Comma Separated Values. CSV is a file format that has fields separated by the comma character and records separated by newlines. This format can be used to export and import data from and into different systems. (see also fixed width file format)

Computer telephony integration is technology that allows interactions on a telephone and a computer to be integrated or co-ordinated with a common application being the look-up of the callers number against existing database to help identify the caller.

The Email Preference Service is a global service managed by the DMA in the States which allows you to register your email address so as not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing email messages.

A generic term used to describe the process of enclosing literature (or similar) within packaging for onwards distribution. The term can refer to enclosing with envelopes, polywraps, boxes etc.

A fixed width file format is an alternative format to CSV and againis used to export and import data from and into different systems. Fixed width does not have delimiters, but has fields starting and stopping at the same byte positions(see also comma separated values file format)

The Fax Preference Service is a central opt out register whereby businesses (and individuals if they wish) can register their choice not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing faxes. It is a legal requirement that companies do not send such faxes to numbers registered on the FPS.

Generic term covering organisations that provide a range of products and services required in the direct mail and direct marketing industries.

Service offered by Postal Operators (e.g. Royal Mail) that enables Mailing Houses to offer postage saving to its customers for completing part of the sortation process.

Multimedia Messaging Service is a standard for a telephony messaging systems that allow sending messages that includes multimedia objects (images, audio, video, rich text) and not just text messages as in SMS.

In the UK, around 600,000 people die each year. The largest number of complaints received by the Data Protection Registrar are for mailings sent to the deceased. Any organisation sending out direct mail to the public should be using Mortascreen to clean cold lists or for ongoing database management for mailing purposes.

Mailing Preference Service. A free to register service that enables consumers to register their intention not to receive unsolicited advertising material by mail. The MPS is a non profit service managed by the Governance Division of the Direct Marketing Association.

National Change of Address. Royal Mail provides a redirection service to members of the public who wish to have mail which is addressed to them forwarded to a new address. The NCOAdatabaseis taken from this redirection database only were customers have given their consent to do so.

Postcode Address File. Database owned and maintained by Royal Mail detailing all UK addresses.

Since 2006 Royal Mail's pricing structure is now based on the size of the mail piece as well as the weight.

Similar in concept to polywrapping, except term generally refers to enclosing within a polythene bag using a gummed strip to seal andsealed by hand. Used for more non-conventionaljobs were polywrapping process does not support the types of material being enclosed. See also polywrapping.