stock-keeping unit

plural stock-keeping units

1. businessA unique code for a distinct saleable item (product or service) for record keeping and sales tracking purposes.

   Synonyms: SKU

2. broadlybusinessOne particular product or variant within a larger range or portfolio.

   Chattem, too, has added a new SKU to its Bullfrog Sport lotion. The SPF 30 product joins an SPF 18.

   1998, Spa Management

   2 more examples

   The Froehlichs do not have an army of product developers dreaming up new ideas and extending their line. They have two stock-keeping units (SKUs), the Super-Clip in gold and silver.

   2000, Richard Crangle, Invention Works: Piracy: Understand Piracy and Protect Your Inventions, Copyrights, Trademarks and Trade Secrets

   Moreover, P&G discovered that too many SKUs confuse customers. P&G gave customers a sample product and asked them to find it in the store. Even though the product was on the shelf, only half of the customers could find it.

   2013 December 16, CSCMP, Stanley E. Fawcett, Amydee M. Fawcett, The Definitive Guide to Order Fulfillment and Customer Service: Principles and Strategies for Planning, Organizing, and Managing Fulfillment and Service Operations, Pearson Education, →ISBN, page 103