Royal Mail AMU appoints AFD Software

The Royal Mail’s Address Management Unit (AMU) has appointed AFD Software Ltd (AFD) to assist with the development and distribution of the Postcode Address File (PAF®) and its portfolio of address management products. In response to feedback from its customers, the AMU instigated a tender process to find a supplier to help develop innovative ways of providing its raw address data to direct customers and licensed Solutions Providers.

The new agreement will see the AMU and AFD launch two media format options, namely an enhanced CD and a new FTP service. The FTP service will provide customers with instant access to their data and, in the second phase of the roll-out, will allow access to approximately 5,000 daily PAF® updates.

The AMU will also be introducing new ways of communicating with their customers. All customers will receive an e-mail informing them that their data is ready to download or that their CD has been dispatched. CD customers will also be able to track their product using a new online tracking system.

Miranda Dodd, Head of Royal Mail’s Address Management Unit said: “This is one of the most significant developments in the production and distribution of PAF® for many years. We selected AFD as they have a proven track record in introducing new technology and new media, and we are sure our customers will be pleased with the new enhanced formats which will be available”.

Neville Hilton, AFD Software Business Development Director added: “For over fifteen years AFD has provided PAF® and data based software and services. As users of PAF® data ourselves, we know how much all AMU customers will value the new media formats, especially the new FTP service. We are delighted to be working with the AMU on streamlining and automating the production and delivery of PAF®”.

All new products will be launched this summer. The AMU and AFD will support existing address management customers to help them migrate to their new data supply media.