← Back to glossary Category: Operațional · Acronym: SKU SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) Quick answer: Internal unique code of an item in your stock — finer granularity than GTIN. Key takeawaysShort, readable code (8-12 characters)Consistent format (category + brand + variant + packaging)Never reused (deactivated SKU stays historical)Synced across OMS, WMS, ERP, marketplace Definition SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is your company's internal code for an item distinct from an operational standpoint — color, size, packaging, batch. Finer granularity than GTIN (the global code). Fashion example A „Polo Cotton” shirt with 4 colors × 5 sizes = 20 SKUs, but may have 20 GTINs or just 1 GTIN (if variants are not separately marketed). SKU best practices Short, readable code (8-12 characters) Consistent format (category + brand + variant + packaging) Never reused (deactivated SKU stays historical) Synced across OMS, WMS, ERP, marketplace Frequently askedHow many SKUs is „too many”?If top 20% SKUs = 80% sales (Pareto), not too many. If 50% SKUs had no movement in 12 months, time to rationalize. Where Azuvio fitsSoftware OMSSoftware WMS Related termsGTIN (Global Trade Item Number) — Global product identification code — base for EAN-13, UPC, marketplaces.OMS (Order Management System) — The system centralizing orders from every channel (EDI, online, phone, field agent) and orchestrating execution.WMS (Warehouse Management System) — The system orchestrating physical warehouse operations: receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping. Last updated: 2026-07-17