A system and method for precisely locating the position of a component in a tray. The tray is a unitary structure having a plurality of protrusions on at least one side. A robot relies on the protrusions to locate pockets adjacent to each protrusion. An end effector reaches for a component in each pocket. The degree of accuracy of locating a component in a tray is enhanced by employing the plurality of protrusions and by following the method of the present invention.