Abstract: A system for accounting for postage expended by a postage meter. The system includes a keyboard and display for entry of commands and postal information, a printer, a memory for storing account records and program data, the memory further including a non-volatile memory for storing account records and other data, an interface to an electronic postage meter, and a processor including a CPU. The processor controls an electronic postage meter through the interface in accordance with the program data and entered postal information to set the meter and then responds to signals from the meter to update account records. The processor may also edit selected account records in accordance with entered information. In one disclosed embodiment the system responds to an operator request to print the account data base by repetitively scanning the account data base and sequentially printing accounts.

Abstract: A mail management system (MMS) is comprised of a host system communicatively coupled to one or more operator workstations. Each workstation may be further coupled to a postage dispensing device, such as a postage meter. A transaction record for each postage mailing transaction is collected, stored and transmitted to the host system from the workstation. The transaction record comprises a plurality of data fields. Some of the data fields are fixed data fields, that is they are transmitted for each transaction record. Other data fields are optional data fields which are transmitted from the workstation to the host system only if the host system has previously indicated to the workstation that the particular field is to be included within the transaction record.

Abstract: A mail management system (MMS) comprises a host system coupled to one or more operator workstations. The host is operable for receiving from each of the workstations account identification codes. The host, after verifying the validity of the account code, transmits an enabling signal to the workstation which permits the workstation to activate an attached postage dispensing device. The MMS also provides a fallback mode of operation wherein each workstation is operable for verifying that the format of an entered account identification code is correct and to thereby activate the postage dispensing device. This fallback mode of operation allows for the continued operation of the MMS even if the host system is for any reason disabled from communicating with a workstation.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification. The system further provides for postal funds transfer between the various mailroom devices and centralized accounting for the mailing operation.