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Create, edit, and delete variant codes / SKUs

Create, edit, or delete variant codes / SKUs to manage and track individual product variations efficiently.

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated over a week ago

In Katana, a variant Code or SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique identifier assigned to each specific version of a product or material. These codes are essential for accurately tracking inventory, managing product variations, and streamlining operations.


Creating, editing, and deleting variant codes / SKUs

You can manage variant codes / SKUs directly from the product or material card:

  1. Access the Item card:

    Shows where to find items in the Items screen

    • Navigate to the Items screen.

    • Select the desired product or material to open its item card.

  2. Locate the variant code / SKU field:

    Highlights the variant code / SKU column on a product card

    • Find the Variant code / SKU column in the variants table at the bottom of the item card.

  3. Create or edit a variant code / SKU:

    Variant code / SKU field on a product card
    • Click on the field corresponding to the variant you wish to modify.

    • Enter a new code or edit the existing one.

    • Changes are saved automatically.

  4. Delete a variant code / SKU:

    • To remove a variant code, simply clear the content of the field.

    • The system will save the change automatically, leaving the variant without a code.

Note: Assigning unique variant codes / SKUs helps in distinguishing between different versions of a product, such as size or color variations.


Bulk editing variant codes / SKUs

For managing multiple variant codes / SKUs simultaneously, Katana offers a bulk import feature:

Shows where to find the download/upload templates for products and materials
  1. Export existing data:

    • Navigate to Settings > Data import.

    • Download the existing product or material data as a spreadsheet.

  2. Modify variant codes / SKUs:

    • Open the spreadsheet and locate the variant code / SKU column.

    • Edit the code as needed for each variant.

  3. Import updated data:

    • Save the spreadsheet.

    • Return to Settings > Data import and upload the updated file.

Note: When importing products and variants into Katana, the system matches existing items by Variant code / SKU to avoid duplicating existing items.


Best practices for variant codes / SKUs

  • Consistency: Develop a standardized format for your variant codes to maintain uniformity across all products and materials.

  • Descriptive codes: Incorporate meaningful information into your codes, such as product type, color, or size, to facilitate easy identification.

  • Avoid special characters: Use alphanumeric characters and hyphens to prevent issues with system compatibility.

  • Document your structure: Keep a reference guide for your SKU structure to assist team members in understanding and maintaining the coding system.


Your feedback is invaluable. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything in Katana you'd like to see improved: [email protected]

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