The invention concerns a method and system for metering one or a plurality of components of flowable substances, in particular printing inks. The system comprises: storage means containing a plurality of supply containers for various components; supply containers each comprising an outlet valve; at least one metering station to which components contained in the supply containers can be delivered; actuating devices at the metering station, said devices actuating the outlet valves; and conveying means which deliver the supply containers to the at least one metering station. According to the invention, the storage means take the form of a store for placing the supply containers, and the conveying means for removing and returning individual supply containers are designed independently of one another. The conveying means comprise at least one track loop to which the at least one metering station is connected.