Quality can be improved only if it is measured. The Global Monitoring System, also known as Link by GMS, is an independent and external measurement system managed by the UPU International Bureau.
Its primary objective is to provide each participant with accurate, high-quality operational results. This information can be used to determine UPU terminal dues remuneration, according to a performance bonus system established within the UPU, and to inform decisions on operational and quality improvement.
How does Link by GMS work?
Anonymous panellists external to the Post exchange test items between participating countries.
The test items, each containing a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, are read by RFID antennas installed at operational facilities where the postal traffic is received and processed. This generates most of the information required to determine quality of service.
A reporting system known as GMS Statistical System for Analysis and Reports (GMS STAR) analyzes the information obtained by the antennas and collates it into reports.
How to join Link by GMS?
GMS is open to all UPU member countries that wish to take a step forward in monitoring their quality of service and operations using a state-of-the-art measurement system.
Member countries wishing to join GMS should complete the application form under "Key documents" and send it to the UPU International Bureau by submitting the form, which will then contact them to make the practical arrangements for installing GMS.
Member countries requiring financial support in order to participate may be eligible for funding under a Quality of Service Fund global project, to be formulated on their behalf by the International Bureau.
General parameters
GMS uses external panellists and RFID technology to automatically and independently capture data, providing insights into inbound quality of service at the designated operator’s facilities.
Role of the designated operator
Country Manager
The main roles and responsibilities of the GMS Country Manager, appointed from among the designated operator’s staff, are described in the presentation below.
Key documents
UPU GMS Technical Design
The UPU GMS Technical Design details the technical specifications and procedures for obtaining a measurement that is compliant with the UPU quality of service link to terminal dues.
The design improvements in this second edition of the UPU GMS Technical Design include the ability to use validated, real international mail volumes for defined cities. Those volumes are used for the statistical design, including the allocation of a minimum number of valid test items for a robust measurement.
Force majeure
Designated operators that have experienced a force majeure event must inform the International Bureau using a specific procedure, the details of which can be found on the "Force majeure" page of the UPU website.
Audits
Link by GMS audit reports
Improving quality of service for international letter-post items is a core UPU objective, and a basic element of the terminal dues system. Article 31-109 of the Convention Regulations defines the link between quality of service and terminal dues remuneration.
Two UPU-agreed systems have been used to link terminal dues to quality of service: GMS Link, run by the International Bureau, and a module of International Post Corporation’s UNEX quality of service system. Section 15.1 of the UPU GMS Technical Design provides for a yearly audit of UPU-agreed systems, the results of which are used for calculating terminal dues. Reports of annual audits to the UPU agreed measurement systems to link quality of service to terminal dues are provided below.
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2024
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2022
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2021
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2020
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2019
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2018
UPU-Agreed Measurement Systems External Audit 2017
External audit report of the UPU-agreed measurement systems GMS and UNEX™ 2013