Product SKUs Explained: Internal Codes for Stock and Product Variants

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Start with the actual item

   0:18

   Decide which product or variant the code needs to identify.

   On-screen labels: Product record; Specific variant; Recognisable item.

2. 2

   Step 2: Give it a consistent code

   0:30

   Agree a practical naming approach that staff can maintain.

   On-screen labels: Consistent format; Clear convention; Useful identifier.

3. 3

   Step 3: Keep codes distinct

   0:42

   Different stock items should not be confused by the same code.

   On-screen labels: Distinct items; Unique identification; Checked records.

4. 4

   Step 4: Separate SKU and barcode

   0:54

   An internal stock code and a barcode can serve different purposes.

   On-screen labels: Internal stock code; Barcode identifier; Different purposes.

5. 5

   Step 5: Use the code in the workflow

   1:06

   The code should help staff recognise the item in stock and order records.

   On-screen labels: Stock record; Order details; Correct item.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check changes carefully

   1:18

   Review affected records when an item or its code changes.

   On-screen labels: Updated record; Staff understanding; Consistent reference.

See it in a diagram

Read the diagram as text

1. Specific item: The product or variant
2. Internal code: A distinct stock reference
3. Useful records: Stock and order details

Check the item, not just the code format. Staff should be able to connect the reference with the correct physical item.

SKUs and barcodes can serve different purposes; do not assume they are interchangeable.

Diagram by Jersey Web. Open full size · Source and further detail (opens in a new tab)

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