Abstract: A mailing machine that optimizes throughput by reducing the amount of time necessary for the PSD to generate the digital signature and indicium for each mail piece is provided. The debit operation performed by the PSD, i.e., adjusting the PSD registers, is separated into three different sections, a pre-debit operation, a perform debit operation, and a complete debit operation. In addition, the calculation of the digital signature can optionally be pre-computed, or, alternatively, computed in stages, i.e., partial signature calculation. Utilizing this granularity, the cryptographic operations associated with generating the digital signature can be shifted between the three debit operations such that the execution time of the time critical portion of the debit operation (perform debit) can be optimized to meet the performance requirements of the mailing machine in which the PSD is deployed.

Abstract: A system and method that can detect tampering with and verify the authenticity of data capture data in a value dispensing system is provided. Audit records are generated at the beginning and end of an audit period that include register values, a time stamp, and a digital signature. The audit records and data capture data are sent to a data center for signature verification and reconciliation of the value dispensing system usage by comparing the register values from the audit records with the values as contained within the data capture data for the audit period. If there are no discrepancies, the data capture data is deemed to be accurate and the data can be utilized to prepare reports with a high degree of certainty that it accurately reflects the actual usage of the value dispensing system.