Selected presentations from 2nd GPREN Postal Research Conference - July 1, 2008
The Global Postal Research and Educational Network (GPREN) is a unique network of universities, whose aim it is to conduct and provide research in the broader postal sector, to develop training activities, and to organize an annual postal research conference.
In an increasingly dynamic business environment, postal operators have to face new challenges with many threats and opportunities. To address these challenges, the GPREN aims at providing neutral and interactive atmosphere as well as a multi-disciplinary approach, so as to prepare for the future of the postal sector. The GPREN results from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Chair Management of Network industries (MIR) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Below are a few presentations from “The Second GPREN POSTAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE” held in Lausanne, Switzerland. For more information visit: http://mir.epfl.ch/page65837.html
"Collaboration in international standardization committees: A case analysis from the postal sector” by Farah Abdallah, PhD student.
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"Defensive Strategies in Two-Sided Markets” by Gruetter Lutzenberger.
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"Delivering Development Policies through Postal Networks” by José Anson, Laia Bosch and Justin Caron, Universal Postal Union.
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"Expansion and Cooperation Strategies of Integrators: an Economic Analysis” by Evy Onghena, University of Antwerp.
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"Measuring USO costs – A practical guide to profitability costs” by Henrik Ballebye Okholm.
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"Rebates in the German Postal Market: a View from Competition Policy” by Antonia Niederprüm and Dr. Martin Zauner, wik
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"Regulatory Institutions and Governance Costs in the Postal Sector: The Institutional Setting in Switzerland” by Martin Maegli, EPFL & Swiss Post and Dr. Christian Jaag, Uni. of St. Gallen & Swiss Post.
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"Service Quality, Price Caps and the USO” by Paul R. Kleindorfer, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
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"Tendering Universal Service Obligations in Liberalized Postal Markets: An Outline of Thought” by Christian Jaag, University of St. Gallen, Swiss Post and Urs Trinkner, University of Zürich, Swiss Post.
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Selected presentations from the 2008 Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA) Spring Meeting - June 27, 2008
"The Power of Envelopes” by Potomac Communications Group, Center for Technology and Trends.
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"Bank of America, Mail and the Environment” by Jody Berenblatt, SVP Global Postal Strategy.
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"Protecting Forests and the Triple Bottom Line for the Envelope Manufacturers Association” by Tensie Whelan, Executive Director, Rainforest Alliance.
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"USPS Strategic Transformation – Update” by Alixe Johnson.
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"The Jobs Study: Jobs and The Mailing Industry” by Transformation Strategy.
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Speech by Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, “The EU Internal Market for Postal Services – Creating it Together”. - June 24, 2008
Charlie McCreevy, Internal Market and Services Commissioner, hosted a high level conference on postal reform in Brussels. The Conference discussed the opportunities for businesses and consumers in a liberalized postal market, universal services in a competitive market and regulatory challenges to ensure the benefits of postal reform can be realized. It also marked the start of a new and crucial stage of postal reform. The recent adoption of the 3rd Postal Directive (2008/6/EC) in February 2008 by the European Parliament and Council means there will be full market opening by 31st December 2010 for the majority of Member States.
Commissioner McCreevy delivered a strong message at the conference that creating a sustainable internal postal market is a joint responsibility, that the Directive must be correctly transposed, and that the creation of barriers to entry will not be tolerated. Commissioner McCreevy previously said: "A Directive means little if it is not properly transposed in national law and rigorously implemented on the ground. We have to be vigilant to ensure that what is given by one hand is not taken away by the other."
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"The 3rd Postal Directive – Establishment of an Internal Postal Market" by Denis Sparas, DG Internal Market and Services – Postal Services Unit - June 23, 2008
Selected Presentations from the 2008 National Postal Forum (NPF) - June 9, 2008
2008 National Postal Forum held at the Anaheim Convention Center, CA on May 18-21, 2008.
Colleges and Universities Track
"Benchmarking - Now More Important Than Ever" by Ed Talley , Manager, Postal Services, Northern Arizona University.
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"Consolidating and Marketing Mail Center Operations" by Chris Kula, Assistant Director, Business Services, University of Iowa & Northern Iowa.
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Customer Acquisition and Loyalty Track
"Planning the Mail Campaign - Conception to Induction” by Gene J. Popik – Lead Concepts Inc.
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"Analyzing and Tracking the Mail Campaigns for Total ROI (Return on Investment)" by Gene J. Popik – Lead Concepts Inc.
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Global Business Track
"The Essentials of International Address Data Management and Mail Distribution” by Sheila Donovan, President, Global DM Solutions and Thomas Foley, Manager, Major Global Accounts, USPS Global Business.
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"The Power of Multinational Direct Marketing" by Sheila Donovan, President, Global DM Solutions and Bruce Harsh, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce.
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Intelligent Mail Track
"Customer Led Innovation - Setting the Course for the Future of the Information Rich Mailstream” by Envelope Manufacturer’s Association.
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"Intelligent Mail: Implementation for Maximum Mailer Benefits" by Kevin Conti, Director, Mailing Solutions, Pitney Bowes.
