---
alias: tutorials-sampling-pattern-index
description: "Learn how to create a sampling pattern and apply it to a step"
---

# Sampling Pattern

While **Sampling Plans** control when and how often sampling takes place, a [[user-guide-sampling-pattern-index|Sampling Pattern]] defines what will be sampled within a **Step**. It is used for [[user-guide-manage-sampling|In-Step Sampling]], focusing on selecting specific **Sub-Materials** for inspection and determining the order in which they are sampled.

A **Sampling Pattern** can operate independently or in combination with a **Sampling Plan**. Configure **Sampling Patterns** at the **Step** level, and configure each **Step** to determine whether the sampling selection is cleared in case of an **Abort** event.

Together, **Sampling Plans** and **Sampling Patterns** provide a complete framework for managing sampling activities within Critical Manufacturing MES, linking strategic sampling frequency with detailed in-step selection rules.

In real-world manufacturing, this approach is widely used across industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductors. Examples include performing torque checks on every 50th engine assembly, verifying chemical concentration every 30 minutes in a mixing process, or inspecting the wafers in the bottom and top of the container for particle contamination in a lithography process.

!!! info
    Sampling is a separate licensed module.

## Pages

* [[tutorials-create-sampling-pattern]]
* [[tutorials-sampling-pattern-step-application]]