Stock keeping unit

In the field of inventory management, a stock keeping unit (SKU) (/ˌɛsˌkeɪˈjuː/, /ˈskuː/ or /ˈskjuː/) is a distinct type of item for sale,[1] such as a product or service, and all attributes associated with the item type that distinguish it from other item types. For a product, these attributes could include, but are not limited to, manufacturer, description, material, size, color, packaging, and warranty terms. When a business takes an inventory, it counts the quantity it has of each SKU.

SKU can also refer to a unique identifier or code that refers to the particular stock keeping unit. These codes are not regulated or standardized. When a company receives items from a vendor, it has a choice of maintaining the vendor's SKU or creating its own. Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) are standard, global, tracking units. Universal Product Code (UPC), International Article Number (EAN), and Australian Product Number (APN) are special cases of GTINs.

See also

References

  1. ↑ William J. Sawaya, William C. Giauque, Production and operations management, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1986, ISBN 0155719688, p.122 "A stock-keeping unit, or sku is an individually identifiable item stored in a specific location and tracked by an inventory system."


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