Why are royal mail putting barcodes on stamps
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has been introducing barcodes on some of its stamps since 2013. The main reason for this is to improve the efficiency and accuracy of mail processing. Here are some benefits of using barcodes on stamps:
- Faster sorting and processing: Barcodes allow machines to quickly and accurately read the stamp's value and destination, speeding up the sorting and processing of mail.
- Reduced errors: Human error is minimized, as machines can accurately read the barcode, reducing the likelihood of mis-sorting or mis-routing mail.
- Improved tracking: Barcodes enable Royal Mail to track the journey of individual items more effectively, allowing for better customer service and improved delivery times.
- Enhanced security: Barcodes can be used to verify the authenticity of stamps and prevent counterfeiting.
- Cost savings: By automating the sorting and processing of mail, Royal Mail can reduce labor costs and improve operational efficiency.
The barcodes used on Royal Mail stamps are called "2D DataMatrix" codes, which contain a unique identifier, the stamp's value, and other relevant information. These codes are read by machines at various stages of the mail processing journey, from sorting centers to delivery offices.
Not all Royal Mail stamps have barcodes, however. Some stamps, like commemorative issues or special edition stamps, may not have barcodes to preserve their collectibility and aesthetic appeal.
It's worth noting that the introduction of barcodes on stamps has been a gradual process, with some stamps being issued with barcodes and others without. Royal Mail has been working to phase in the use of barcodes across its entire stamp range over the past few years.