Component feeding method and management apparatus

A component feeding method for use in a component mounting system including a component mounting machine configured to pick up a component from a feeder and mount the component, a storage section configured to temporarily store a feeder accommodating a component for use in the component mounting machine, and a transfer device configured to transfer the feeder between the storage section and the component mounting machine, the method being for feeding the feeder to the storage section, the method comprising:

• acquiring a number of empty portions of the storage section capable of accommodating the feeder;
• determining multiple feeders to be prepared for every predetermined periodic feeding time based on the number of empty portions of the storage section after setting used feeders among the feeders stored in the storage section as collecting targets in a case where the number of empty portions of the storage section is insufficient;
• and
• feeding the multiple feeders collectively to the storage section at every periodic feeding time.