Definition
A SKU (stock keeping unit) is your internal identifier for one product variant you buy, store and sell. It is not the same as a barcode, ASIN or listing title. Good SKUs stay stable when channels rename listings, so forecasts and purchase orders keep matching the same item.
Worked example
You sell a blue and a red mug. Each colour is its own SKU (MUG-BLU, MUG-RED) even if both share one product page on Shopify. Forecasts, safety stock and POs run per SKU.
Why it matters for replenishment
Reorder points, days of cover and MOQs only work if every variant has a stable identity. Mixed SKUs hide stockouts until a channel is already empty.
How OmniRestock uses this
OmniRestock forecasts and suggests reorders per SKU across connected channels and warehouses. One supplier is set per product for draft POs.