The disclosure relates to a computerized method and system for tracking consumer replaceable units (CRU) used in products such as printing systems. In the method the CRUM ID and destination of the consumable is retrieved on shipment from a supplier. When the consumer replaceable unit is installed in a device such as printing system, the device reports the installation back to a management application. The management application then proceeds to authorize the consumable for the reporting printing system, offer to transfer ownership, or when the printing system is not a managed device then offers a customer the option of being billed for the consumable. The management application has the option of disabling printing with customer replaceable unit when reassignment or intent to purchase is not available. When the consumable is returned the management application can ascertain if the customer replaceable unit was used by its assigned printing device.
