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SKU selection

The operator identifies an SKU — the combination of product, product features (if tracked), lot (if tracked), and pack type — by scanning a barcode or by picking it manually from a list. Required attributes depend on the product configuration. How SKU selection works.

What an SKU is​

An SKU is the specific unit of inventory the warehouse receives, moves, and ships. It is made up of four parts:

  • Product — the primary identifier of the item (article).
  • Product features — extra attributes that affect inventory accounting (for example size, colour, grade). Required only if the product is configured to track them.
  • Lot — the batch or series of the product with a specific production date and shelf life. Whether a lot is asked for at all — and in which operations (receiving, shipping, or both) — comes from the product's lot-tracking policy: for some goods the lot is mandatory everywhere, for others it is reference information only.
  • Pack type — how the product is counted or moved (piece, pack, case, pallet). The same product can have several pack types with fixed ratios between them.

If a product does not track features or lots, those fields are not requested — the system knows from the product configuration and does not ask the operator.

Method 1 — scanning a barcode​

This is the primary path in day-to-day work. A single scan usually identifies the SKU on its own:

  • A product barcode is usually tied to a specific pack type — a barcode on a pack means "pack", a barcode on a pallet means "pallet". A code with no pack type bound asks for one explicitly (see Collisions).
  • If the product tracks features, the barcode encodes the feature value (or the choice is confirmed automatically from the context of the operation — for example from expected lines in the receipt).
  • A lot can be encoded in the barcode (typically for shelf-life-sensitive products) or inferred from context.

If the scan does not cover every required field, the system asks the operator for the missing piece — for example it opens lot selection if the barcode does not carry the lot and lot tracking is enabled.

Method 2 — picking from a list​

When a barcode is not available (damaged, missing, unreadable) or when the operator needs to choose a specific variation explicitly, the selection is manual:

  • Open product search and filter by article, name, or a partial scan.
  • If needed, pick the feature and lot from the suggested values. The system shows variations that are present in stock and relevant to the current operation.
  • Confirm the pack type — the most likely one is suggested by default (typically the one normally used for this operation), but the operator can change it.

Manual selection is a fallback, not the primary path. If operators rely on it often, the barcode setup or the product configuration probably needs a review.

Collisions and ambiguity​

  • One barcode — several SKUs. If a barcode covers several products or pack types, the system shows the list of options and asks the operator to pick one.
  • Several lots in stock. If the barcode does not carry a lot and lot tracking is enabled, the system offers the available lots — for shelf-life-tracked goods sorted by priority (FEFO — by earliest expiry).
  • Pack type not specified. If the scan resolves but no pack type is tied to it, the operator has to choose one explicitly. Without it, the fact is not stored.
  • Unknown product. If the barcode is not in the catalogue, the system reports it and does not let the operator continue. The operator has to contact the shift supervisor or the team responsible for the catalogue.