Certain Considerations For Mailroom Equipment

By Steven Lyndhurst Smith

The types and kinds of mailroom equipment that may be needed for a business concern that has a lot of incoming and outgoing mail are varied. Additionally, the expense involved in having the right kinds of equipment can range from very reasonable all the way up to extremely expensive, depending on the complexity of the mailroom and the workload placed upon it.

For the most part, this kind of equipment will generally fall into two major categories and most efficient handling rooms will have a few pieces from both categories. The first such category consists of machines that handle incoming mail. A machine for processing and inspecting received parcels and letters, such as an automated letter opener, is the most common piece of equipment in this category.

Complex mail handling operations that may see packages come in that might have dangerous content within them may include a mail scanning machine. This kind of machine is a way to scan the package or letter through the use of screens that present a very high definition picture of the package on the screen and that allows machine to scan the interior of the package quickly.

Considerations when it comes to mail receiving equipment generally come down to determining the right kind of equipment based on how heavy to mail volume is and how stringent the security precautions for mail need to be. Usually, incoming mail will be run through at least an automated letter opener and sorter. Possibly, a mail scanner might be employed in certain circumstances.

The other broad category that may be seen in a mail handling operation has to do with machines for sending of mail. These kinds of machines allow much of the mail handling operation to be automated in large part. Equipment in this category includes envelopes sealers and processors, labeling machines and a machine that automatically places in adhesive tab on a self-contained parcel.

Prices for such machines, in both mail receiving and mail sending, can run into the several thousands of dollars. This is why many of these machines are only found in very large mail handling rooms in large corporations. The upside to the cost is that they can automate a room and reduce the need for human resources needed to staff most mail operations. This can reduce labor costs significantly.

When it comes to mailroom equipment, it's the case that it is normally seen in corporations or businesses that have a heavy volume of incoming and outgoing mail and a simultaneous need to cut back on valuable human resources that can be better employed elsewhere. It might also be a case that they can significantly reduce labor costs because much of what was once done by humans can now be automated. - 29941

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