---
alias: tutorials-sampling-plans-patterns-index
tutorial: deepdive
module: Sampling
description: "Learn how to configure sampling plans and sampling patterns to control lot-based and in-step sampling"
---

# Sampling Plans and Patterns Tutorial

In manufacturing environments, **Sampling** is a key quality control method for monitoring processes and maintaining product consistency without inspecting every unit. Instead of performing 100% inspection, which can be costly and time-consuming, **Sampling** targets selected parts or batches at defined intervals or quantities. This approach helps detect variations early while keeping production efficient.

Within Critical Manufacturing MES, two main entities support this functionality: the [[user-guide-sampling-plan-index|Sampling Plan]] and the [[user-guide-sampling-pattern-index|Sampling Pattern]].

## How They Fit Together

The diagram below merges the user guide relationship diagrams for **Sampling Plan** and **Sampling Pattern**, showing how both configurations connect through the **Step**.

```mermaid
graph LR
    STEP[Step] === SP[Sampling Plan]
    SP === SCI[Sampling Context Information]
    SCI --- SPCV[Sampling Plan Instance Context Values]
    SPCV --- SPI[Sampling Plan Instance]
    SP === SPI

    PAT[Sampling Pattern] --- SSPC[Step Sampling Pattern Context] --- STEP
    MAT[Material] -.- PAT
    MAT -.- SSPC

classDef mermaid_title color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, font-weight:200;
classDef mermaid_start color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, color:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, visibility: hidden;
classDef mermaid_businessdata color:#000, fill:#65CDE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_nonbusinessdata color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#B7DEE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entity color:#000, fill:#FB9F53, stroke:#FB9F53, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entitylinked color:#000, fill:#FCD5B5, stroke:#FCD5B5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_context color:#000, fill:#B9CDE5, stroke:#B9CDE5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_optional color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:1px, font-size:100%, stroke-dasharray: 5 5;

class SP,PAT mermaid_entity
class STEP,MAT mermaid_businessdata
class SCI,SPCV,SPI mermaid_entitylinked
class SSPC mermaid_context
```

!!! info
    Continue with [[tutorials-sampling-plan-index|Sampling Plan]] or [[tutorials-sampling-pattern-index|Sampling Pattern]].