Apparatus representing a computer system or such-like is disclosed that
includes a hierarchy of field replaceable units (FRUs). Each FRU in the hierarchy
has a type, and may have a number of subsidiary FRUs. A FRU stores data indicative
of at least the number and type of any subsidiary FRUs that may be immediately
below it in the hierarchy, as well as data concerning the identity of the FRU itself.
The apparatus has a utility to allow access and consolidation at a single location
of all the FRU data stored in the hierarchy. In one embodiment, this utility is
provided in the form of a configuration application running on a service processor
of the apparatus.