With FSUIPC you can assign buttons/ rotary encoders / switches to key commands.
Those key commands you can assign to your hardware.

I f you use the coordinates feature FSUIPC will remember where the button / rotary encoder / switch /  is located in the cockpit.

Then you can even use the VC and operate the hardware even when not in sight.
With the 2d panels the panel to be operated has to be in sight.   

If have done so for the VC form the MD-11 and plan to do it for the 757 too.
This in combination with my VRI hardware.