How Point of Call Differs from Postal Code Address Data

Maximize Database Asset Value with the nCode PoCAD tool

Address reference data provides important information about the validity of postal codes and consequently affects mailing efficiency and cost. nCode uses two types of address reference data published by Canada Post to recognise valid addresses, i.e. Postal Code Address Data (PCAD) which has been published for many years and the new Point of Call Address Data (PoCAD) system that was released in January 2011.

Difference between PCAD and PoCAD

To understand the difference between these two types of address reference data tools you must know how a typical Canadian postal code works. Let’s take even postal code numbers from 10 to 20 (i.e. 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) on one side of a street block as an example. Using traditional PCAD data (which is based on range and not individual house numbers) nCode can tell you that the address at no.16 is valid.  But what if no. 16 was an empty lot? To recognize that there is no valid address at no.16 you need the advanced and more detailed Point of Call address data tool.

Using PoCAD to weed out wrong addresses

According to Canada Post, the number one problem impacting undelivered mail is incorrect apartment numbers. Point of Call address reference data is particularly helpful in finding them. Using it can help you improved address quality by up to 5%.

Four addresses were used i.e. 2 street and 2 apartment addresses in nCode’s test patch. PCAD results showed that all 4 were matched and contained no errors and were, therefore, valid. PoCAD, however, revealed that 2 of them were non-correctable. It is more granular and detailed, and can detect wrong addresses instantly. However, only SERP-recognised software like nCode is allowed to use it.

How to get around Canada Post’s PoCAD usage restrictions

PoCAD can only be used in batch mode and when generating a statement of accuracy reports as per Canada Post rules. This means that online data corrections being done at the time of input can only use PCAD reference data. It is possible that nCode’s interactive API will tell you that the address is okay, but the batch at mailing time will indicate there is a problem with the house or apartment number.

Plan to use nCode batch to find bad points in points of call which can’t be detected interactively at address data capture time keeping this restriction in mind.

Watch this video and others from our YouTube channel to learn more about how nCode can help with your address transformation process.

Make the most of the nCode Point of Call address data tool to deliver exceptional value to your users and customers.

Call us at 416-915-4258 or 1-866-611-8353 (toll free from Canada/U.S.). Request a Free Consultation and know more about our point of call address data tool.

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