A system and method for determining when a component supply reel for an automated assembly machine is close to depletion. The supply reel tape has indications such as marks that can be optically or magnetically read by a reader through which the tape passes as it is fed into the automated assembly machine, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) pick and place machine. Or, an RF tag may be used. The reader activates a transmitter, which transmits a signal to a local computer. The computer generates a message such as an e-mail for a supply facility computer to notify a worker to deliver a replacement reel. The marks are provided at a desired location along the length of the tape. In another approach, a message is generated when depletion of the reel is detected by a switch.