Dear Comrades,
Our department is going to introduce remotely managed franking machine. The characteristic features are as follows:-
1. It has been decided to introduce Remotely Managed Franking Machines in place of Electronic Franking Machines with effect from 16.8.2010 based on new technology with security features like generation of 2D barcode with frank impression and elimination of human Intervention for uploading the credit in franking machines. While the Standard Operating Procedure which contains a detailed set of instructions is being circulated separately and should be carefully gone through by all concerned, a few salient features of "Remotely Managed Franking System" are as follows ;-
(i) Only India Specific models of Franking Machines with inkjet printing technology approved by the Directorate will be used. Each franking machine shall have a unique number in the format X123456 where 'X' denotes the initials of the original Equipment Manufacturer i.e. ' F' for Francotyp Postalia, 'N' for Neopost and 'P' for Pitney Bowes and six numeric digits indicate serial number of the machine.
(ii) Funds are secured through a special device known as Postal Security Device (PSD) which is not open to repair. There is no requirement of mechanical seals on franking machines.
(iii) The amount for uploading the credit in the franking machines may be deposited in any branch of State Bank of India through net banking or at any post office having e-payment facility through cash/account payee cheque/draft: Information of credits will be routed to the central server of the Department of Posts daily.
(iv) Each manufacturer of franking machines will have its own centrally located "Remotely Managed Franking Server" In India catering to the network of all its franking machines installed throughout India. All RMFs server will dial Department of Posts server three times every day for exchanging information on funds deposited, funds downloaded and uploading of reports etc in respect of their franking machines.
(v) The credit will be uploaded in Franking machine on its dialing to RMFs sever for the purpose. Meters will be set/reset automatically without any human intervention. The credit can be uploaded only if the same is available with RJYlFS server.
(vi) Each machine have to necessarily dial its RMFS sever at least once in thirty days even if no uploading of credit Is required otherwise machines will be automatically blocked and will function only after dialing RMFS sever.
(vii) licenses will be issued/renewed for a period of five years on payment of the prescribed fee of Rs.375/-
(viii) Frank impression shall be in blue color and will indicate class of article, pin code, authentication code, date of frank, mail item number, license identifier number, frank value and 20 bar code.
(ix) 20 bar code will have 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. 20 bar code can be scanned to check the genuineness of the frank impression.
(x) Facility for suspension/cancellation of license will be available and machines will not be operational during this period.
(2) Operating procedure for Remotely Managed Franking Machine and list of approved models of franking machines will be supplied separately for necessary action.
(3) Migration plan for phasing out the electronic franking machines to be replaced by Remotely Managed Franking System is as follows :-
(i) The Scheme will be introduced with effect from 16.8.2010. not be renewed with immediate effect. However, such machines will be allowed to be used till expiry of their current licenses.
(iii) Licences of Electronic Franking Machines which are less than 5 years old may be renewed till completion of a period of 5 years from the dates of issue of licenses first time or up to 30-6-2013, which ever is earlier.
(iv) No application of License to new Electronic Franking Machines will be entertained from the date of issue of this letter .
(v) No Electronic Franking Machine of old models shall be allowed to operate after 30-6-2013. Articles franked by such machines shall not be accepted after 30-6-2013 .
(No Electronic Franking Machines will be bought or hired by the Department with immediate effect. Electronic Franking Machines hired by the Department will be allowed to operate till expiry of their current contracts.
4. This may be brought into the notice of all concerned for information and necessary action.
This has been issued with the approval of Member (Planning)·
Please acknowledge the receipt.
(Niraj Kumar)
Director (PO&I)
