Notification system for detecting tool usage

A method for determining tool usage information comprising:

• (i) providing a tool notification system comprising:
• a tool configured to process consumable parts;
• at least one sensor operatively coupled to the tool, the at least one sensor configured to detect at least one property associated with using the tool to process the consumable parts;
• a communication link operatively coupled to the tool and configured to transmit usage information associated with the at least one property detected by the at least one sensor;
• a source of supply information associated with supplying the consumable parts for usage by the tool;
• and
• a processing system comprising at least one processor that is configured to receive the usage information from the tool via the communication link, and is configured to receive the supply information from the source;
• wherein the at least one processor of the processing system is configured to compare the usage information to the supply information and determine when the comparison meets or exceeds a predetermined condition, and when the comparison meets or exceeds the predetermined condition, the at least one processor is configured to send a notification;
• (ii) detecting at least one property associated with using the tool to process the consumable parts;
• (iii) comparing the usage information to the supply information and determining when the comparison meets or exceeds the predetermined condition;
• and
• (iv) sending the notification when the comparison meets or exceeds the predetermined condition.

A tool notification system comprising:

• a tool associated with an identified party;
• at least one sensor operatively coupled to the tool, the at least one sensor configured to detect at least one property associated with the tool;
• a communication link operatively coupled to the tool and configured to transmit tool information associated with the at least one property detected by the at least one sensor;
• a source of identifying information associated with identifying the identified party associated with the tool;
• a processing system comprising at least one processor that is configured to receive the tool information from the tool via the communication link, and is configured to receive the identifying information from the source;
• wherein the at least one processor of the processing system is configured to compare the tool information to the identifying information and determine when the comparison meets or exceeds a predetermined condition, and when the comparison meets or exceeds the predetermined condition, the at least one processor is configured to send a notification.