United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General Semiannual Report to Congress, October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012.

摘要

The communications revolution, the digital age, and globalism are having an enormous impact on the Postal Service. The ways in which Americans communicate today are different not just from a decade ago, but from a few years ago some might argue from a few minutes ago. Social networking and smart devices are changing communications and commerce, as an increasing number of American consumers rely on handheld devices to shop, bank, and interact with businesses. While the digital revolution is remarkable, it is also imperfect, leaving gaps in security, privacy, and inclusion. The Postal Service, as a trusted provider of delivery services, continues to have a vital role to play as a part of the nations communications infrastructure. The Postal Service has begun the difficult task of reinventing its business model and refocusing its network. The path forward probably will require a merging of traditional postal services with new services that fill the gaps left by the digital age. As the cover of our semiannual report to Congress illustrates, the transition from traditional services to innovative ideas has already begun. Retail transactions are taking place in new ways, whether through online sales or through the use of gopost automated lockers for sending or receiving packages. Meanwhile, the traditional Post Office continues to play a pivotal role in providing services to citizens.