The new and improved Publication Watch System for monitoring delivery of periodicals is slated for implementation by mid-April. The system recently went live and currently is being tested. If no errors are found, passwords will be given to participating periodical mailers. The internet based system will be tested in mid-March and implementation is slated for mid-April, if no problems are encountered.

The system promises to maintain a database to identify delivery problems in specific areas of the country. A publisher could just enter a complaint with no response required or file a publication watch, where a quick response will be given. Controls will be put into place to ensure a timely response from the Postal Service. Electronic Publication Watches will be limited to 7500 USPS DUC sites throughout the country. These are sites that will have computer systems to handle the receipt and response of the Publication Watches. Unfortunately the old manual form will continue to be used for non-DUC sites. As time goes on more sites will be converted to DUC sites.

All information is confidential and can only be accessed through the use of a password assigned to each publication. The publisher can authorize its agent or service provider to access the system.

Contact Jerry Imbriani, (815) 734-5200, or Norm Abraham, (740) 375-2364, for additional information.