SKU vs barcode

Before you even start using Stoqflow, you must clearly distinguish between a product code (also known as SKU) and a product barcode. Sometimes these terms are confused with each other. We'll summarize 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 set yourself, but you can also adopt the SKU of the supplier. In this case, you don't have to keep track of whether the code is unique, and it's often already printed on the packaging of your products. If you prefer to set the code yourself, keep in mind the following tips:

  • Think ahead about a fixed structure (fixed length and format) for different products & product types so that you can work with them consistently
  • Never start with a '0' (zero). This can cause problems when exporting to Excel, where leading zeros are ignored.
  • 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 know more about product codes? Check out 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 mandatory. This will be a unique EAN code, which you can request from the competent authority to ensure that no product receives the same EAN code. You can then enter this barcode in Stoqflow (type EAN or Code39).

!> Note You can create a label that converts your product code into a barcode (scanners read only barcodes, not numbers or letters). This barcode is not an official EAN code but can be used perfectly for internal picking with the help of a barcode scanner. The official EAN code of your product can be used both as a product code and as a barcode; the reverse is not true.

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

Barcode vs SKU