Abstract: A computer-readable registration medium has a unique computer-readable identifier. The registration medium identifier is stored in a computer database. Also stored in the computer database are a box identifier associated with a box in which the registration medium is packed and product information for a product packed in the box. The registration medium identifier is associated with the box identifier, which is associated with the stored product information for the product. The registration medium can be a CD-ROM having the registration medium identifier encoded thereon and having a barcode disposed thereon. The registration medium causes a user computer to read the registration medium identifier, prompt the user to enter registration information into the user computer, and send the registration medium identifier and the entered registration information to a product registration computer.

Abstract: A method for generating a PLANET service code for a batch of mailpieces with the PLANET service code having assignable digits. The method includes the steps of retrieving a time of day from a clock source and prescribing the assignable digits based upon the retrieved time of day. Next the PLANET service code having the assignable digits is associated with a mailpiece from the batch of mailpieces, which information is also preferably stored in a database for subsequent mailpiece tracking purposes. A determination is then made as to whether another mailpiece is present in the batch of mailpieces, and if yes, the aforesaid assignable digit is incremented by a one count. This once again incremented assignable digit value is then associated with the PLANET service code for the another present mailpiece.