In various embodiments, a surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range. An anvil is movably coupled relative to the staple cartridge. A tissue thickness sensing module is located adjacent to the distal end of the staple cartridge. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of the tissue located between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The controller is in signal communication with the sensor. The controller comprises means for identifying a staple cartridge type. The staple cartridge type and the thickness measurement are used to determine if the thickness of the tissue is within the optimal tissue thickness range.