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SKU
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A worker in a red shirt uses a handheld barcode scanner to scan a barcode label on a white package.
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In full:
stock keeping unit
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scanning an SKU code
scanning an SKU code SKU (stock keeping unit) codes, which are found on almost all retail products, enable quick scanning by lasers for price and updating of the seller's inventory.

SKU

inventory
Also known as: stock keeping unit
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History

SKU, a code number, typically used as a machine-readable bar code, assigned to a single item of inventory. As part of a system for inventory control, the SKU represents the smallest unit of a product that can be sold from inventory, purchased, or added to inventory. Applied to wholesale, retail, or production operations, the SKU can assist in monitoring transactions, tracking customer spending patterns, controlling inventory and purchasing, and providing information about pricing. (See also UPC.)

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.