Is triggered direct mail automatically real-time?

No. A trigger defines why an audience is released. Actual timing still depends on data delivery, approval, quantity, materials, production, postal preparation, and entry.

Can a list partner help define the audience?

A mail-list partner can source a defined list from client-supplied parameters when that work is included in the program scope.

Triggered vs. Batch Direct Mail

Triggered versus batch direct mail production.

Batch direct mail releases a planned audience on a scheduled cadence. Triggered direct mail releases an audience when a client-defined event or condition occurs. Both still require approved data, art, production rules, quantity, postal preparation, and tracking. DIS Direct executes approved high-volume files with a 150,000-piece minimum.

The difference is how the audience is released, not whether physical production needs controls. Choose the model that matches your data readiness, cadence, quantity, approvals, and timing requirements.

Updated July 29, 2026 · Reviewed by DIS Direct production team

Batch programs

A batch program groups recipients into planned drops. It is often easier to forecast materials, proof versions, combine quantities, and build fixed production and postal dates.

Triggered programs

A triggered program starts from a client-defined event or condition that produces an audience file or parameters. DIS Direct can execute the approved list, production, mail sort, and IMb path. API ingestion, real-time decisioning, and guaranteed event-to-mail timing are not published capabilities.

Choose based on operations

Evaluate how frequently data is ready, whether each release reaches the 150,000-piece minimum, how art and proofs are approved, when components arrive, and which postal date can be supported.

Triggered and batch comparison

Triggered and batch comparison
Dimension	Batch mail	Triggered mail
Audience release	Planned list on a set cadence	Client-defined event or condition
Forecasting	Usually easier to plan materials and capacity	Depends on trigger volume and release rules
Approvals	Proofed before the scheduled batch	Rules and assets must be approved before releases
DIS Direct minimum	150,000 pieces	150,000 pieces
Tracking	IMb can track mail movement	IMb can track mail movement
Published integration	Approved file handoff	No public API or webhook promise

Frequently asked

Is triggered direct mail automatically real-time?: No. A trigger defines why an audience is released. Actual timing still depends on data delivery, approval, quantity, materials, production, postal preparation, and entry.
Can a list partner help define the audience?: A mail-list partner can source a defined list from client-supplied parameters when that work is included in the program scope.