---
alias: tutorials-sort-rule-sets-introduction
search:
  boost: 2
description: "Understand what sort rule sets are, why they matter in manufacturing dispatching, and how they support both push and pull dispatching flows."
---

# Introduction

[[user-guide-sort-rule-set-index|Sort Rule Sets]] are collections of **Sort Rules** used to sort **Materials** or **Resources** for dispatching purposes. They determine which **Material** should be processed next on a **Resource**, or which **Resource** should be selected for a **Material**.

**Sort Rule Sets** support both **Push** and **Pull** dispatching approaches, helping teams apply business priorities consistently across Step and Resource views.

## Why Sort Rules Are Important in Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing environments, especially in high-tech industries like semiconductors, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, efficient material dispatching and resource allocation are critical for:

- Maximizing throughput by ensuring the right materials get to the right resources at the right time.
- Meeting customer commitments by prioritizing urgent orders and materials with tight due dates.
- Minimizing setup times by grouping similar materials to reduce changeover time.
- Optimizing equipment utilization by balancing workload across available resources.
- Reducing cycle time by preventing bottlenecks through intelligent material sequencing.
- Managing hot lots by fast-tracking critical or urgent materials through production.

## Dispatching Context

The diagram below summarizes how **Sort Rule Sets** connect **Rules** to **Step** and **Resource** dispatching contexts.

![Diagram showing how sort rule set rules connect push dispatching for materials with pull dispatching for resources and steps.](images/sort-rule-set-dispatching-context.png)