SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
Quick answer
Internal unique code of an item in your stock - finer granularity than GTIN.
Key takeaways
- Short, readable code (8-12 characters)
- Consistent format (category + brand + variant + packaging)
- Never reused (deactivated SKU stays historical)
- Synced across OMS, WMS, ERP, marketplace
Definition
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is your company's internal code for an item distinct from an operational standpoint - color, size, packaging, batch. Finer granularity than GTIN (the global code).
Fashion example
A "Polo Cotton" shirt with 4 colors × 5 sizes = 20 SKUs, but may have 20 GTINs or just 1 GTIN (if variants are not separately marketed).
SKU best practices
- Short, readable code (8-12 characters)
- Consistent format (category + brand + variant + packaging)
- Never reused (deactivated SKU stays historical)
- Synced across OMS, WMS, ERP, marketplace
Last updated:
Frequently asked
How many SKUs is "too many"?+
If top 20% SKUs = 80% sales (Pareto), not too many. If 50% SKUs had no movement in 12 months, time to rationalize.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Global product identification code - base for EAN-13, UPC, marketplaces.
TechnologyOMS (Order Management System)
The system centralizing orders from every channel (EDI, online, phone, field agent) and orchestrating execution.
LogisticsWMS (Warehouse Management System)
The system orchestrating physical warehouse operations: receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping.