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
- 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.
- Newsletters: Organizations could send newsletters to members quickly and efficiently using E-COM, thus ensuring timely distribution.
- 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.
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.
No, E-COM is no longer in use. It has been succeeded by more modern digital communication methods and postal services.
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
### 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.
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