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Questions and answers on intelligent franking systems (IFS)
- What does IFS stand for?
- Where can you buy an IFS machine?
- How do customers pay for their mailings if they opt for IFS?
- L’apparecchio IFS dev’essere sempre online?
- What happens if there are any misprints?
- Can customers use their IFS machines to frank mail for third parties?
- Is it possible to show individual cost centres directly with IFS machines?
- How does the Debit Direct payment option work?
- Can customers frank mail even if their prepayment has not reached Post on time?
- How much time should customers allow for payments to arrive if they decide to pay for the franking service by inpayment slip?
- What connections are needed to start using an IFS machine?
- Where can you buy accessories for IFS machines?
- What account statements do customers receive from Swiss Post if they opt for an IFS machine?
- What sort of prices do IFS machines sell for?
- What happens if a customer's IFS machine goes wrong?
- What franking options are there apart from IFS?
What does IFS stand for?
IFS stands for "intelligent franking systems". With this modern franking method, an innovative software solution provides a convenient menu system and transmits data to Post.
Where can you buy an IFS machine?
In Switzerland, IFS machines can be purchased from three suppliers: Neopost AG, Frama AG and Pitney Bowes (Switzerland) AG.
How do customers pay for their mailings if they opt for IFS?
Mailings franked by IFS are paid for in advance. Customers can have the amounts invoiced debited directly to their postal account – or they can pay them into a virtual IFS account using an inpayment slip. The amounts paid in can then be loaded onto the machine by modem. Mailings are franked with this amount.
L’apparecchio IFS dev’essere sempre online?
No. L’apparecchio IFS dev’essere collegato alla rete soltanto per caricare l’importo in denaro o trasmettere i dati di affrancatura. Durante l’utilizzo quotidiano dell'apparecchio IFS, non è necessario mantenere il collegamento online.
What happens if there are any misprints?
Customers should retain misprints until the amount in question comes to a minimum of CHF 20. They must present the misprints at his or her local post office, which will then be credited to his or her IFS account, or send them directly to the Finance Service Centre.
Can customers use their IFS machines to frank mail for third parties?
Customers with IFS machines can frank mail for third parties, but only for Swiss Post services that do not qualify for discounts. Within these tariff groups, they can also prefrank mail without a date stamp on behalf of third parties.
Is it possible to show individual cost centres directly with IFS machines?
Yes. Cost centres can be directly programmed on IFS machines. They will then be itemized in a cost-centre report at the end of the month.
How does the Debit Direct payment option work?
In the Swisspost system, withdrawal limits, comparable to credit card limits, are defined for customers, within which they can load amounts onto their IFS machine – and start franking straight away. The amount owed is already debited to the customer's postal account the next day. Information on Debit Direct can be obtained by telephone on 0800 850 300.
Can customers frank mail even if their prepayment has not reached Post on time?
In such cases, customers can be granted emergency credit. All the customer has to do is send Swisspost a receipt confirming that payments have been made and the emergency credit will be released.
How much time should customers allow for payments to arrive if they decide to pay for the franking service by inpayment slip?
Swisspost recommends allowing five days.
What connections are needed to start using an IFS machine?
The terminals are equipped with an analogue modem. This means that an analogue or fax connection is required to commission an IFS franking system with the currently available technology.
All terminals now available on the market are compatible with the latest ISDN, ADSL, VoIP and LAN (only devices from the Neopost IS series) technologies, and can be equipped with the appropriate modems if required. When ordering the device, the customer can specify which technology he or she wishes to use to transmit the data.
The additional costs of providing an ISDN/ADSL modem or VoIP adapter or setting up an analogue connection are borne by the customer.
Where can you buy accessories for IFS machines?
Accessories – such as ink cartridges and printer ribbons – can be purchased directly from the suppliers of IFS machines.
What account statements do customers receive from Swiss Post if they opt for an IFS machine?
Customers who work with the Debit Direct option receive their account statements from PostFinance. Statements include the debit advices and the account statement from Swiss Post.
Customers who pay by inpayment slip, receive an invoice statement from Swiss Post showing all the necessary information.
What sort of prices do IFS machines sell for?
Quotes can be obtained from the manufacturers of the franking systems.
What happens if a customer's IFS machine goes wrong?
The machine's manufacturer will provide the customer with a replacement until the machine has been repaired.
What franking options are there apart from IFS?
Swiss Post is constantly developing new and attractive franking solutions. Customers can find a complete overview of offers on the Internet at www.swisspost.chThe link will open in a new window.
