Sensors are mounted to surfaces of an intermediate module and a lower module of a media handling device. The sensors report to firmware and the firmware determines whether the lower module is in proper alignment with the intermediate module based on the reported sensor data. A spring plunger is configured with sufficient tension to push the lower module into alignment and a motorized latch controlled by the firmware is configured to pull the lower module into alignment and/or assist the spring plunger in pushing the lower module into alignment. In an embodiment, a lid and a lid alignment rail apparatus is provided to ensure a lid of the lower module is properly latched, aligned, and unlatched.