Introducing Split SKU Setup

Purpose: This chapter contains an explanation of SKUs, SKU types, SKU elements, SKU groups, SKU sort sequence numbers and the SKU generator.

Definition: A SKU (stock keeping unit) is used to further define an item number. An item that is sold in multiple colors and sizes is often represented by a base item number, which is common to all of the colors and sizes, and a SKU which specifically defines the color and size. For example, the base item number for a dress could be 9201 and the SKUs associated with that item number could be RED SML, RED MED, RED LRG, BLUE SML, BLUE MED, and BLUE LRG.

Most functions accessible at the base item level are accessible at the SKU level, including offers, warehouses, sets, serial numbers, and comments. Information entered at the SKU level overrides information defined at the base item level.

In this topic:

• SKU Types

• Split SKU Elements

• SKU Groups

• SKU Generator

SKU Types

There are two types of SKUs used by the system: Split SKU and non-split SKU. Before creating a SKU, you must decide which type of SKU to use.

• A split SKU uses up to three 4-position fields to define the base item. These fields are referred to as the SKU elements. If the majority of your SKU’ed items have two or more descriptive characteristics (color and size), you may want to use the split SKU option.

• A non-split SKU uses one 14-position field to further define the base item. If the majority of your SKU’ed items only have one descriptive characteristic (for example, pierced or clip earrings), you may want to use the non-split SKU option.

Split SKU Elements

The elements of the Split SKU are defined in the Control file. There are three elements used in the Split SKU environment. Typically, these elements are used to represent size, color, and width for items of apparel; however, you can define the elements to meet your particular requirements. Once you set up the elements in the System Control file, you will be prompted for this information throughout the system.

SKU Groups

A SKU Group (Working with SKU Groups (WISG)) can be assigned to an item in the Item file and is used to define the standard sizes or colors in which items are sold. SKU Groups can be used to facilitate data entry in the SKU Generator (fast path = ESKG); see Using the SKU Generator (ESKG).

For example, a SKU group can be defined for a particular manufacturer's product line for dresses. You can define an Item SKU Group for dress size. For example, the Item SKU Group 001 could be set up for dresses and can list the sizes in which these dresses are available ( 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, regular and petite).

SKU Generator

The SKU Generator is used to create an array of SKUs for an item automatically. Once you define the item and the SKU group, run the SKU generator option to automatically build all the SKU records.

When generating SKUs for an item, you can accept the defaults as defined in the SKU Groups or you can add or subtract individual SKUs.

See Using the SKU Generator (ESKG).

Note: Before you can work with SKUs, you must create the SKU information on the system. You can also create SKUs by pressing F6 at the Work with SKUs Screen.