AMAS Program Overview

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Overview

The Address Matching Approval System (AMAS®) is a software approval program that has been developed by Australia Post to improve the quality of addressing. It provides a standard by which to test and measure the ability of address-matching software to:

Correct and match addresses against the Postal Address File (PAF)
Append a unique Delivery Point Identifier (DPID)® to each address record, which is a step towards the barcoding of mail.

AMAS allows companies to develop address matching software which:

Prepares addresses for barcode creation
Ensures quality addressing
Enables qualification for discounts on PreSort letter lodgements

What is the PAF?

The Postal Address File (PAF) is an extract from Australia Post's core addressing database, the National Address File (NAF), which has been developed for the purpose of supporting Post's mail processing and delivery operations.

More information about the PAF is contained on the PAF Information Page.

How do I purchase AMAS software?

The Approved AMAS Software list outlines a range of AMAS software that has already been created.

How do I develop my own AMAS software?

If you choose to develop your own software, your company is required to register with the AMAS program.

The following annual costs will apply (including Registration and Licence fee):

Licence 1 Internal Use Only, not for resale: $16,200
Licence 2 Value-Added Reseller - software is packaged for distribution to others: $37,800
Licence 3 Sub-Licensee - purchasing the address matching engine from a Licence 2 vendor, and adding your own company's functionality for resale: $5,400

Additional costs may be incurred if software fails testing. Prices listed here are for Licence and Program fees only, and does not take into account any costs involved in developing or producing the software. Full details of the Program are outlined in the AMAS Handbook.

Reduced Postage Prices

PreSort Letter Service prices are conditional upon customers using AMAS Approved Software with Delivery Point Identifiers (DPIDs) being current against the latest version of the PAF.

A declaration that your mail was prepared appropriately must be made when using the PreSort Lodgement Document, available from Post Offices. Visit the PreSort Letters page for more information.

Significant benefits and cost savings can also be achieved through the improving address data quality, or Quality Addressing (pdf 94kb. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file.This document can also be obtained by calling 13 13 18)

What is the AMAS® cycle ?

The AMAS® program operates on an annual cycle. Cycles run from 1 January to 31 December each year. During this cycle, Australia Post holds the format of the PAF constant. Registration for AMAS testing and approval can be attempted at any time during an annual cycle and approval will be valid until the end of that cycle.

® AMAS is a registered trade mark of the Australian Postal Corporation

® PAF and DPID are registered trade marks of the Australian Postal Corporation.