Efficient Inventory Tracking for Successful E-commerce

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are SKUs?
3. Why are SKUs important for tracking inventory?
4. Creating SKUs for base products
   1. Assigning a SKU to a base product
5. Creating SKUs for products with variants
   1. Applying option sets
   2. Manually creating SKUs
   3. Using the SKU generator
6. Assigning attributes to variants
7. Omni-channel integrations and SKU attributes
8. Tracking inventory by product options
9. Setting up inventory tracking
10. Managing inventory settings
11. Conclusion

How to Create SKUs and Track Inventory for Products with Variants

In this article, we will discuss the process of creating SKUs (stock keeping units) and tracking inventory for products with variants. SKUs are alphanumeric codes that allow businesses to track inventory for different options of a product. Whether you have a base product or products with variants, SKUs play a crucial role in efficient inventory management.

1. Introduction

Inventory tracking is an essential aspect of running a successful e-commerce business. It ensures that you have the right amount of stock available to meet customer demands and avoid stockouts. SKUs provide a structured and organized way to track inventory for products and their variants. By assigning unique SKUs to each option combination, businesses can easily identify and manage their inventory.

2. What are SKUs?

SKUs, or stock keeping units, are alphanumeric codes that businesses assign to variants of a product. Each SKU represents a specific combination of options, such as size, color, or material. By assigning a unique SKU to each variant, businesses can easily track and manage inventory levels for different options.

3. Why are SKUs important for tracking inventory?

SKUs are essential for tracking inventory because they provide businesses with detailed information about their stock levels. With SKUs, businesses can easily identify which variants are selling well and which ones need restocking. SKUs also help in accurately fulfilling customer orders by ensuring that the right variant is selected from the inventory.

4. Creating SKUs for base products

If you have a base product without any variants, you can still assign a SKU to track its inventory. Here's how you can create a SKU for a base product:

4.1 Assigning a SKU to a base product

To assign a SKU to a base product, you need to access the "Products" section in the Control Panel. Once you locate the product, click on it to edit it. In the editing window, find the field for SKU and enter a unique SKU code. It is recommended to create a SKU that includes important product information and is easily understandable. Once you are done, save and close the edit window.

5. Creating SKUs for products with variants

If your product has variants, such as different sizes or colors, you need to create SKUs for each option combination. Here's how you can create SKUs for products with variants:

5.1 Applying option sets

Before creating SKUs for variants, you must apply an option set to the product. This option set defines the available options for the product, such as size and color. Once the option set is applied, you can proceed to create SKUs.

5.2 Manually creating SKUs

To manually create SKUs, go to the Options & SKUs tab of the product editing window. Here, you can generate SKUs for each option combination or create them manually by selecting the option values and assigning attributes. For example, you can specify the price, image, and weight differences for each variant. Any fields left blank will be pulled from the base product. Save and close the edit window when you are finished creating SKUs.

5.3 Using the SKU generator

Alternatively, you can use the SKU generator tool provided by BigCommerce. The SKU generator calculates and assigns SKUs based on the product's options. You can customize the settings to generate SKUs with relevant information for your business needs. The SKU generator works for options like color, size, multiple choice, swatch, and product list. Make sure all options are marked as required for the SKU generator to work effectively.

6. Assigning attributes to variants

When creating SKUs for variants, you have the option to assign attributes such as price, image, and weight differences. These attributes will be seen as the new base attribute before any rules or discounts are applied. It is important to specify these attributes on a SKU level, especially if you plan to use omni-channel integrations like eBay and Amazon.

7. Omni-channel integrations and SKU attributes

If you sell or plan to sell your products on platforms like eBay and Amazon, it is crucial to add SKU attributes on a SKU level instead of relying on product option rules. Product option rules cannot be exported to other marketplaces. By adding SKU attributes on a SKU level, you ensure accurate product information is displayed on different marketplaces.

8. Tracking inventory by product options

One of the advantages of using SKUs is the ability to track inventory by product options. This means you can monitor stock levels for each variant and have a clear understanding of which options are in high demand. By tracking inventory by product options, you can make informed restocking decisions and avoid stockouts.

9. Setting up inventory tracking

To set up inventory tracking, go to the Inventory tab in the product editing window. You have the option to track inventory for a product with or without options. If you have created SKUs for variants, select the option to track inventory on the individual variants. You can then input the stock levels for each variant either in the Options & SKUs tab or the inventory fields next to the product image. It is recommended to set a low stock level to receive email alerts when inventory reaches a certain threshold.

10. Managing inventory settings

Managing inventory settings is important to ensure smooth inventory management. BigCommerce provides advanced settings menu where you can adjust options like handling out-of-stock products, automatically adjusting stock levels, and displaying stock levels on your product page. You can also set up email notifications for low stock and out of stock situations, allowing you to plan your inventory effectively.

11. Conclusion

Tracking inventory for products with variants can be a complex task, but with the use of SKUs, it becomes more manageable and efficient. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create SKUs for your products, assign attributes to variants, track inventory, and manage inventory settings. Effective inventory management plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and the success of your e-commerce business.

Highlights

• SKUs (stock keeping units) are alphanumeric codes used to track inventory for products and their variants.
• SKUs are important for identifying and managing stock levels, making restocking decisions, and fulfilling customer orders accurately.
• SKUs can be manually created or generated using BigCommerce's SKU generator tool.
• Assigning attributes to variants on a SKU level is recommended, especially for omni-channel integrations.
• Tracking inventory by product options helps in monitoring stock levels for different options and making informed restocking decisions.
• Properly managing inventory settings, such as handling out-of-stock products and setting up email notifications, is crucial for efficient inventory management.

FAQ

Q: What are SKUs?

A: SKUs, or stock keeping units, are alphanumeric codes used to track inventory for products and their variants.

Q: How do I create SKUs for base products?

A: To create SKUs for base products, you need to assign a unique SKU code to the product in the editing window.

Q: Can I use the SKU generator for all types of options?

A: The SKU generator works for color, size, multiple choice, swatch, and product list options. All options must be marked as required for the SKU generator to work effectively.

Q: Why is it important to assign attributes to variants on a SKU level?

A: Assigning attributes to variants on a SKU level ensures accurate product information is displayed on different marketplaces, especially when using omni-channel integrations.

Q: How can I set up inventory tracking?

A: You can set up inventory tracking by inputting stock levels for each variant either in the Options & SKUs tab or the inventory fields next to the product image.

Q: What are the recommended inventory management settings?

A: It is recommended to adjust inventory management settings such as handling out-of-stock products, automatically adjusting stock levels, and displaying stock levels on your product page for efficient inventory management.