SKU vs UPC: Understanding the Difference and Their Role in Inventory Control

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit):

• Alphanumeric code
• Variable length, typically 8-12 characters
• Unique to each merchant or retailer
• Used for internal inventory management
• Can be customized by the business

UPC (Universal Product Code):

• Numeric code only
• Always 12 digits long
• Consistent across all retailers
• Used for broad, external tracking across supply chains
• Licensed from GS1 US, a nonprofit organization

Key Features of SKUs:

• Customizable: Businesses can create their own SKU system to suit their needs
• Internal use: SKUs are primarily used within a company for inventory tracking
• Variable format: Can include letters and numbers, with no standardized length
• Product-specific: Each variation of a product (e.g., size, color) can have its own SKU

Benefits of Using SKUs:

• Improved inventory management: Easily track stock levels and reorder points
• Enhanced order fulfillment: Quickly locate and pick products in warehouses
• Sales analysis: Monitor product performance and identify trends
• Customer service: Efficiently handle customer inquiries and returns

Key Features of UPCs:

• Standardized: Always 12 digits long, presented as a barcode
• Universal: Consistent across all retailers and supply chain participants
• Manufacturer-specific: Licensed by product manufacturers from GS1 US
• Scannable: Can be quickly read by barcode scanners and point-of-sale systems

Benefits of Using UPCs:

• Streamlined checkout process: Faster and more accurate than manual entry
• Improved inventory tracking: Monitor stock levels across multiple retailers
• Enhanced supply chain visibility: Track products from manufacturer to end consumer
• Reduced errors: Minimize mistakes in product identification and pricing

1. Accurate Product Identification

UPCs eliminate the risk of human error in product identification. By scanning a barcode, businesses can instantly access accurate product information, reducing the likelihood of mistakes in inventory counts or order fulfillment.

2. Real-time Inventory Tracking

When integrated with inventory management systems, UPCs enable real-time tracking of stock levels. Each time a product is scanned at the point of sale, the inventory count is automatically updated, providing businesses with up-to-date information on their stock levels.

3. Efficient Reordering

With accurate, real-time inventory data, businesses can set up automated reordering systems based on UPC scans. When stock levels reach a predetermined threshold, the system can automatically generate purchase orders, ensuring that popular items are always in stock.

4. Multi-channel Inventory Synchronization

For businesses selling across multiple channels (e.g., in-store, online marketplaces, and direct-to-consumer websites), UPCs provide a standardized way to track inventory across all platforms. This synchronization helps prevent overselling and ensures consistent stock information across all sales channels.

5. Improved Supply Chain Visibility

UPCs enable better tracking of products throughout the supply chain. From manufacturer to distributor to retailer, each party can scan the UPC to update the product's status, providing end-to-end visibility and facilitating more efficient logistics operations.

6. Enhanced Reporting and Analytics

The standardized nature of UPCs allows for more accurate and detailed reporting. Businesses can easily generate reports on sales trends, inventory turnover, and product performance, helping them make data-driven decisions about stock management and purchasing.

When to Use SKUs:

• Internal inventory tracking
• Warehouse organization and product location
• Creating product variations (e.g., size, color)
• Analyzing sales performance of specific variants
• Customer service inquiries and order processing

When to Use UPCs:

• Selling products through multiple retailers or marketplaces
• Tracking products throughout the supply chain
• Point-of-sale transactions
• Integrating with external inventory management systems
• Complying with retailer requirements (many major retailers require UPCs)

1. Choose a Robust Inventory Management System

Select a digital platform that can handle both SKUs and UPCs, providing real-time tracking and analytics for your inventory. Look for solutions that offer seamless integration with your existing systems and can scale with your business growth.

2. Develop a Consistent SKU Naming Convention

Create a standardized system for generating SKUs that is logical and easily understood by your team. This consistency will help streamline inventory management and reduce errors in product identification.

3. Invest in Quality Barcode Scanning Equipment

To fully leverage the benefits of UPCs, invest in reliable barcode scanners and printing equipment. This will ensure accurate and efficient product tracking throughout your operations.

4. Train Your Team

Ensure that all relevant staff members understand the importance of SKUs and UPCs and how to use them correctly. This includes warehouse staff, sales teams, and customer service representatives.

5. Regularly Audit and Update Your Inventory Data

Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure that your SKU and UPC data remains accurate. Update your systems promptly when introducing new products or discontinuing old ones.

6. Integrate with Your eCommerce Platforms

Ensure that your inventory management system, including SKUs and UPCs, is fully integrated with your eCommerce platforms. This integration will help maintain consistent stock levels across all sales channels.