Abstract: A system for initiating a replacement or service request with respect to a expendable component, such as a battery in an uninterruptible power supply, includes a customer station, have the expendable component, and seller station to receive the replacement or service request. The customer station includes a computer which receives an indication that the expendable component needs replacement. The indication includes information about the expendable component necessary for replacement or service. The customer station communicates the information regarding the expendable component to the service station to initiate a replacement or service process. A method for operating the disclosed system to initiate the request is described.