SKU vs Barcode

Actually, before you even get started with Stoqflow, you need to clearly distinguish between a product code (also known as an SKU) and the barcode of a product. Sometimes, both terms are confused. We'll summarize it briefly.

Product Code

The product code or SKU is the unique code for each product. This way, you can easily identify and manage your products. The product code can be determined by you in principle, but you can also take over the SKU from the supplier. In this case, you don't have to keep track of whether the code is unique, and often the code is already printed on the packaging of your products. If you prefer to determine the code yourself, please note the following tips:

  • Think ahead about a fixed structure (fixed length and format) for multiple products and product types so that you can work consistently
  • Never start with a '0' (zero). This can cause problems when exporting to Excel, where leading zeros are removed.
  • Avoid special characters
  • Create logical sequences

If you accidentally assign an existing SKU to a new product, Stoqflow will inform you about this.

Want to learn more about product codes? Check our blog 'The importance of product codes in a warehouse'

Barcode

The barcode can be used in addition to the product code to identify a product. When selling your products in physical stores or on certain online marketplaces, a barcode is usually required. This will be a unique EAN code that you can request from the competent authority to ensure that no product has the same EAN code. You can then enter this barcode in Stoqflow (type EAN or Code39).

!> Note: You can create a label from your product code (described above) that converts the SKU into a barcode (scanners only read barcodes, not numbers or letters). This barcode is not an official EAN code, but you can use it to pick internally with a barcode scanner. The official EAN code of your product can be used both as a product code and a barcode; conversely, this is not the case.

Want to learn more about barcodes? Check our blog 'The importance of barcodes in a warehouse'

Managing Product Barcodes

Barcodes

One barcode must be marked as the main barcode. The main barcode is always a barcode for 1 item of the product and therefore cannot have a "multiplier".

This is the barcode that Stoqflow will:

  • export as the barcode of a product when products are exported to a CSV file
  • use to link products to products on e-commerce platforms such as Bol.com, WooCommerce, ...
  • display on the product page and product preview