Superior Software and Service for the IBM AS/400, iSeries and System i5

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Select one of the categories below to browse frequently asked questions about our products.

The questions provided on this page are for your information. If you do not see the question you are looking for or need immediate answers, please contact our office at (601) 856-8337 

What is PER/ZIP4?

PER/ZIP4 is a CASS certified system for coding 5-digit and 4-digit ZIP Codes. PER/ZIP4 also standardizes addresses and optionally adds carrier route and/or delivery point codes. County names, county codes, and congressional districts are also provided.

Is PER/ZIP4 a "NATIVE" iSeries (AS/400) system?

Yes, PER/ZIP4 was written specifically for the iSeries (AS/400).

How is PER/ZIP4 used?

PER/ZIP4 can be used for a batch update of an entire file. It can also be used as part of interactive data entry to validate addresses as they are being entered. We provide callable programs so that address validation can be added to any of your application programs.

What are the benefits?

PER/ZIP4 will help you get the lowest possible postage rates. Your mail will be delivered more quickly and there will be a greater likelihood that it will be delivered correctly. Bad addresses can be identified before they get into your system.

How much money can we save using PER/ZIP4?

Your savings will depend upon your mailing volume, class of mail, the type of presort you intend to do, and other factors. We can provide cost comparisons for individual mail pieces for different classes, but the total postage savings will depend upon the previously mentioned items. We encourage you to speak with your local post office and discuss your mailing requirements. They may direct you to the nearest Business Mail Acceptance Office, but the local post office is the place to start. Other savings come from reduced printing, postage, and handling costs associated with returned mail.

What files can be processed?

PER/ZIP4 can be used with any mailing file on your system: customer files; vendor files; employee files; or any file with a mailing address, city, and state. PER/ZIP4 can be used with SYSTEM/36 environment or native iSeries (AS/400) files. It does not matter if the files are program or DDS described. Files are updated "in place", there is no need to create a special work file.

My files are an unusual format. Can PER/ZIP4 handle them?

PER/ZIP4 handles fixed and floating format addresses, so that is a good chance that PER/ZIP4 can handle your files just as they are. If you do have something unusual such as the city and state being in a different file from the address, there is a simple solution. Write a program that extracts the complete address into a temporary "work" file. Use PER/ZIP4 to postal code the work file, and then update the original files(s) with the new information.

How does PER/ZIP4 handle mixed case files?

If PER/ZIP4 senses mixed case in the input fields, it will return mixed case. If the input fields contain only upper case, only upper case will be returned.

What kind of reports are provided?

Postal form 3553 is produced from each CASS run. Optionally you can print reports of "before" and "after" updated records along with exceptions (uncoded addresses.) Five different kinds of reports can be printed in addition to the postal form 3553.

Can I embed PER/ZIP4 in my user-written applications?

Yes. We provide callable programs and sample source code to aid you in this process.

Does PER/ZIP4 print POSTNET barcodes?

No, but PER/ZIP4 does generate all the information needed to add them to your programs. We provide sample source code for different methods of printing POSTNET. This sample source code is included with no extra charge.

Does PER/ZIP4 perform LINE OF TRAVEL Coding?

Yes. The eLOT database is an optional add-on module for PER/ZIP4. If the eLOT database option is selected while installing PER/ZIP4, LINE OF TRAVEL data can be returned by PER/ZIP4.  The eLOT database requires approximately 357MB of disk space.  There is no extra cost for the eLOT database.

Does PER/ZIP4 perform WALK SEQUENCE Coding?

No, WALK SEQUENCE coding must be done by individual mailers using data obtained directly from the US Postal Service. However, if a mailer does have WALK SEQUENCE codes in their files, PER/SORT will perform the needed sortation.

Does PER/ZIP4 run on all iSeries (AS/400) systems?

PER/ZIP4 is available for all OS/400 releases from V3R6 forward.

Is PER/ZIP4 available for any system other than the iSeries (AS/400)?

