A printing machine that records information about resources expended to carry out a printing request. The recorded resource information may include quantities of particular paper types and colored toner needed to satisfy the printing request. Subsequently, before carrying out another printing request, the printing machine uses the recorded information to make a prediction or estimate of resources required to carry out the printing request. The printing machine thus reduces uncertainty about whether there are sufficient resources to satisfy the next request, and alleviates the burden of maintaining excessive consumables in inventory.