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What is a variant code / SKU?

Learn about variant codes / SKUs and how they are used to track individual product variants.

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated over a month 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.

What is a Variant?

A variant represents a specific version of a product or material, distinguished by attributes such as size, color, or configuration. Variants are used to track and manage different types of the same item, ensuring precise inventory control and easy navigation.

If you haven't enabled multiple variants for an item, the product or material is considered to have a single variant.


Purpose of variant codes / SKUs

Assigning unique variant codes / SKUs helps in:

  • Efficient inventory management: Distinguishing between different versions of a product, such as size or color variations.

  • Streamlined operations: Facilitating quick identification and categorization of products and materials.

  • Accurate tracking: Ensuring precise inventory control and easy navigation.

You can create your own code structure to quickly identify and categorize products and materials. A variant code is usually a human-readable letter-and-number code that reveals the item's details, such as color, size, style, etc.


Examples of variant codes

  • Simple codes: For different models of chairs that a factory can produce, product codes might just be C01, C02, C03, and so on.

  • Descriptive codes: A white table with black legs and a height of 70cm might have a variant code of TBL-WH-BL-70.


Managing variant codes in Katana

You can create, edit, and delete variant codes / SKUs to effectively manage individual product variations. By assigning unique variant codes / SKUs, businesses can track inventory more accurately and distinguish between different product sizes, colors, and other attributes.

Importing variant codes

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

Read more about variant codes in our blog.


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