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The Postal Authority recently took a major step towards state-of-the-art technology, when it changed over to a computerized counter service, named "Massad"
The "Massad" Project is one of the most complex and far - reaching projects ever undertaken by the Postal Authority. It comprises 800 computerized counter stations in more than 250 post offices, and an advanced work station developed for -facilitating product sales, stock management and banking services. The" Massad" Project integrates tailor - made software with the new technologies, providing wide - ranging services on a nationwide level. It has necessitated retraining and introducing new computerized work procedures into a very large body of employees, who, for the most part, had no prior experience in computerized work.
The "Massad" system comprises: a PC based work station; an optic/magnetic document reader; a customized printer; a customer screen; connected electronic scales and a specially designed keyboard. The "Massad" project was developed jointly by NCR corporation and the Israel Postal Authority. The "Massad" system is designed to improve customer service by reducing queuing and by increasing reliability and accuracy. It is also designed to integrate new services at Postal Authority counters as they are introduced. An outstanding example of the systems performance was the efficient, speedy and friendly computerized processing of over 560,000 War Loan Certificates. The Postal Authority in fact processed a larger number of certificates than all the commercial banks together. Additional objectives of the "Massad" system include: improvement of work conditions for the counter clerk, increased profitability of the post office branch and development of advanced managerial tools.
The distinct advantages of the "Massad" system over the cash register which preceded it are mainly in magnetic (or optic) reading of data; accurate, reliable calculation and the speedy automatic checks which the computer makes on each transaction. The success of the project lies primarily in its friendly man -machine interface; in its smooth integration into the existing system, despite its immense scope, and its flexibility in adapting to new technologies and changing versions of software programmes.
The success of the project has also had an impact overseas, and the managers of some of the most advanced post offices in the world have decided to acquire computerized work stations, based on this model. The first stage of the "Massad" project was completed recently. At present steps are being taken to further improve the project by connecting stations to the Postal Authority's central computers, on line.
