Mail merge
Mail merge is a word processing feature that allows users to personalise letters with names and addresses from a A data store designed in an organised way, making it easier to search for the information you need..
The five main steps in setting up a mail-merged letter are:
- create the database with An element of a database record in which one piece of information is stored. For example 'name' in an electronic address book. for the names and addresses of the people to send the letter to
- write the letter using a word processing package and link the letter to the database
- use a A search or question performed inside a database. to find a subset of relevant people and send a targeted letter to them
- using the mail merge wizard, enter codes in the letter where the name and address of the customers should appear
- merge-print, taking the Values, typically letters or numbers. from the database and inserting it in the letters, producing one letter for each person in the subset of relevant people from the database
Advantages
- One standard letter can be written and sent to all customers without having to manually add each name and address.
- The letter can be personalised - it looks as though the letter has been written to the individual person.
- It’s a very fast way to produce hundreds of personalised letters.
Disadvantages
- Letters can lack the personal touch.
- The database that provides the information for the mail merge letter must be kept up to date if it is going to be useful.
