In a configuration database, at least one latch data structure is created that corresponds to a hardware latch in a hardware system to be configured. The at least one latch data structure includes a method field indicating which of a plurality of different access methods can be used to access the hardware latch. In addition, the latch data structure includes at least one Dial data structure defining an instance of a Dial entity controlling which of a plurality of different possible latch values is placed in the hardware latch in response to each of a plurality of Dial settings. The configuration database further includes an association between the instance of the Dial entity and the hardware latch. The configuration database can then be referenced to set the hardware latch utilizing an access method indicated by the at least one latch data structure.