An inserter device including a plurality of modules for accumulating and assembling sheets into mail pieces. A controller computer is coupled to the plurality of modules and controls assembly of mail pieces in accordance with predetermined instructions. The controller computer receives the status data from the plurality of modules. Software based data processing objects process the inserter status data. The data processing objects pass processed status data directly to a network protocol object. Thereby status data is available for transmittal immediately, and there is no need for storage or a repository for periodic uploading. The inserter controller computer further includes a network port for directly transmitting the status data processed by the network protocol object to an external network, such as the Internet. The network port and the network protocol object accept incoming requests from the external network and immediately provide the requested information.