NCOA Direct validates your list via our stack of Dell PowerEdge R805 servers that can process over 1 million records per hour and more.

Once your list is uploaded to our secure site we then run a SQL script that will allow us to “match” your list against the NCOA main database and return updated information.

Data processed through NCOA Direct is first standardized to conform to USPS requirements, including the ZIP + 4 code.

Once the address has been standardized and the ZIP + 4 code applied, an attempt is made to match the address against the NCOA File, which contains approximately 115 million records or 48 months of permanent address changes

Address change information is derived from the PS Form 3575, Change-of-Address Order, filed by relocating postal customers.

If an exact match is made with the name and old address, the move information is provided to the mailer.

Once we have validated your list it is then returned to you with the changes and any appended data you request.

Although it sounds simple this is a very complicated process that requires high-powered software, hardware, and computer programmers to operate.