Upgrades to the AFSM 100 Planned

April 22, 2005 - Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100)
Overview of AFSM 100 - (Microsoft Windows Media)
The USPS has notified the APWU of plans to modify Automatic Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100 machines with automatic induction systems and automatic tray handling systems.

Beginning in May 2005 and continuing through June 2006, the Postal Service will deploy Automatic Tray Handling Systems (ATHS) to 350 of the 534 system fleet. In a letter dated Feb. 17, 2005,  the Postal Service said the modification will eliminate the need to affix a dispatch label to the flat tub; pull and dispatch the full tub; and replace the dispatched tub with an empty one.

Beginning in October 2005 and continuing through August 2006, the Postal Service will deploy 206 AFSMs with Automatic Induction (AI) systems. In a letter dated Dec. 23, 2004,  the Postal Service said the modification will automate the task of feeding the machines as well as related mail preparation and transport activities. 

AFSM 100 UPGRADES PLANNED-the USPS is currently on schedule to finish all the AFSM 100 feeder upgrades by the middle of May, 2004. Nationally, 14 AFSM 100s will be upgraded each week now until the upgrades are complete, except for the week of Christmas. Upgrades to the four AFSM 100s located at the Cincinnati P&DC are planned for the weeks of 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/27. All FSM 1000s have now been upgraded with their new automated feeders

 USPS Board of Governors approved two enhancements to the AFSM 100 — one will apply a label with a unique ID to non-barcoded flats allowing sortation in subsequent operations — the other adds 354 Automatic Tray Handling Systems to automate the handling of flat trays (source: USPS 8/26/03)

The flat ID code sort is a small (16-inch) module that will add ID tags to non-barcoded flat mail.   The label will be a 4-state barcode that allows more data in a small space.  The label is easy to remove.  The benefits include a reduction of images sent to the remote encoding centers by 43%, which reduces work-hours by 1.4 million per year, and a reduction in mis-coding errors from 2.9% to .68%.  The time frame for this improvement is as follows:  Board of Governors’ approval in August, a contract by the end of the fiscal year, first tests in February 2004 and roll-out scheduled for completion by February 2005.

 The automatic tray handling system collects empty tubs, applies adhesive labels, and reloads the empty tubs for use.   The current requirement for a sweeper is eliminated (although the labels must be manually removed).  It is anticipated that the contract for this project will be negotiated in September, with deployment beginning in October 2004, and completion scheduled  for Fall 2006.

 Mr. Day announced that the wide field of view cameras (approximately 10,000 systems) will be fully deployed in November 2003 and will be utilized on barcode sorters. (source: Mailers´ Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC)

Program Benefits
Reduces number of images sent to remote keyers by 43.1%
Reduces keying and manual labor requirements by 1.4M work hours per year

source: USPS