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| BLINK has three modes of operation. |
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Word Mail Merge
BLINK validates the addresses in an existing file/database and adds the barcode to each address record. The Microsoft® Word Mail Merge process is then invoked allowing barcodes to be easily printed on all your correspondence, mail merges, labels and envelopes. BLINK also corrects matched addresses, sorts your mail by Barcode Sort Plan and produces a Mailing Manifest Report to optimize your bulk mail discounts. |
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Barcode addition to a typed address
BLINK makes it possible for an address in a Word document to be highlighted and a macro invoked that adds an Australia Post barcode above the name and address. |
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Data Entry
BLINK uses interactive screens in Microsoft® Word or Windows. The user enters name, address data and barcode
for placement in a Microsoft® Word
document and/or Microsoft® Access database or text file. The Paste Special function makes it possible to insert address details, including barcode, into any open Windows application.
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BLINK matches the address to the Australia Post Postal
Address File (PAF), using the AMAS approved Acxiom PAFlink
engine, in order to find the Delivery Point Identifier (DPID)
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BLINK converts the DPID, using the Australia Post Reed
Solomon Algorithm, into a string of digits |
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BLINK creates an Australia Post barcode from the string of
digits, using the tried and proven PrintSoft 4-State barcode
font |
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BLINK then inserts the Australia Post barcode and the entered
name and corrected address details into the Word
document or database/file | |
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BLINK can run as a Standalone Data Entry process
under Windows or as a Data
Entry macro within Microsoft®
Word.
BLINK is identical for both systems. Regardless of the
mode of operation, the functionality is as follows: |
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| The main data entry screen for BLINK |
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Steps to create your Australia Post barcode from this
screen:
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Invoke the configuration screen in order to view/change
settings. |
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Enter the name and company information. |
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Enter the address information and have:
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It validated and matched against the
PAF |
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The appropriate barcode information
determined |
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The
information placed in an open Microsoft® Word document and/or written to a
file/database | |
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(Both street address and postal type addresses are
supported) | |
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| Depending upon the way in which you are using BLINK, the user can perform various functions. |
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Standalone Data Entry
Users can write the
address details and the barcode digits to a file or Microsoft® Access database. In this mode, the data entry process can be repeated until the user
chooses to exit. The Paste Special function enables you to insert address data into any open Windows application. |
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Microsoft® Word Data Entry
Users place the resultant address details with the
barcode into an open Microsoft® Word document,
either at the current cursor position, or at a pre-defined offset
position, or into the Envelopes and Labels tool. |
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Word Mail Merge process consists of a pre-process, which creates a
Microsoft® Access database. This is then
followed by a controlled mail merge process in Microsoft® Word using the created Microsoft® Access database. |
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Pre Process
The pre process uses an existing ASCII delimited text file,
or Microsoft® Access database, as input to the
address validation and matching process. During this process,
matched addresses have their Delivery Point Identifier (DPID)
converted into a barcode and unmatched addresses are given an error
message. A Microsoft® access database is then
output with all of the input fields, plus extra fields containing
corrected addresses, the barcode and/or error message. |
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Microsoft® Word Mail Merge
A
new icon is added to the Microsoft® Word toolbar
to invoke the mail merge. When selected, the user will be prompted
for the type of document (form letters, mailing labels, envelopes or
catalogues) to be created. The rest of the standard Microsoft® Word mail merge parameters are automatically set up,
including defining the fields in the file and selecting the right
font for the barcode. Correctly formatted and integrated Australia Post
barcodes are placed directly into your documents. All that is needed
is to print, post and save!
BLINK can also sort your mail by Barcode Sort Plan and produce a Mailing Manifest Report to optimise your postage savings.
A useful summary of the Australia Post PreSort Letter Service and a handy checklist are included in the BLINK online help file. |
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The
requirements to run BLINK are a PC running Windows 2000/XP/2003 with:
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Up to 95 Mb of disk space |
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Microsoft® Word 2000, XP or 2003 |
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Microsoft® Access 2000, XP or 2003 |
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For mail merging the addresses must be in a Microsoft® Access 2000, XP or 2003 database, a text file, or in a database that can export the records as an ASCII delimited text file. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
Troubleshooting |
For technical support please email us at support@blink.com.au
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