetSort customers will discuss their experiences during the National Postal Forum, April 11 to April 14 in Nashville, Tenn., in the BBH Solutions Theater, booth #131.