# 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](/files/OtJvgcSkizvxYDWCMJEI)

![Individual Rules](/files/Qi2TV1Z13IRWelgjgKYw)

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. 


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