Generating Unique Product SKUs
As an Inventory Specialist, I need to create unique Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) for new products. Each SKU must combine the product category, color, and size to ensure accurate tracking. Manually constructing these SKUs for hundreds of items is time-consuming and prone to transcription errors. I need an automated way to generate these codes consistently.
=CONCATENATE(A2,"-",B2,"-",C2) How it works: The CONCATENATE function is ideal for combining multiple product attributes (Category, Color, Size) into a single, unique SKU. By using hyphens ('-') as separators, the resulting SKU is both structured and readable, which is essential for efficient inventory management. This automation prevents manual errors and ensures consistency across all product identifiers, streamlining stock tracking and order fulfillment.
Data Setup
| Category | Color | Size |
|---|---|---|
| SHIRT | BLUE | M |
| PANTS | BLACK | L |
| SHOES | RED | 9 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Ensure your product data is organized with separate columns for Category, Color, and Size.
In a new column (e.g., D2), input the CONCATENATE function to combine these attributes.
To form an SKU like 'SHIRT-BLUE-M' from 'SHIRT' (A2), 'BLUE' (B2), and 'M' (C2), use: `=CONCATENATE(A2,"-",B2,"-",C2)`
Drag the fill handle down to apply the formula to all product rows, generating unique SKUs automatically.
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Pinpointing Product Location in Inventory
An inventory specialist needs to quickly find the exact row number of a specific product in a large inventory spreadsheet to update its stock level or details. Manually scanning thousands of rows is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with dynamic data.
Verifying Current Stock Levels for Orders
An inventory specialist needs to quickly check the current stock level of a specific item before placing a new order or confirming availability for a customer. Manual checks are slow and prone to errors, especially with a large inventory, potentially leading to overstocking or stockouts.