USPS Facing Identification Marks Barcode

Also known as USPS FIM Barcode, FIM A, FIM B, FIM C, FIM D

This Barcode Symbology is supported by the following Neodynamic products:

Overview

USPS Facing Identification Marks BarcodeThe facing identification mark (FIM) is a pattern of vertical bars printed in the upper right portion of a mailpiece, to the left of the postage area.

The FIM uses a code that tells automated processing equipment some of what it needs to know to do its job. The FIM allows automatic facing (orientation) of the mail for cancellation (postmarking). The FIM also identifies reply mail that bears a preprinted barcode. Barcoded mail is then routed directly to a high-speed barcode sorter, bypassing slower manual sorting or optical character reader (OCR) processing.

Determine which FIM to use as follows:
  • FIM A is used for Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) and Meter Reply Mail (MRM) with a preprinted barcode
  • FIM B is used for Business Reply Mail (BRM) without a preprinted BRM ZIP+4 barcode
  • FIM C is used for Business Reply Mail (BRM) with a preprinted BRM ZIP+4 barcode
  • FIM D is used only with information based indicia (IBI) postage

FIM Standards
Make sure the FIM meets the following standards:
  • The FIM clear zone must contain no printing other than the FIM pattern
  • Figure below shows the configuration of the clear zone and the correct location of the FIM
  • The rightmost bar of the FIM must be 2 inches +/- 1/8 inch from the right edge of each mailpiece
  • The FIM bars must be 5/8 inch high +/- 1/8 inch and 1/32 inch wide +/- 0.008 inch
  • The tops of the FIM bars must be no lower than 1/8 inch from the top edge of each mailpiece. They may extend over the top edge to the flap
  • The bottoms of the FIM bars should touch the bottom edge of the FIM clear zone but must not be more than 1/8 inch above or below that edge

Configuration of the clear zone and the correct location of the FIM
Configuration of the clear zone and the correct location of the FIM

How to create USPS Facing Identification Marks (FIM) barcodes using Barcode Professional for

Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a USPS FIM barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to UspsFim
  • Set the UspsFimPattern property to A, B, C, or D
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    • Set the BarWidth property to 0.03125 (+/-) 0.008 (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the BarHeight property to 0.625 (+/-) 0.125 (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZoneWidth property (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the TopMargin and BottomMargin properties (Values are expressed in Inches)
Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a USPS FIM barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to UspsFim
  • Set the UspsFimPattern property to A, B, C, or D
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    All values for barcode dimensions are expressed in INCHES by default. However, Barcode Professional supports other unit of measurement such as Millimeter, Centimeter, and Mils. For modifying the unit of measurement for barcoding, please set up the BarcodeUnit property as needed.
    • Set the BarWidth property to 0.03125 (+/-) 0.008 (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the BarHeight property to 0.625 (+/-) 0.125 (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZone property (Value is expressed in Inches)

Example of USPS FIM barcode images

UspsFimPattern property = A will produce the following barcode image for USPS FIM A:

Example of USPS FIM barcode images

UspsFimPattern property = B will produce the following barcode image for USPS FIM B:

Example of USPS FIM barcode images

UspsFimPattern property = C will produce the following barcode image for USPS FIM C:

Example of USPS FIM barcode images

UspsFimPattern property = D will produce the following barcode image for USPS FIM D:

Example of USPS FIM barcode images