How SKU code can optimize postage logistics

Managing logistics centers can be a difficult task, especially if the space is responsible for storing a large volume of products. In this case, one of the most complicated tasks is to send the items to the final consumer quickly and efficiently.

In order for all the details to be in order, it is often necessary to create a postage logistics according to each company’s specifications.

She will be responsible for picking up and delivering products to customers, ensuring that everything is in order and that actions remain centralized in a single team.

Post logistics is also associated with minimizing errors in companies from the most varied sectors. With fewer errors, there is a greater probability that customers will be satisfied with the items and services, consequently recommending the company or becoming loyal.

However, this is only possible if the postage logistics are supported by a system that guarantees maximum control over the stock and allows the team involved to monitor everything that happens in the logistics center. And this is where the SKU code becomes indispensable.

What is the SKU code?

The so-called SKU code is an acronym that comes from the English term: Stock Keeping Unit , which means Stock Maintenance Unit. This is a code applied to each product in a stock and is used to identify and classify it.

With this, we can consider that the SKU guarantees the control of the stock of a logistic center, helping in the organization of the same.

For this, the SKU consists of a sequence of alphanumeric characters strategically chosen according to the routine in the warehouse itself. The idea is for it to be a short code, never duplicated, so simple and replicable that it becomes a practical way to find a product.

That is, this is specific to each product, as it considers the characteristics of the stored object, and cannot be reused.

E.g. Pink Chair with wheels 1.50 VonMaster, could be coded as CAD887ROD150VM.

It is important to note that some terms are recurring in stock. These can be separately identified and included in product codes where necessary.

Ex.: Pink, in the previous example, can be seen in the code as 887, that is, whenever the color of a product is pink, it will have 887 in its SKU.

However, these codes can be organized according to the needs of each company and changed as necessary.

Benefits of incorporating the SKU

The implementation of the SKU is a reality in companies that need to bring more order to the stock without making it difficult to search for products. In general, it identifies and classifies according to size, color, shape and metrics.

It manages to establish a fundamental code for the entire logistics center. In this way, it is associated with standardization in the organization. Whenever there is a need for a certain item, it can be found in stock, not writing the full name, but looking for the code referring to the characteristics.

Thus, it allows the team to be attentive to the items with the highest output or stored for a long time. This helps in reordering priorities and changing activities and teams, all aimed at giving visibility to items and improving your sales.

Therefore, the use of the SKU is also a relevant factor in optimizing activities and results. Using the same code, it is possible to coordinate teams so that they are always “speaking the same language” and working towards the same goals.

Facilitated communication allows easy identification according to internal demands, as the code guarantees a specific classification corresponding to routine and needs. Consequently, location is facilitated, minimizing errors related to erroneous removal of products.

From the implementation, processes become more agile, also enabling the integration of complementary technologies that are associated with the SKU. The benefits of this are so many that there are software, especially those related to e-commerce, that require the insertion of a product code in the system. In this way, customers and partners can access whenever there is a need.

Therefore, it not only facilitates the management of goods, but also improves contact with the consumer, who is served satisfactorily, and optimizes internal operations with alternatives that reduce the execution time of common tasks and improve productivity.

The SKU in Post Logistics

In Mail Logistics, the SKU is even more crucial.

Locating, sorting and shipping products are activities that require a real task force to be carried out efficiently and the code facilitates its implementation even in large teams.

As it is associated with the organization of logistics centers, it guarantees the easy location of any item stored by any employee. Its strategically formatted code minimizes errors as it contains all the necessary information. In this way, it offers a hassle-free and agile process.

In many companies there is a conferencing system connected to the SKU. Whether manual or digital, this verification uses data provided by the code itself to identify whether or not it is the product sought, avoiding erroneous actions.

With fewer errors, customers are more satisfied with deliveries. This satisfaction can positively affect the RMA Logistics that do not need to manage returns and exchanges resulting from errors.

This is even more evident when considering the use of automation in postage logistics. By separating the products according to their characteristics, it is possible to establish a picking order that aims to maintain the integrity of the goods and determine faster forms of action.

With the combination of modules this is even more positive, with the ease of sectoring the process by sending items to different locations, either according to their characteristics or according to their destination. Consequently, the SKU ensures that automated systems achieve maximum benefit by delivering impressive results.

Águia Sistemas designs, develops and implements solutions in Automation, Robotization and Software Engineering in Material Handling, Storage, Separation and Consolidation. Its products are developed according to market trends to optimize the processes involved in achieving high performance in all formats of logistics centers and with the integration of systems such as SKUs that prioritize the search for improvements.

(The text above was written with information from the sites lotuslogistica.com, 1worldsync.com, ideris.com.br, blog.tagplus.com.br, automation.omron.com, www.nuvemshop.com.br and olist.com)

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