A Stock Keeping Unit is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a specific product variation in an inventory management system. Every distinct attribute, such as size, color, packaging type, or manufacturer, requires a different SKU to ensure accurate tracking, picking, and replenishment. Warehouse management systems rely on these codes to map physical storage locations to digital inventory counts.
Heard on the job
We've the blue widgets in bulk bins, but they're a different SKU than the retail-packaged ones on aisle four.
Insider tip
Pronounced skew by warehouse staff. A common rookie mistake is assuming identical items from different suppliers share a SKU; they usually do not.
Also heard as
- stock keeping unit