Mailroom

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS PREPARATION Consider the following equipmet: inserters, busters, cutters, sealers, folders, openers, labelers, sorters, electronic scales. Check with the post office at every stage; be sure their requirements are met in all cases. Keep up with the current technology; a high degree of automation is possible at a reasonable cost (often with offsetting savings). Consider the following automation equipment: PC-based metering, mailing machines & manifest systems, addressing software, bar coding (up to 20% discounts on postage available). Purchasing or leasing postage meter? (9 out of 10 companies lease). CHOOSING A VENDOR Check references. See equipment in actual operation at a similar firm. Contact a mail room furniture vendor; they may provide (sometimes at no charge) mail room design services. Consider an outside firm to run/manage your mail room. Consider an outside design firm specializing in mail room design.
CHECKLIST	DAYS BEFORE MOVE
Identify each task that takes place in the mail center.	1-2 YRS
Make list of current & new equipment requirements. Review condition of current equipment.	1-2 YRS
Conduct study of amount & types of mail; anticipate growth & changes over the next 5yrs.	1-2 YRS
Lay out mail room considering space available & flow of work.	1-2 YRS
Interface with space planners (see Real Estate checklist).	1-2 YRS
Get references, & go see Vendors' equipment in operation.	180
Interface with space planner & builder in drawing review proccess (see Real Estate checklist)	120
If ordering postage meters, meet with vendors now & allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.	60
Advise post office, customers, vendors and other of new address and phone numbers.	60
Review/improve work flow.	-90