Solution for hidden SKU and BARCODE field in create product in admin

Productivity
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1

I am loosing my mind. We have multiple people adding products to the shop. But with the update a while back that makes the SKU and BARCODE field and dropdown menu (hidden by default), we are constantly adding products withhout these two fields.

Why on earth have they hidden this? And whats the solution?

This is a serious design flaw and why cant we just have a reminder to fill these fields?

Is there a place to make these fields mandatory?

Thank you!

2

Hi @bjornbjornbjorn ,
Why it’s hidden: Shopify collapsed SKU/Barcode behind the “This product has a SKU or barcode” checkbox (under Inventory on the product page) to simplify the form. There’s currently no setting to make these fields mandatory.

Best fix - set up a Shopify Flow alert (free on all plans):

  • Trigger: Product added to store
  • Condition: variant SKU is empty
  • Action: send an internal email/Slack alert or auto-tag the product missing-sku

To catch existing gaps: Products → select all → Bulk edit → add SKU/Barcode columns. Empty cells are easy to spot and fill.

3

Yeah, to “simply the form” they have created a need for a trap/flow/catch and extra work in the future, making things very simple (irony). lol.

4

Hi,

I can understand the frustration, especially when multiple team members are adding products regularly.

Have you looked into using Shopify Flow or a product management app to help enforce SKU requirements during product creation? I’m curious whether you’re managing a large catalogue or just trying to prevent data-entry mistakes as the team grows.

I’d be interested to hear what solution you eventually find.