The Postal Service is using technology to adapt to the nation’s fast-changing mailing and shipping needs, CIO Jim Cochrane told congressional lawmakers May 22.

“Technology now plays a foundational role in virtually every postal product and service,” Cochrane said in testimony before a House subcommittee that handles postal issues.

USPS works with major technology companies to give consumers and businesses what they want, Cochrane said. For example, when consumers began to expect free shipping for online purchases, USPS responded by introducing Parcel Select, which provides large and medium-sized shippers with an economical ground delivery service.

The Postal Service is eager to continue innovating, but it remains “severely limited” by its outdated business model, Cochrane said. “We have the responsibility to provide and to fund universal service for our nation, but we do not have sufficient authority or flexibility to efficiently carry out that mandate,” he said.

Comprehensive postal reform is needed so the Postal Service can “take full advantage of our current competencies and infrastructure,” Cochrane said.

via USPS News Link Story – Innovation nation.