A processing system employs a plurality of processing apparatuses in which a shared operation can be executed. To this end, first a type of the shared operation is designated, and then a target user of one of the processing apparatuses for a shared operation in executing the designated shared operation is designated, the target user being either a target user individual or a target user group. Finally, execution of an inquiry process is controlled in accordance with a combination of the designated type of shared operation and the designated target user.