Apparatus and methods for processing mail using a manifest

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for manifesting mailpieces, processing mailpieces from a mail system, and certifying a mail system are provided. A mailpiece is received at a manifest mailing system and mailing information from the mailpiece is obtained. A manifest of the mailpiece is created and the mailpiece is then delivered using the manifest. Based on a certification of the mail system, an accuracy of a portion of the manifest may be selectively determined. Based on the accuracy of the portion of the manifest, the mailpieces are then conditionally delivered using the manifest. The determine a certification, test information may be provided to a mail system. A manifest generated by the mail system is then received. The accuracy of the manifest based on the test information is determine and a certification level is then assigned to the mail system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.