SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

No. A SKU is an internal item code. A barcode is a scannable code that can represent that SKU.

Yes, if they track more than a small handful of items. SKUs make searching, counting, importing, and reporting easier.

StockZip can store item codes and barcode values so teams can scan and manage inventory consistently.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for each distinct product and its variants.

What SKU means

SKU stands for stock keeping unit. It is created by the business, unlike a manufacturer barcode that may come from outside the business.

A SKU is the internal identifier. A barcode is a machine-readable representation that can point to a SKU or another item code.

Keep SKUs unique, consistent, and stable. Avoid encoding too much information that may change, such as supplier or location.

Common questions about this inventory term.

What does SKU stand for?

SKU stands for stock keeping unit.

Is a SKU the same as a barcode?

Do small businesses need SKUs?

Can StockZip create item codes?