Abstract: A large number of potential alphanumeric patterns are ordered in a predetermined sequence which is then used to construct a transition graph composed of machine states along one coordinate and alphanumeric symbols along the other. The intersections on that graph establish either the next machine state on the graph or the action the system should provide. Pattern recognition is thus possible against strings of alphanumeric characters received thereafter by responding to the characters to determine a path of state transitions through the graph until an appropriate action indicator is reached. Machines including the invention are dynamically configurable and permit a variety of system management options to the user. The invention has particular utility for flexible configuring of the dialing plan and internal management of PBX type of telephone switching devices regardless of the pattern discipline associated with its external connections.