what is a stock keeping unit sku 
a stock keeping unit sku allows vendors to track inventory it consists of alphanumeric digits and a scannable bar code printed on a product label the characters define a code that tracks the price product details manufacturer and point of sale skus may also be applied to intangible but billable products such as units of repair time in an auto body shop or warranties tracking inventoryskus are used by stores catalogs e commerce vendors service providers warehouses and product fulfillment centers to track inventory levels scannable skus and a pos system make it easy for managers to determine which products need to be restocked 