> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.equinascheduling.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.equinascheduling.com/autopilot/rules.md).

# Rules

Rules are the core component of the Autoscheduler. Equina's no-code rule builder puts the scheduler in the driver's seat. Equina comes with several built-in rules that you can customize. Rules are broken down into **Global Rules** (rules that apply to all employees in a scheduling Site) and **Individual Rules** (rules that apply to each employee). 

{% hint style="success" %}
We use industry-leading constraint optimization tools and have cut out the engineering time needed to set up your rules. You have complete control. Any rule you write using our intuitive no-code rule writer is instantly applied to the auto-scheduler.
{% endhint %}

![Global Rules](https://1342769916-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQXuFJqrz3tty16U5sp%2Fuploads%2F8bxFujpzKn1YTdRnmSh8%2FglobalRules.png?alt=media\&token=fc049998-5d27-4640-bb74-84ca7c04d54d)

![Individual Rules](https://1342769916-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQXuFJqrz3tty16U5sp%2Fuploads%2FD9eLglljo2ivN7qn8jrW%2FindvidualRules.png?alt=media\&token=d5172e73-9729-40b8-b0a0-fb4eb25512c8)

Rules can be Hard or Soft:

1. **HARD** rules are rules that the autoscheduler will favor at the expense of leaving shifts unfilled
2. **SOFT** rules are rules that the autoscheduler will attempt to satisfy, but not at the expense of leaving shifts unfilled 

**Most Common Rules:** 

1. *Individual Rule* -  Maximum shifts per day (for everyone) of 1 
   * We generally see this rule applied to all employees
2. *Global Rule* - Required Spot/Skill Proficiency Met
3. *Global Rule* - Day/Time Off (must-have) Requests
4. *Global Rule* - Balance Full-time/Part-time Shifts

The four rules noted above are the basic rules that you may want to consider starting with.  Reach out to our team for any help / consultation when you're trying to figure out which additional rules to include.