SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

Short for stock keeping unit, SKU is a unique numerical identifying number that refers to a specific stock item in a retailer’s inventory or product catalog. The SKU is often used to identify the product, product size or type, and the manufacturer. In the retail industry, the SKU is a part of the backend inventory control system and enables a retailer to track a product in their inventory that may be in warehouses or in retail outlets.

Are SKU and serial number the same?

No. While SKUs and serial numbers may look similar, they have separate goals. SKUs are used in context of inventory before an item is sold, and serial numbers are used in context of ownership. Serial numbers help verify warranty eligibility if something breaks with a software or piece of equipment and can aid in recovering items that have been stolen or lost. Further, multiples of the same item will have the same SKU but unique serial numbers.

What is the difference between SKU, PLU, and UPC?

Unlike SKUs and serial numbers, the differences among PLUs (price look up), UPCs (universal product code), and SKUs are less clear. All three categories of codes are combinations of numbers that identify something about a specific item, and sometimes those identities overlap for simplicity or efficiency.

UPC codes are put in place by the manufacturer and identify the same product at different stores. SKUs are put in place by the retailer, though, so sometimes the SKU will be different if the manufacturer has changed the UPC for an item after it has been distributed to retail stores. For this reason, most UPC and SKU codes will be the same, but sometimes they will be different depending on the store and the item itself.

A PLU is used for produce items that are sold by weight, volume, or quantity. These global codes are typically shorter only 4 or 5 digits and are assigned by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). Grocery stores may or may not use the PLU as the SKU for an item, but in general PLUs are used to make POS transactions and inventory updates easier and faster.

Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal is a freelance business and technology writer covering Internet technologies and online business since the late '90s.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...