Comparative Review of Single-Line and Multiline Optical Character Readers Used in Mail Processing.

In a program to automate mail processing, the U.S. Postal Service is buying single-line read optical character readers. The Service decided against buying multiline optical character readers, a more advanced technology, primarily because of cost considerations. A switch to multiline optical character readers at this time would mean a possible 3- or 4-year delay of further Service automation and could result in a loss of savings. GAO compared the costs and performances of the two types of readers. GAO found that each of the two readers has advantages over the other, but the key to which one the Postal Service should buy is the eventual level of mailer use of the nine-digit ZIP Code ZIP 4. The extent of ZIP 4 usage that will develop is still uncertain.