A work order is generated. The work order comprises a first work order step specifying that a port of a first network element is to be connected to a port of a second network element using a cable. The first and second network elements are configured to detect when connections are made at the specified ports of the first network element and the second network element. A management system is configured to update information it maintains to indicate that there is a connection between the specified port of the first network element and the specified port of the second network element if connections made at the specified ports of the first and second network elements are detected during a period in which the first work order step of the first work order is expected to be performed. A similar technique can be used for disconnecting a cable.