A system having a plurality of patch cords, wherein each of the patch cord is terminated with patch cord connectors. Each of the patch cord connectors, in turn, contains a unique identifier that can be used to distinguish one patch cord from among the many patch cords in a telecommunication patch system. Within the telecommunications closet is at least one rack structure. A plurality of connector ports are disposed on the rack structure. Each of said connector ports is adapted to receive a patch cord connector. Each of the connector ports has a sensor that reads the unique identifier of any of the patch cord connectors as a patch cord connector is either inserted into, or removed from, a connector port. As the identifier on each patch cord connector is read, the overall system can automatically keep track of which specific patch cords are being added and removed from the system.