What Are the Most Important Differences in Comparing SKU vs UPC?
Written by Dan Blank
Aug 1, 2022
Topic: Asset Tracking
2 min read
If you’re new to barcodes and product identification codes, you may hear the terms “SKU,” “UPC,” or even the redundant “UPC code,” and you might hear them used interchangeably. While these two types of codes have several things in common, they’re actually quite different—and they’re not simply interchangeable.
What is a SKU and How is it Used?
SKU is short for “stock-keeping unit,” and SKUs are essentially internally generated and used. So they’re not licensed or managed by any standards-maintaining organization. At the same time, there’s no cost to create or protect one—but managing a system of SKUs can require time, effort, and tools.
What is a UPC Different From a SKU?
A Universal Product Code (UPC), or UPC barcode, is a type of Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which makes items trackable through the global supply chain. A UPC is a standardized, 12-digit, numeric-only code. Manufacturers can purchase and license UPCs from GS1.
Side-by-Side Comparison: How to Tell a SKU from a UPC
- SKU UPC
Unique inside the organization Universally unique
Follows a code/pattern determined by the business Follows code set by GS1 to ensure global interoperability and consistency
Can represent item information such as color, size, manufacturer, date Digits represent manufacturer, product type, unique product, check digit
Alphanumeric, can be any length 12 digits, numeric only
Printed as alphanumeric or as barcode Always printed as scannable barcode
Inspect the code further, you can create the barcode graphic you need for SKUs and UPCs just by providing your barcode symbology and data.
Source:
- What Are the Most Important Differences in Comparing SKU vs UPC?
- What is a UPC Different From a SKU?
