Abstract: The present invention provides a slot identification strategy for an optical cross-connect platform which facilitates replacement or repair of field replaceable units by a servicing technician. The slot identification strategy is comprised of three components: (a) functional group naming; (b) functional group numbering; and (c) functional group colour coding. Like components are placed together in functional groups and given alpha, numeric and colour labels to ensure minimal errors when identifying and removing a specified field replaceable unit in need of servicing. In an environment which cannot tolerate errors, the identification strategy integral to the present invention maximizes a human's ability to perceive colours and alpha-numeric labels, thereby allowing a technician to quickly and accurately locate a component on the cross-connect platform.