I have a simple excel file with basic contact information. I copy into the Melissa Batch file LookUp program and it returns with "No Address field in the first line". My excel file columns are first, last, address 1, address 2, city, state, 5-digit zip. I am trying to get the zip+4 data added to my file. I have another file that looks identical to it with a different number of record row, but the same column structure and for some strange reason it works on the other file, but not the one I am working with now.

Everything looks the same, yet the Melissa routine does not see my address column in the first row.

Any thoughts to help?

Virgil

Hello Paul,

Sorry and thanks for all of the willingness to help me with batch file lookup. I found out what the issue was.

First File Batched: Absolutely, no problems in performing the batch lookup. The excel file structure was First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Address Line 1, Address Line 2, city, state and finally zip (5-digit). I used the batch processor with NO problem.

Second File Batched: This was the problem child. It has the exact same file structure as above, yet the processor kept telling me NO ADDRESS info in first row, but all of the name fields were found and city, state and zip (NO Address field). So I went into the file and in the header line of my excel file, I shorten "Address Line 1" to "Address" and then deleted the column "Address Line 2" (field only contained Apt, Ste# info). Once I did that and re-ran it through the batch processor, it worked.

What I learned: The processor is specifically looking for "Address" it seems. If the Apt and Ste are in a different field, I don't think the processor likes to import data in that form. While I know, I loose the benefit of the Apt# or Ste# to better code my mail list, I know that it will be coded to the building default zip code.

I know this because, before I retired at the beginning of the year, I was an Address Management Specialist for the US Postal Service. Our role was to ensure that all the addresses the carrirers delivered to had the finest depth of code. On new construction, we would work with the property developer to install gang boxes on the property and then activate the new addresses into our database from what the city or county prescribed as the new address for the location. Then, we would code the gang boxes so the carrier could stand in front of one section of the boxes and sort the mail in. He/She would go to the next +4 coded bundle and sort into the boxes next in line if there were a lot. The building default code is simply a +4 code of the building in the absence of Apt or Ste # information. In the carrier bundle coming off of the Delivery Barcode sorters, the default mail would always be the mail at the beginning of that address. It was important to all so that the mail processing equipment could put the mail into walk sequence.

Well, thanks for the help. I will be able to mail to my fraternty brothers using barcoding with the finest depth of sort.

Virgil