No. PER/ZIP4 is available only for the systems running OS/400.

Will I need anything else besides PER/ZIP4?

To get the maximum postage discount, you will need to sort the mailing pieces into the correct sequence and provide supporting documentation to the USPS. You will also need software and a printer capable of printing the POSTNET barcodes. Many of the printers commonly attached to iSeries (AS/400)'s are capable of printing POSTNET barcodes.

Is PER/SORT required for the use of PER/ZIP4?

No, you can write your own presort code or use any other commercial presort software.

How much storage is required for PER/ZIP4?

Approximately 3.7 gigabytes are required for the entire PER/ZIP4 system. This includes all USPS datasets required for CASS Procesing (i.e. National +4 database, DPV, LACS, Suite Link, etc.).

How much does PER/ZIP4 cost?

The cost of the first year's license is $6,695. Renewal for subsequent years is only $3,348. These prices include software, national postal database, monthly updates, and unlimited support. There are no other costs.

Can I purchase only a few states and pay a lesser price?

No. We include all states with every license.

Is there any charge for PER/ZIP4 when I upgrade my iSeries (AS/400)?

No. There is no charge when you upgrade versions of OS/400 or do hardware upgrades. If the serial number of the iSeries (AS/400) CPU changes, you will need to notify us so that a new password can be issued.

I have more than one iSeries (AS/400). What about discounts?

We do offer discounts when PER/ZIP4 is purchased for more than one iSeries (AS/400) within the same company.

How many clients are using PER/ZIP4?

As of January, 2012, PER/ZIP4 is running on over 865 systems nationwide.

When was PER/ZIP4 introduced to the iSeries (AS/400) market?

PER/ZIP4 was offered for general distribution in April of 1993.

What is included in the license?

A complete software system for the ZIP+4 coding plus the national postal database. Regular updates and unlimited telephone support are included during the time of the license.

How do you define "unlimited support"?

By support, we mean telephone support. Our customers can call as many times as they wish, for any reason they wish. Or, if needed, we will call our customers and spend as much time as is needed to solve any problem. Our office hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Central time.

How often will I receive updates?

We ship monthly updates. Updates include new software and new data.

Do I need to do any programming?

No programming is required in order to do basic CASS processing on your files. You will need a basic understanding of iSeries (AS/400) files and methodology. Programming is required if you wish to integrate PER/ZIP4 into your other application software.

Is source code included?

No, source code is not included for the postal coding programs. However, we do include sample source code for calling our programs to aid in the implementation on your system.

On what media is PER/ZIP4 shipped?

PER/ZIP4 is shipped on a single DVD-ROM.  Monthly PER/ZIP4 updates are also provided on a single DVD-ROM.  Alternatively, the monthly updates can be downloaded from our FTP server.

What means of shipping is used?

We use US Postal Service 1st Class or Priority Mail.

Is the documentation available online?

Yes. Click here to view or print the documentation. PER/ZIP4 Documentation

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How does PER/SORT work?

Using simple menu options, you define your mailing file. Then select the type of mailing you wish to do. Next, fill in the parameters for the particular mailing. PER/SORT will be submitted to batch processing. Your original file is not modified. PER/SORT produces a sorted image of the original file with the sort information added to the end of each record. Reports are produced to document the mailing for the US Postal Service.

What kind of reports does PER/SORT produce?

For each presort job you run, PER/SORT will produce reports which will satisfy the US Postal Service requirements for that type of mailing. Facsimiles of all required postage statements are produced.

Can PER/SORT be integrated into my existing application software?

Yes. We provide sample code which calls PER/SORT programs. The sample code will allow you to merge PER/SORT programs into your regular processing. If you have a nightly billing run, for example, you can call PER/SORT as part of that job stream.

Does PER/SORT support LOT (Line OF Travel)?

Yes. PER/SORT will perform the correct sortation and reporting. PER/SORT automatically does LOT coding and sortation in those cases where it is needed.

