Electronic Computer-Originated Mail (E-COM)

E-COM U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail Computer Generated Messages Electronic Transmission Mail Delivery
E-COM was a specialized service by the U.S. Postal System that facilitated the delivery of computer-generated messages as first-class mail, combining electronic transmission and physical delivery.
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Electronic Computer-Originated Mail (E-COM)

Definition

Electronic Computer-Originated Mail (E-COM) was a special service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) at select post offices. This service allowed computer-generated messages to be electronically sent to another post office, where they would be printed into physical letters, inserted into special envelopes, and then delivered as first-class mail.

Examples

  1. Business Invoices: Businesses could automate the mailing of invoices by using E-COM, reducing the time and labor needed to print, envelope, and mail them manually.
  2. Newsletters: Organizations could send newsletters to members quickly and efficiently using E-COM, thus ensuring timely distribution.
  3. Legal Notices: Law firms and agencies could use E-COM to send legal notifications that required prompt attention, making the process faster than traditional mail methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the main benefit of using E-COM?

The main benefit of E-COM was the combination of electronic transmission and physical delivery, resulting in faster and more efficient delivery of important documents.

How did E-COM differ from traditional mailing services?

E-COM differed from traditional mailing because messages were generated electronically and transmitted between post offices before being turned into physical mail, rather than being manually posted and transported.

Was E-COM available at all post offices?

No, E-COM was only available at select post offices that had the required electronic and printing infrastructure to support this service.

Is E-COM still in use today?

No, E-COM is no longer in use. It has been succeeded by more modern digital communication methods and postal services.

Could E-COM handle bulk mailings?

Yes, E-COM could manage bulk mailings efficiently, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations with high-volume mailing needs.

  • First-Class Mail: A type of mail service for letters and lightweight parcels that provides faster delivery compared to standard mail.
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): A system for exchanging business documents between organizations electronically.
  • Hybrid Mail: Systems combining electronic communication and physical mail services for document delivery.
  • Postal Services: Government-run services responsible for sending and receiving letters and parcels.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  • “Mail by the Pail: The History of the U.S. Postal Service” by Holly Wilson
  • “Preserving the Mail: How the U.S. Postal Service Deals with Legacy Systems” by John Harwood
  • “Delivering the Mail: A History of the United States Postal Service” by Alex H. Colvin

Fundamentals of Electronic Computer-Originated Mail (E-COM): Communications Basics Quiz

### What was the primary function of E-COM? - [x] To electronically send computer-generated messages to another post office, where they were printed and delivered as first-class mail. - [ ] To provide email services through the U.S. Postal Service. - [ ] To handle international parcel shipping. - [ ] To digitize all postal records. > **Explanation:** E-COM's primary function was to facilitate the electronic transmission of computer-generated messages to another post office, where they would be printed, enveloped, and delivered as first-class mail. ### In E-COM service, what happened after the message was received at the destination post office? - [ ] The message was read by postal staff. - [ ] The message was forwarded via email. - [x] The message was printed into letters, enveloped, and delivered as first-class mail. - [ ] The message was scanned and uploaded to an online portal. > **Explanation:** Upon reaching the destination post office, E-COM messages were printed into physical letters, enveloped, and then delivered as first-class mail to the recipient. ### Which of the following was NOT a benefit of E-COM services? - [ ] Reduced manual labor in mail preparation. - [ ] Faster delivery compared to traditional mail. - [x] Electronic-only email communication. - [ ] Automated invoicing for businesses. > **Explanation:** E-COM services incorporated physical delivery of printed messages, not electronic-only email communication. Its benefits focused on automation and efficiency in physical mail handling. ### Does E-COM still operate today? - [ ] Yes, it is widely used across the U.S. - [x] No, it has been succeeded by modern digital and postal services. - [ ] Only for government documents. - [ ] Only in rural areas. > **Explanation:** E-COM is no longer in operation and has been replaced by more advanced digital and postal communication methods. ### Which type of documents benefited most from E-COM services? - [ ] Personal letters - [ ] Photographs - [x] Business invoices and legal notices - [ ] Small packages > **Explanation:** Business invoices and legal notices, which required timely and efficient distribution, benefited the most from E-COM services. ### What postal class was used for delivering E-COM messages? - [ ] Standard Mail - [x] First-Class Mail - [ ] Parcel Post - [ ] Priority Mail > **Explanation:** E-COM messages were delivered using the First-Class Mail service, known for its faster delivery times. ### How were E-COM messages created? - [ ] Manually typed by postal workers - [x] Generated by computers - [ ] Written by hand - [ ] Dictated over the phone > **Explanation:** E-COM messages were computer-generated, allowing for efficient and quick preparation of mail items. ### Which infrastructure was essential for a post office to support E-COM? - [x] Electronic and printing infrastructure - [ ] Large storage facilities - [ ] Cargo handling equipment - [ ] Air mail services > **Explanation:** Post offices needed electronic and printing infrastructure to support the generation, printing, and handling of E-COM messages. ### What was a key limitation of E-COM? - [ ] Incompatible with business needs - [x] Availability only at select post offices - [ ] Only handled international mail - [ ] Slow delivery times > **Explanation:** A key limitation of E-COM was its availability only at select post offices equipped with the necessary technology. ### What ultimately succeeded the E-COM service? - [ ] Same-Day Delivery Services - [x] Modern digital communication methods - [ ] Bicycle Messengers - [ ] International Postal Agreements > **Explanation:** Modern digital communication methods, such as email and other electronic data exchange systems, ultimately succeeded the E-COM service, offering more immediate and efficient communication options.

Thank you for exploring the comprehensive coverage of Electronic Computer-Originated Mail (E-COM) and testing your knowledge with our quiz. Stay informed and keep advancing your communication expertise!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (EDGAR)
Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
ZIP Code January 1, 1

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