Word 2007 bar codes for mail merge

[sos-DC]

I need to know how to put bar codes onto labels/envelopes using a database so
each address has its own and correct bar code. Ver. 2003 was easy, 2007
apparently no longer does this (so I was told by Microsoft).

My list of questions for Microsoft on their new office programs numbers well
over a dozen and growing.

 

[garfield-n-odie [MVP]]

See http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=897290 "The POSTNET bar code that
Word generates no longer qualifies for USPS bulk mailing discounts".

 

[sos-DC]

I have NEVER used the bar codes for bulk mailing services.

I just like to have the bar code to speed along my first class mail whether
it is one or a dozen items.

Any suggestions how I can add bar codes? The new multi step system as
explained by the Microsoft customer service rep is TOO time consuming if you
are doing more than one label or envelope.

It seems to me that with every upgrade the things I do take longer and have
more steps.

 

[Graham Mayor]

As I understand it the bar code is incompatible with the USPS mailing
system, but we don't use bar codes where I live so my understanding may not
be correct. However all that has changed is that the bar code tool has been
removed from the envelope dialog. You can still insert a barcode field on
your envelope, or if you merge using the appropriate envelope template that
you can download from my web site, the barcode is already placed for you.
You can add a barcode field to a document then save it as an
autotext/autocorrect entry for ease of insertion if you find that inserting
a field is too onerous a task for you

--
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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


<>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>>< <>><<>

 

[Peter Jamieson]

Part of the problem is that the standards for generating barcodes have
changed over the years and Word's feature has not kept up. Microsoft has an
article about this here::

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897290

In other words, if you're using USPS barcodes for bulk mailing discounts,
you have to use a package other than Word.

Although various people have posted saying that that they have never had a
problem when they use a barcode generated from a 9-digit ZIP (rather than
from a street address+ZIP), the USPS also has an article saying that

"unless you are preparing a mailing for automation rates, you should NOT put
barcodes on the mailpieces. As long as the mailing address is correct, your
mail will still be processed efficiently without a barcode-and
you won't need to worry about having the wrong barcode on your mail."

http://www.usps.com/businessmail101/misc/discountsBarcoded.htm

Like Graham, as I don't live in the U.S. I have no idea whether inclusion of
the barcode speeds anything up, but I suppose I would have to take account
of what the Postal Service itself says.

If you still want to use them, you can still insert them manually using
ctrl-F9 to insert the special field code braces and typing the word BARCODE.
The content of the rest of the field would be identical to the ones you used
in Word 2003, so if you have a document created in Word 2003, you should be
able to cut/paste the field codes into Word 2007.

 

[sos-DC]

Thank you. Solves the problem.

Part of the problem is that the standards for generating barcodes have
changed over the years and Word's feature has not kept up. Microsoft has an
article about this here::

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897290

In other words, if you're using USPS barcodes for bulk mailing discounts,
you have to use a package other than Word.

Although various people have posted saying that that they have never had a
problem when they use a barcode generated from a 9-digit ZIP (rather than
from a street address+ZIP), the USPS also has an article saying that

"unless you are preparing a mailing for automation rates, you should NOT put
barcodes on the mailpieces. As long as the mailing address is correct, your
mail will still be processed efficiently without a barcode-and
you won't need to worry about having the wrong barcode on your mail."

http://www.usps.com/businessmail101/misc/discountsBarcoded.htm

Like Graham, as I don't live in the U.S. I have no idea whether inclusion of
the barcode speeds anything up, but I suppose I would have to take account
of what the Postal Service itself says.

If you still want to use them, you can still insert them manually using
ctrl-F9 to insert the special field code braces and typing the word BARCODE.
The content of the rest of the field would be identical to the ones you used
in Word 2003, so if you have a document created in Word 2003, you should be
able to cut/paste the field codes into Word 2007.