An updated mail franking system was announced today in a partnership between the Bermuda Post Office and a local business.Susan Moore-Williams, the acting Postmaster General, said that the BPO in collaboration with AF Smith, an office supplies and equipment company, was “happy to celebrate the innovative technology”.She explained: “The synergy of our newly combined services will deliver enhanced solutions for professional communication combined with high efficiency and ease of use for our customers and the Bermuda business market.“The partnership between the Bermuda Post Office and AF Smith is a perfect combination to unlock further potential for a qualified approach in business-to-business and business-to-customer communication.”AF Smith added Frama, a mail processing and data management system manufacturer, to its product line earlier this year.Ian Nash, the company’s vice-president technology, explained: “In successful collaboration with Frama, we have received the official postal approval from the Postmaster General for the introduction of the Matrix F Series range of franking systems in Bermuda.“AF Smith is the provider of sales, maintenance and repairs of franking machines in Bermuda. AF Smith is also the sole distributor of all Frama products for the entire Caribbean and Latin America.” He added: “When sending written communication, franked post has proven more beneficial than standard post over the years, especially with regards to costs, security, convenience, time-saving, and delivery speed. “With a franking machine, businesses and entrepreneurs get to prepay for their postage costs, insert a date, and affix a customised business image before having the post collected or dropped off at a local post office. “Post sent via a franking machine is given more priority compared to standard letters or parcels. “This is because much of the processing has already been handled by the time it gets to the post office.”Wayne Furbert, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, explained: “Since 1812, the Bermuda Post Office has been providing postal service to individuals and businesses in, around and out of Bermuda. “Changes in technology over the last 100 years have seen franking meters evolve as business needs change. “Retaining or adding physical mail to your communication channels drives engagement and can be used as a powerful tool for improving cashflow. “The Bermuda Post Office is happy to progress to a better postage meter system with a reliable postal partner such as AF Smith and we welcome Frama as a new partner as we ensure Bermuda’s companies have the latest and best technology.”He added: “The launch of Frama franking systems enables us to further enhance services and grow revenue for businesses in Bermuda.”Ms Moore-Williams said that the BPO will decertify Pitney Bowes, Postage by Phone franking meters, which had an end of life for meter refills of December 31, 2019.She explained that the meters should be surrendered to the post office by September 1 so that customers can receive transfers or refunds for any unused funds.Ms Moore-Williams added: “The Bermuda Post Office is delighted to be partnering with AF Smith on an initiative which provides customers access to the best postal technology tailored to suit individual business needs.”To read the remarks in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”.