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Mail Center Management Track
"Vendor Evaluation: Selecting for Success” by Graham Newell, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Delivery Services.
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"Top Ten Reasons to Justify an Internal Tracking System" by Anthony Meadow, Bear River Associates.
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"How to Make Your Vendor a Strategic Partner” by Joseph Incognito, CEO, Creative Management Services and Byron Jacobson, Team Leader, Business Mail Academy.
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"Industry Certifications and Training Opportunities" by Chris Kula, Assistant Director, Business Services, University of Iowa & Northern Iowa.
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"Award-Winning High Tech Secure Mail Centers Using Workers with Disabilities" by Christine Harrison and Dr Ken Lynn, Ability One.
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"Measuring Performance” Mark Fallon, President & CEO, The Berkshire Company and Patrick Ring. Manager, Marketing, U.S Postal Service – Boston.
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"Mailing Knowledge: It's Not Just for Backrooms Any More!" by Ellie Alexander, VP, Newkirk Products and Margaret Pepe, Manager, USPS BSN.
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"Transition to Internal Logistics: Transforming Services" by Anthony Meadow, Bear River Associates and Tom Wirth, Google.
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"Motivating Your Employees” by Mark Fallon, President & CEO, The Berkshire Company and Patrick Ring. Manager, Marketing, U.S Postal Service – Boston.
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"Extra! Extra! Extra Services" by Elizabeth Lombard, Pitney Bowes Inc.
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"Designing a Mail Center that Works!" by Mark Fallon, President & CEO, The Berkshire Company and Patrick Ring. Manager, Marketing, U.S Postal Service – Boston.
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Nonprofit Track
"Meeting Content Standards and Other Important Concerns for Nonprofit Standard Mail" by Jerry Lease, USPS Program Manager and Jeff Zelkowitz, USPS Chief Counsel.
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"New Nonprofit Ratemaking and Regulations" by Tony Conway, Executive Director, Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers and Joe Schick, Director, Postal Affairs, Quad/Graphics, Inc.
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Optimizing Preparation and Entry Track
"The "Manifest" Postage Payment System" by Business Mailer Support, USPS.
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"Shape-Based Strategies to Maximize Your Mail" by Elizabeth Lombard, Pitney Bowes and Donald Lagasse, Program Manager, National Account Sales, USPS.
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Package & Shipping Solutions Track
"Using USPS & Other Strategies to Lower Shipping Costs" by Rob Martinez, Partner, EVP and Tim Sailor, Founder, Principal, Navigo Consulting Group.
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"The USPS: A Convenient Shipping Solution" by John Aiello and Leila Steckowych, USPS Sales.
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"USPS Expedited Packaging Supplies - We Have Your Box!" by Amin Khechfe, General manger, Endicia.
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"International Mailing - Making Across the Globe the Same as Across the Street" by USPS.
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"The New Shipping Paradigm - Adding USPS to Your Shipping Mix" by Steve Rifai, Endicia.
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"Parcel Industry Changes and the Impact On Your Business" by Peter Scherling, AFMS Logistics Management Group.
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Periodicals Track
"Periodicals for the Future" by Sharon Daniel, Manager, Mailing Standards & Howard Schwartz, Conde’ Nast Publications &Jerry Lease, Program Manager, Periodicals.
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"Maximizing Postage Savings & Delivery for Small Volume Periodicals Publications" by Max Heath, Postal Chair, National Newspaper Association & Sharon Daniel, Manager, Mailing Standards, USPS.
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"Enhanced Acceptance and Payment Processes for Periodicals" by USPS.
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Postal Customer Council (PCC) Track
"Opening Session: PCC Leadership Conference" by Alixe Johnson, manger, customer and Industry Marketing, USPS.
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"PCC Leadership Awards and the Premier PCC Program" by Peggy Smith, Manager Mailing Services, Washington University, St. Louis and Laurie Timons, USPS, Northeast Area Manager, Marketing.
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"A Cornerstone of Business Growth: PCC Educational Programs" by USPS.
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"Proven Sucess: Best Practices Lead the Way" by Kim Waltz, President, Fred F. Waltz Company and mark martinez, Postmaster, Las Vegas, NV.
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"Effective PCC Program Management" by Tony Racioppo, President and CEO Postmaster SDS Global Logistics, Inc and Theresa Hartenstein, Postmaster, South Central MN PCC.
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"Leverage the Internet for all Things PCC" by Robin E. Ware, Postmaster, Columbus, OH and Ernie Brogdon, PCCLink.com.
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"Connecting with Your Community" by Michael Furey, District Manager
Northern Virginia District and Kathy Hinton, National Sales Manager, Corporate Business Solutions.
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Safety and Security Track
"Protect Your Employees & Secure Your Mail Center" by Mark Fallon, President & CEO, The Berkshire Company.
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"Greening The Mail" by Michael Fanning Manager, Environmental Policy & Programs, USPS.
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"The Lifecycle Inventory of Mail" by Michael Fanning Manager, Environmental Policy & Programs, USPS.
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"Energy Conservation: What We All Can Do" by Carolyn Cole, Executive Director, Energy Initiatives, United States Postal Service (USPS).