Does PER/SORT perform WALK SEQUENCE coding?

No, WALK SEQUENCE coding must be done by individual mailers using data obtained directly from the US Postal Service. However, if a mailer does have WALK SEQUENCE codes in their files, PER/SORT will perform the needed sortation.

How much money can we save using PER/SORT?

Your savings will depend upon your mailing volume, class of mail, the type of presort you intend to do, and other factors. We can provide cost comparisons for individual mail pieces for different classes, but the total postage savings will depend upon the previously mentioned items. We encourage you to speak with your local post office and discuss your mailing requirements. They may direct you to the nearest Business Mail Acceptance Office, but the local post office is the place to start.

Does PER/SORT print postage statements?

Yes. PER/SORT prints postage statements.

Does PER/SORT print tray labels or bag tags?

Yes, bag tags and tray labels are produced.

Are there any special printer requirements for printing postage statements and tray labels or bag tags?

You will need a laser printer that supports IPDS (Intelligent Printer Data Stream). The printer must also be configured for AFP (Advanced Function Printing) *YES. IPDS is the method that IBM supports in a native fashion for printing graphics. Since tray labels and bag tags generally require graphics, IPDS is the method we support. We print the postage statements using overlays. Overlays require the use of AFP *YES.

Does PER/SORT include a label printing program?

Yes. We provide sample source code for label printing programs. Printing labels with POSTNET bar codes is often a hardware-specific task. We include source code for several different printers. The sample source code we supply can be copied into your user-written application software.

Must I also use PER/ZIP4 postal coding software with PER/SORT?

Yes. Use of PER/ZIP4 is a prerequisite for the use of PER/SORT. In order for PER/SORT to be used for discounted mailings, the mailing files must be CASS certified first. Use of PER/ZIP4 insures that the mailing files are CASS certified, and allows us to be confident that PER/SORT will produce the correct result.

How often is PER/SORT updated?

We ship monthly updates.

On what media is PER/SORT shipped?

PER/SORT is shipped on the same media with PER/ZIP4.  PER/ZIP4 is shipped on a single DVD-ROM.  Monthly PER/ZIP4 updates are also provided on a single DVD-ROM.  Alternatively, the monthly updates can be downloaded from our FTP server.

What means of shipping is used?

We use US Postal Service 1st Class or Priority Mail.

How much does PER/SORT cost?

The cost for PER/SORT is $6,695 for the first year's license and $3,348 per year for renewal. This price includes unlimited support and monthly updates for software and data. All supported mailing classes are included. Other vendors charge extra, depending upon the classes you intend to use.

How many clients are using PER/SORT?

As of January 2013, PER/SORT is used on over 70 systems nationwide.

When was PER/SORT introduced to the AS/400 market?

PER/SORT is an extremely complicated software system. It was in beta testing for several years before being offered for general distribution in January of 1998.

Other presort products for the AS/400 cost significantly more. Why?

We feel PER/SORT is priced correctly to give our customers the maximum in value for a minimum cost. Each software vendor prices their products differently. We cannot comment on other vendors pricing policies.

Is the documentation available online?

Yes. Click here to view or print the documentation. PER/SORT Documentation

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Exactly what is the Z4 LAT/LON System?

The Z4 LAT/LON System consists of data and software to provide the latitude and longitude coordinates and other information for addresses based on the ZIP+4 values of the addresses. Software is provided so that Z4 LAT/LON can be used interactively from the Z4 LAT/LON menu or in a user-written application.

How often is the Z4 LAT/LON System updated?

WorksRight provides monthly updates to those who subscribe to the Z4 LAT/LON System. Both data and software are updated.

When and how are updates shipped?

Updates are shipped monthly by First Class Mail.

How much does a Z4 LAT/LON System subscription cost?

A one-year subscription costs $1,540 US dollars. This is the total cost and includes the monthly updates and unlimited support. The cost for additional years is $1,540 per year.

