A method for network-connected tool operation with user anonymity comprising: generating, by a processor in a power tool, a first cryptographic key that is stored in a memory in the power tool; generating, by the processor, a first encrypted serial number for the power tool based on an output of an encryption function using the first cryptographic key applied to a non-encrypted serial number, which is assigned to the power tool and stored in the memory; generating, by the processor, usage data based on data received from at least one sensor in the power tool during operation of the power tool; and transmitting, by a network device in the power tool, the usage data in association only with the first encrypted serial number to a maintenance system, wherein the maintenance system is only granted access to the usage data during a maintenance operation, wherein the usage data is related to properties of different components in the power tool or conditions experienced by the power tool, wherein the method further comprises: establishing a data connection between the power tool and the maintenance system during a maintenance operation for the power tool; transmitting, by the processor in the power tool, the first cryptographic key to the maintenance system via the data connection; generating, by a processor in the power tool, a second cryptographic key that is stored in the memory in the power tool; generating, by the processor, a second encrypted serial number for the power tool based on an output of the encryption function using the second cryptographic key applied to the non-encrypted serial number for the power tool stored in the memory; generating, by the processor, additional usage data based on data received from the at least one sensor in the power tool during additional operation of the power tool after the maintenance operation; and transmitting, by the network device in the power tool, the additional usage data in association only with the second encrypted serial number to the maintenance system. generating, by a processor in a power tool, a first cryptographic key that is stored in a memory in the power tool; generating, by the processor, a first encrypted serial number for the power tool based on an output of an encryption function using the first cryptographic key applied to a non-encrypted serial number, which is assigned to the power tool and stored in the memory; generating, by the processor, usage data based on data received from at least one sensor in the power tool during operation of the power tool; and transmitting, by a network device in the power tool, the usage data in association only with the first encrypted serial number to a maintenance system, wherein the maintenance system is only granted access to the usage data during a maintenance operation, wherein the usage data is related to properties of different components in the power tool or conditions experienced by the power tool, wherein the method further comprises: establishing a data connection between the power tool and the maintenance system during a maintenance operation for the power tool; transmitting, by the processor in the power tool, the first cryptographic key to the maintenance system via the data connection; generating, by a processor in the power tool, a second cryptographic key that is stored in the memory in the power tool; generating, by the processor, a second encrypted serial number for the power tool based on an output of the encryption function using the second cryptographic key applied to the non-encrypted serial number for the power tool stored in the memory; generating, by the processor, additional usage data based on data received from the at least one sensor in the power tool during additional operation of the power tool after the maintenance operation; and transmitting, by the network device in the power tool, the additional usage data in association only with the second encrypted serial number to the maintenance system. establishing a data connection between the power tool and the maintenance system during a maintenance operation for the power tool; transmitting, by the processor in the power tool, the first cryptographic key to the maintenance system via the data connection; generating, by a processor in the power tool, a second cryptographic key that is stored in the memory in the power tool; generating, by the processor, a second encrypted serial number for the power tool based on an output of the encryption function using the second cryptographic key applied to the non-encrypted serial number for the power tool stored in the memory; generating, by the processor, additional usage data based on data received from the at least one sensor in the power tool during additional operation of the power tool after the maintenance operation; and transmitting, by the network device in the power tool, the additional usage data in association only with the second encrypted serial number to the maintenance system.