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Special Sessions
"Technology In The USPS" by Pat Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster general, CEO and Walt O’Tormey, VP Engineering, USPS.
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Presentation by Frank Appel on DHL U.S. Express Restructure Plans - May 30, 2008
Deutsche Post World Net unveiled a plan to restructure its DHL U.S. Express
business. The plan will lead to sustainable improvements in financial
performance and provide a sound starting point for a more efficient
and customer-oriented business in the future. Under the plan, DHL
U.S. Express will redesign the network to better match capacity with
customer requirements and partner with UPS for airlift capacity on
domestic and international Express products in North America. DPWN Chief Executive Officer Frank Appel
presents the rationale behind the plan and the anticipated
improvements. Presentation
| Interview with Frank Appel on Restructure Plans
Remarks of John E. Potter, U.S. Postmaster General/CEO at NPF 2008 - May 28, 2008
Remarks of John E. Potter, U. S. Postmaster General/CEO at the National Postal Forum in Anaheim, CA on May 19, 2008.
Remarks
Selected Presentations from Postcomm International Direct Marketing Fair - May 21, 2008
International Direct Marketing Fair 2008 held at Earls Court 2 in London on 29 April - 1 May 2008.
"Mail can win in a digital world" by Nigel Stapleton, Chairman, Postcomm.
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"Corporate and social responsibility" by Nick Wells, Chief Executive, TNT Post UK.
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"Royal Mail and small business" by Tim Rivett, Head of Consumer and SME Sector, Royal Mail.
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"What challenges are facing mailers and mail operators?" by Graham Cooper, Managing Director, OnePost.
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"The future of post" by Simon Campbell, CEO, ViaPost.
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"Mail providers - an assessment" by David Robottom, D&S Consultants.
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"How the mail providers add up - an independent assessment" by 21 grams.
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"Choice in the post 1" by Nick Wells, CEO, TNT Post.
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"Choice in the post 2" by Michael MacClancy, Head of Regulation, DX Group.
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"Selecting a mail provider 1" by Geoff Lambert, Postal and Logistics Consulting Worldwide.
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"Selecting a mail provider 2" by Derek Fairhurst, PostalAudits.
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"Innovation and choice for the large and not so large mailer" by Steve Patrick, MD, UK Mail.
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"Choosing the best operator" by Post-Switch.
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"Post: is there another way?" by John Hughes, CEO, Postal Group.
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Household Generated Mail - "U.S. Market Overview" - May 8, 2008
This presentation, authored by Bradley Tisdahl, strategy analyst at Pitney Bowes, examines household generated mail in the U.S.
Key findings include:
- U.S. household generated mail, or mail which is primarily consumer originating, has been in a steady decline over the past six years.
- Changes in consumer behavior based, in part, around electronic substitution, have led to a reduction in the amount of mail individuals send, but despite these changes it still accounts for around 10 percent of the total mail mix in the U.S.
- Electronic substitution appears to have a greater impact on transaction based mail, most notably bill payments.
- Correspondence mail volume, like greeting cards, is stable overall. However, on a per capita basis, it is also in decline. Looking forward we recognize three key levers that impact household generated mail: regulatory changes, continued technological innovation and expansion, and consumer behavioral shifts.
We predict that there will be continued declines in overall household generated mail, however, changes are not likely to take place suddenly.
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"Campaign Effectiveness Study - Identifying the characteristics of successful direct mailings" - April 24, 2008
Royal Mail Unlocks The Ingredients To Direct Mail Success
Companies can increase the success of their direct mail activity by at least 50 per cent by following a five point plan, an in-depth study of more than 600 mail campaigns has revealed.
The research, carried out by Quadrangle on behalf of Royal Mail, revealed that around 30 per cent of business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) campaigns pull in response rates of between one and five per cent and a further 30 per cent between five and 20 per cent. The top performing campaigns - 14 per cent for B2C and 15 per cent for B2B - achieved responses of between 20 and 75 per cent.
And the study unveiled the five most important ingredients to boosting campaign success:
• Quality data: Campaigns centred around quality data achieve response rates that are 50 per cent higher than average. Successful B2C mailings are particularly likely to have utilised a customer database while bought in lists are more effective for B2B campaigns.
• Integration: Campaigns that have a strong integration with other brand activity deliver response rates of 60 per cent plus above the norm. This reinforces Royal Mail’s recent research which revealed integrating direct mail with digital activity can increase consumer spend by 25 per cent.
• Creativity: Campaigns with a strong creative angle generate over twice the average level of response. Less creative mailings underperform by a third.
• Cutting costs cuts response: Direct mail campaigns with an investment of less than 60p per item are the worst performing.
• Logistics make a difference: Campaigns sent via Royal Mail’s Mailsort 1 - a next day delivery service - consistently achieve a 70 per cent uplift.
Mike West, Media Proposition Manager at Royal Mail, said: "This in-depth study of more than 600 campaigns demonstrates that direct mail continues to deliver results for businesses but also what the important ingredients are to improving success rates.
"By focusing attention on key elements, such as placing more emphasis on data and creativity marketers can significantly raise response rates, boosting return on investment and hence the bottom line, potentially by thousands of pounds."
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