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Operations

SKU

A SKU is the smallest uniquely managed inventory unit, usually a specific product, size, color, or pack configuration.

Also known as

Stock keeping unit · Item variant

Direct answer

What is SKU?

A SKU is the smallest uniquely managed inventory unit, usually a specific product, size, color, or pack configuration. Forecasts and purchasing decisions must work at SKU level because variants within one product family can sell very differently.

Practical example

A black sneaker in size 42 is a different SKU from the same model in size 43.

What teams should remember

A SKU is the smallest uniquely managed inventory unit, usually a specific product, size, color, or pack configuration.

Forecasts and purchasing decisions must work at SKU level because variants within one product family can sell very differently.