Stepper motor linear actuators (SMLAs) combine a stepper motor, precision lead screw and nut in one compact envelope, providing a highly configurable, customizable and robust solution for linear motion. With the help of a motion controller and a stepper driver, all SMLAs can be programmed to position a load to a precise location. However, standard configurations do not provide a feedback mechanism that tells the operator whether the move is completed or not. Although not essential for many applications, feedback can be a powerful tool to utilize in more sophisticated linear motion systems. Because of this and the increasing demand for precise load positioning information, outfitting an SMLA with an encoder can be an effective and simple solution to get real-time motion feedback about your application.