When was the Z4 LAT/LON System introduced to the iSeries (AS/400) market?

Z4 LAT/LON was offered to beta users in August of 2004, with general availability in October, 2004

Why is the data in the Z4 LAT/LON System encrypted?

Our license agreement with the firm providing the basic geocoding data requires that we encrypt or otherwise prevent unauthorized use of the Z4 LAT/LON data.

In what language is the Z4 LAT/LON System written?

The entire system is written in RPG, DDS, and CL using common iSeries (AS/400) methods. Source code is not provided. We do provide sample source code showing how to call the programs users are likely to want to include in user-written applications.

What versions of OS/400 are supported?

We can supply Z4 LAT/LON for any version of OS/400 from V4R5 forward.

Is the Z4 LAT/LON System available for any platform other than the iSeries (AS/400)?

No, WorksRight Software provides support only to the iSeries (AS/400). All our software systems are designed to support, enhance, and preserve our customers' investment in iSeries (AS/400) systems.

Is the documentation available online?

Yes. Click here to view or print the documentation. Z4 LAT/LON Documentation

Are there any prerequisites?

Yes, you must also have a current subscription to PER/ZIP4, our CASS certified address verification system. This is the only way we can be sure that accurate ZIP Codes, and ZIP+4's are used with Z4 LAT/LON.

How much storage is required for Z4 lat/lon?

Z4 LAT/LON requires two gigabytes for data and software combined. Z4 LAT/LON is shipped to you on four CD-ROM's.

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Exactly what is the ZIP/CITY System?

The ZIP/CITY System consists of data and software to provide ZIP Codes with matching city names and other information. Software is provided so that ZIP/CITY can be used interactively from the ZIP/CITY menu or in a user-written application. The data contains the latest available information about US Postal Service ZIP Codes.

Does ZIP/CITY match addresses at the street address level?

No, ZIP/CITY does not contain street level address information. It does not match input addresses to a street database. ZIP/CITY does provide every ZIP Code used by the US Postal Service along with matching city name, state code, telephone area code, time zone, and latitude/longitude.

Why would I purchase ZIP/CITY instead of PER/ZIP4?

ZIP/CITY is intended for those users who do not need CASS certification and do not need to verify addresses at the street level. ZIP/CITY also contains area code and lat/lon information not included in the PER/ZIP4 system.

Do I need to buy ZIP/CITY and PER/ZIP4?

No. Most users purchase one or the other. However, if you need CASS certification, you will need PER/ZIP4 and if you need area code information, you will need ZIP/CITY. Please give us a call and we'll help you determine which product will be beneficial to you.

How often is the ZIP/CITY System updated?

WorksRight provides monthly updates to those who subscribe to the ZIP/CITY System. Both data and software are updated.

When and how are updates shipped?

Updates are monthly by First Class or Priority Mail.

How much does a ZIP/CITY System subscription cost?

The cost is $870 US dollars per year. This is the total cost and includes the monthly updates and unlimited support.

How many clients are using ZIP/CITY?

As of January 2013, ZIP/CITY is in use on over 380 systems nationwide.

When was the ZIP/CITY System introduced to the iSeries (AS/400) market?

ZIP/CITY was offered to beta users in January of 1995.

In what language is the ZIP/CITY System written?

The entire system is written in RPG, DDS, and CL using common iSeries (AS/400) methods. Source code is provided. We also provide sample source code showing how to call the programs users are likely to want to include in user-written applications.

What versions of OS/400 are supported?

We can supply ZIP/CITY for any version of OS/400 from V3R7 forward.

Is the ZIP/CITY System available for any platform other than the iSeries (AS/400)?

No, WorksRight Software provides support only to the iSeries (AS/400). All our software systems are designed to support, enhance, and preserve our customers' investment in iSeries (AS/400) systems.

Is the documentation available online?

Yes. Click here to view or print the documentation. ZIP/CITY Documentation

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Exactly what is the CPC System?

