A printing device component is configured to automatically order a replacement component when a signal indicates that the component is nearing the end of its functional life cycle. The printing device includes an order tracker which is configured to receive and process order tracking information regarding the status of the component order. If the component is not received on or before an expected receipt date, a warning message is generated to allow appropriate action to avoid printing device down time. If the component is unavailable for shipment or must be backordered, a warning message is generated. When the component is received, the order tracking subsystem is provided with a received date. The order tracking information is stored in an order tracking database. Database records involving received items may be purged or archived for later reference.