Free tool offered for mail database checks

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From July 1 next year, addressing data must be 85% accurate compared with NZ Post’s files

By Randal Jackson | Auckland | Friday, 29 June, 2007

Data analysis company Datamine has launched a free software product to help bulk mail senders determine whether their mailing database complies with the imminent changes to New Zealand Post regulations.

From July 1 next year, addressing data must be 85% accurate compared with NZ Post’s files. This follows changes to postal codes and the presentation standards for addressing, done to enable automation of the mail sorting system. Organisations that don’t meet the new standards won’t receive bulk mailing discounts.

Datamine has developed a program called AddressWorks that examines a business’ database or address list and provides the user with a “SendRight” statement of accuracy (SOA) that quantifies postal compliance.

If the SOA requirements are not met by the business, Datamine will offer data cleansing services to standardise and correct the database.

“The return on investment in data cleansing is vast given the size of the discounts offered by NZ Post,” says Datamine director Sally Carey.

The software was developed over six months using the Python programming language. The resulting application runs on Windows XP, and there is a Linux version that Datamine uses for its in-house bureau service.

Businesses can also use AddressWorks to provide telematching.

The software can be downloaded at www.addressworks.co.nz