Patent ID: 8542378

Claim:
A method for automated determination of expiration of an image production device that is currently in use by a customer, comprising: retrieving values related to at least two of: 1) a frequency of maintenance incidents requiring a use of image production device service personnel, 2) an historical usage volume and costs associated with the historical usage volume, 3) a frequency of negative service level agreement (SLA) impacts and costs, and 4) projected future maintenance item costs, for the currently used image production device; determining an existing life value based on the retrieved values related to at least two of: 1) a frequency of maintenance incidents requiring a use of image production device service personnel, 2) an historical usage volume and costs associated with the historical usage volume, 3) a frequency of negative service level agreement (SLA) impacts and costs, and 4) projected future maintenance item costs, for the currently used image production device; retrieving values related to at least two of: 1) projected future maintenance item costs, 2) replacement image production device cost, 3) value of removed hardware from currently used image production device, and 4) projected frequency of maintenance incidents requiring a use of image production device service personnel, of a replacement image production device that can satisfy the historical usage volume of the currently used image production device; determining a replacement value based on the retrieved values related to at least two of: 1) projected future maintenance item costs, 2) replacement image production device cost, 3) value of removed hardware from currently used image production device, and 4) projected frequency of maintenance incidents requiring a use of image production device service personnel, of a replacement image production device that can satisfy the historical usage volume of the currently used image production device; comparing the determined existing life value to the determined replacement value; determining whether the currently used image production device should be replaced based on the comparison; and sending a notification that the currently used image production device should be replaced if it is determined that the currently used image production device should be replaced.