---
title: "Stock keeping unit"
description: "What is a SKU? A stock keeping unit is the unique code a business gives each item it stocks. Learn how SKUs differ from barcodes and supplier part numbers."
url: https://1flux.ai/glossary/stock-keeping-unit
last_updated: 2026-10-10
---

[Procurement and inventory](https://1flux.ai/glossary#procurement-and-inventory)

# Stock keeping unit

What is a SKU, and how is it different from a barcode or a supplier's part number?

Glossary Updated 10 October 2026

Definition

A stock keeping unit (SKU) is a unique code a business assigns to each distinct item it stocks, so it can be identified, counted and sold without ambiguity.

## What is a SKU used for?

Each variation that needs its own stock count gets its own SKU: a 2-inch valve and a 3-inch valve are two SKUs, even from the same supplier. SKUs are internal and often meaningful, encoding the category or brand, unlike a [barcode](https://1flux.ai/glossary/barcode) such as an EAN-13, which is a standard number made for scanning.

Example: SKU PLM-VLV-050 identifies a 50 mm brass valve stocked in two warehouses.

Don’t confuse a SKU with a supplier’s part number; map the two so purchase orders and receipts line up.

In 1flux

Each item has a unique item code, generated from its category, from a global sequence or entered manually, and can carry barcodes alongside it. [See the item master and catalogue](https://1flux.ai/products/inventory/item-master)

Related

## Keep exploring

### [Item master](https://1flux.ai/glossary/item-master)

The central catalogue record for every item you buy, stock or sell.

### [Barcode](https://1flux.ai/glossary/barcode)

A scannable pattern that encodes an item's identifier.

### [Unit of measure](https://1flux.ai/glossary/unit-of-measure)

The unit an item is counted, bought or sold in.

### [Item master](https://1flux.ai/products/inventory/item-master)

Goods, services and digital products in one catalogue, in up to 7 languages.

Last updated 10 October 2026