THE ANATOMY OF THE R.M.F.M. METER MARKS
- Madan Middha
The India Post has introduced Remotely Managed Franking Machines (RMFMs) in
place of existing Electronic Franking Machines with effect from 16.8.2010. Meter
Marks or the frankings of the new machines are in Blue colour instead of the
usual red and indicate class of article, pin code, authentication code, date of
frank, mail item number, license identifier number,
frank value and a 2D bar code.
These are printed on the articles using the Inkjet technology, unlike the
older machines fitted with impact printing/technique of franks. These are duplex
marks having two parts, first details part on the left and second denomination
part, on the right. Different components of these marks are explained hereunder
:
P for Postcard, ILC for Inland Latter Card, L for Letter, BP for Book Post, RL for Registered Letter, SP for Speed post and so on.
2. Pin Code of the Originating Post Office
3. Date of Meter Franking
4. Authentication Code
The
authentication code is seen in three settings in these meter marks.
First is all numbers, the second is all alphabets and the third is a
hybrid, having an alpha-numerical setting. It uses Hexa-decimal format
i.e. formation with A to F alphabets and 0 to 9 numbers. The code
contains an info-mix of License Identifier, Item Number, Frank Value,
Date, Time of frank, Pincode and authenticates the frank. It is
considered virtually unbreakable.
5. Mail Item Number
6. 2D Barcode
2D
bar code contains important information encoded therein viz ascending
and descending meter readings, class of article, number of items, pin
code number, value of frank and license identifier number. 2D bar code
can also be scanned to check the genuineness of the frank impression.
7. Sovereign Mark
8. Denomination (Value) of the Meter Mark
9. Users' License Identification Number
This
number also has two parts, first a letter (9a), which denotes the
initials of the original Equipment Manufacturer i.e. 'F' for Francotyp
Postalia, 'N' for Neopost and 'P' for Pitney Bowes and after that (9b),
six numeric digits which indicate serial number of the machine, which
has made the mark..
