How to use the sku code generator
- Write one segment per line as NAME: value, value, value, for example CAT: TEE, HOOD.
- Write the pattern with each segment name in braces, such as {CAT}-{SIZE}-{COLOR}-{SEQ:3}.
- Choose where the counter starts and whether the codes are upper case.
- Copy the codes or download them as a text file.
Formula
Codes = product of the number of values in each segment the pattern uses
{SEQ:3} is a counter padded with zeros to 3 digits and numbers the codes in order
The segment written first in the pattern changes the slowest
Duplicate codes are reported. Segments that the pattern does not use are ignored.
Two products, three sizes, two colors
With the segments CAT: TEE, HOOD, SIZE: S, M, L and COLOR: BLK, WHT, and the pattern {CAT}-{SIZE}-{COLOR}-{SEQ:3}, the tool builds 2 x 3 x 2 = 12 codes.
The first code is TEE-S-BLK-001 and the last is HOOD-L-WHT-012. If you change the pattern to put {SIZE} first, the sizes change the slowest and the codes come out in a different order, though the same set is made.
Designing a code scheme
A good stock keeping unit code is short, easy to read aloud and never reused. Put the broad group first, then the details that people look up, and add a counter at the end if you need uniqueness beyond the attributes. Avoid characters that look alike, such as the letter O and the digit 0, and keep the length the same for all codes so lists sort cleanly.
Do not put values that change in the code, such as price or the supplier. If a code has to be changed, the old one should be retired, not reassigned to a new item, so that past orders still make sense.
Next steps
Once the list is made, you can number rows with the CSV Row Number and ID Column Adder or turn a code into a scannable symbol with the Barcode Generator. For sequences of invoice or purchase order numbers, the Document Number Sequence Generator is the better fit, and the Stock Count Variance Calculator helps check the shelf against your records.
Assumptions and limits
- Each segment line has a name, a colon and one or more values separated by commas.
- The list is limited to 5,000 codes in all.
- The sample segments are examples. Use your own product attributes.
- Everything is built in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What does {SEQ:3} do?
It inserts a running number padded to three digits, such as 001, 002 and so on, in the order the codes are made.
Why does the tool report duplicates?
Two combinations can give the same text when values repeat or the pattern leaves out a segment. Each duplicate is listed so you can fix the source.
Can the counter start higher than 1?
Yes. Set the starting value, for example 100, and the first code uses that number.
Is the order fixed?
The first segment in the pattern changes slowest. Reorder the pattern to change how the list is sorted.