Intelligent storage trays each hold SMT (Surface Mount Technology) reels of varying width without the need for separating dividers between the reels. An arrangement of light pipes within the tray pivot so that either one or multiple light pipes are pushed back to a closed position when an SMT reel is placed in the tray. Sensors detect movement of the light pipes allowing software to automatically assign a single SMT reel storage location to all of the light pipes that were moved by the SMT reel placement. Beacons on the tray indicate actions needed to take place and compression contacts on the tray communicate with the storage system software when the tray is placed and removed from a holder, such as a cart. Spring pins lock the tray into place within the holder allowing for ease of placement and removal.