Management system, machine management apparatus, maintenance work instructing method, recording medium and computer data signal

摘要

A printing machine generates use information including the number of printouts made in a printing operation, and transmits the generated use information to a management apparatus. A machine information data base stores old use information of the printing machine and a threshold value of a predetermined number of printouts in association with the printing machine. Upon reception of the use information sent from the printing machine, a machine management server stores the use information in the machine information data base and counts up the number of printouts of the printing machine. When the counted number of printouts exceeds the threshold value stored in the machine information data base, it is determined that preventive maintenance for the printing machine is needed. When it is determined that preventive maintenance is necessary, the machine management server sends instruction information instructing preventive maintenance to the maintenance terminal.