How can I automate SKU and Barcode creation effectively?

[Genejack9to5]

Hello guys,

I am trying to automate the creation of SKU (and barcode) fields of the product page. There seems to be only one app that will generate and fill in those 2 fields! however it has a fatal issue, it does not validate whether the code is existing i.e. it can create the same SKU for 2 different products.

Any suggestion or recommendations on how to maintain a proper automated record of SKUs (and barcodes)?

Thank you

[PaulNewton · Accepted solution]

Hello @Genejack9to5  SKU generators might not bother with dupe checking as some businesses can end up in a situation where duplicate skus are necessary, such as in product bundles , special pricing, etc.

An appless approach for simple SKU convention(logic or format) is to build the SKU generation inside spreadsheet software as formulas, or macros , then use the CSV import for managing product skus.

Usemechanic can be scripted to automate business specific SKU management. An additional upside with using an app like that is now you have an automation tool to leverage for other day to day processes. But you will often need to invest in custom scripting.

It does have some existing off the shelf scripts to make skus however

https://tasks.mechanic.dev/auto-generate-skus 

https://tasks.mechanic.dev/keep-skus-up-to-date-with-barcodes 

And a dupe sku finding script , so you could keep using the generator app but just check if any dupe/collisions get created

https://tasks.mechanic.dev/find-duplicate-skus 

If you need something specific made contact me by email with use-case so I have context.

paull.newton+shopifyforums@gmail.com 

[Genejack9to5]

Thank you so much @PaulNewton , that is amazing!

Cheers!