The CPC System consists of data and software to provide Canadian postal codes with matching city names and other information. Software is provided so that CPC can be used interactively from the CPC menu or in a user-written application. The data contains the latest available information about Canadian postal codes.

How are Canadian postal codes different from US ZIP Codes?

Canadian postal codes consist of seven (six characters and the middle space) characters in the format A2B 3C4. Because this combination of characters and numbers allows far more combinations than the five digits used by the basic US ZIP Code, the Canadian system does not have any add-on characters like the ZIP+4 used by the US Postal System. There are nearly one-million Canadian postal codes compared to the 43,000+ ZIP Codes in the US.

Does CPC match Canadian addresses at the street address level?

Yes, we have added programs to match Canadian addresses to the street address database. We have callable programs to match single addresses and batch programs to code entire files.

How often is the CPC System updated?

WorksRight provides monthly updates to those who subscribe to the CPC System. Both data and software are updated.

When and how are updates shipped?

Updates are shipped monthly by First Class Mail to subscribers in the USA. Global priority mail is used to ship updates to subscribers in Canada.

How much does a CPC System subscription cost?

A one-year subscription costs $1,900 US dollars. This is the total cost and includes the monthly updates and unlimited support.

How many clients are using the CPC System?

As of January 2013,the CPC System is in use on over 138 systems nationwide.

When was the CPC System introduced to the iSeries (AS/400) market?

CPC was offered to beta users in August of 1999.

Why is the data in the CPC System encrypted?

Our license agreement with the firm providing the basic postal code data requires that we encrypt or otherwise prevent unauthorized use of the CPC data.

In what language is the CPC System written?

The entire system is written in RPG, DDS, and CL using common iSeries (AS/400) methods. Source code is not provided. We do provide sample source code showing how to call the programs users are likely to want to include in user-written applications.

What versions of OS/400 are supported?

We can supply CPC for any version of OS/400 from V3R7 forward.

Is the CPC System available for any platform other than the iSeries (AS/400)?

No, WorksRight Software provides support only to the iSeries (AS/400). All our software systems are designed to support, enhance, and preserve our customers' investment in iSeries (AS/400) systems.

Is the documentation available online?

Yes. Click here to view or print the documentation. CPC Documentation

Where can I get more information about Canadian addresses?

The Canadian Postal Service (Canada Post) has an addressing guide for Canadian addresses. Click here to get a PDF copy. Canadian addressing Guide

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What is provided with SOQ Maintenance and Support?

SOQ maintenance and support includes all updates released during the maintenance period and unlimited phone support.  SOQ updates not only provide new features and functions, but also insure SOQ's compatibility with the very latest releases of OS/400.

What is the cost of SOQ maintenance and support?

The first year of maintenance and support is included in the purchase price.  Toward the end of the first year you will be billed $435.00 for the next twelve months of SOQ maintenance and support.  Renewal of maintenance and support is optional, but it is strongly recommended.

If you decline maintenance and support, future maintenance and support is only available by purchasing a new SOQ license.  The current cost for a new SOQ license is $1,085 and includes one year of maintenance and support.

These prices are subject to change.  Call us at 601-856-8337 to get the latest prices for SOQ and SOQ maintenance and support.

How can I speed up the SOQ Archive process?

If you are using SOQ Release 8.70 or higher, simply change the SOQ System Default for optimization to optimize your archives for speed.  While this will cause SOQ to temporarily use more disk space while the archive is running, the increase in speed is well worth it.

Prior to Release 8.70 of SOQ, the easiest way to speed up the SOQ Archive process is to archive your spool files to an OS/400 Save File instead of archiving them directly to tape.  Once the SOQ Archive process is complete, the OS/400 Save File can be placed on tape using the OS/400 SAVOBJ command.

Using an OS/400 Save File does make the archive of spool files a two step process.  However, the two steps (archiving to OS/400 Save File and placing the OS/400 Save File on tape) both complete in less than half of the time it takes to archive spool files directly to tape.

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