> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tetherdata.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SKUs Overview

> Understanding and navigating the SKU dashboard in Tether

# SKUs Overview

SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) are the foundation of your product catalog in Tether. Each SKU represents a unique product variant that can be tracked, forecasted, and managed throughout your supply chain.

## What is a SKU?

A SKU is a unique identifier for a specific product. In Tether, SKUs contain:

* **Basic Information**: Name, code, UPC, and identifiers
* **Classification**: Type, collection, and status
* **Attributes**: Dimension values (Size, Color, etc.)
* **Relationships**: Suppliers, pricing, and bill of materials

## SKU Types

Tether supports six SKU types to model your product structure:

| Type               | Description                                                                  | Example                                       |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Finished Good**  | Products sold directly to customers                                          | "Blue T-Shirt, Size M"                        |
| **Variant**        | Product variations generated from dimension combinations                     | "T-Shirt - Blue - Medium"                     |
| **Component**      | Items purchased and used in other products (raw materials, packaging, parts) | "Cotton Fabric", "Shipping Box", "Button Set" |
| **Bundle**         | A group of SKUs physically assembled and sold together                       | "Gift Set"                                    |
| **Kit**            | Products assembled from components at fulfillment time                       | "DIY Kit"                                     |
| **Virtual Bundle** | Logical grouping for pricing/promotions (not physically assembled)           | "Buy 2 Get 1 Free"                            |

<Note>
  **Component** is the type to use for all purchased items that go into other products, including raw materials, packaging materials, and parts.
</Note>

## The SKU Dashboard

The SKU dashboard is your central hub for managing products.

### Dashboard Layout

The dashboard consists of:

1. **Filter Panel** (left side) - Narrow down the SKU list
2. **Data Table** (center) - View and edit SKUs
3. **Actions Bar** (top) - Create SKUs, manage views, export data

### Key Columns

| Column         | Description                          |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Name**       | The display name of the SKU          |
| **SKU Code**   | Unique identifier code               |
| **UPC**        | Universal Product Code (barcode)     |
| **Amazon ID**  | Amazon ASIN or identifier            |
| **Type**       | SKU type classification              |
| **Collection** | Parent collection                    |
| **Status**     | Active or Archived                   |
| **Dimensions** | Attribute values (Size, Color, etc.) |

### Quick Actions

From the dashboard, you can:

* **Create SKU**: Add a new product manually
* **Export**: Download SKU data as CSV/Excel
* **Manage Views**: Save and load filter configurations
* **Inline Edit**: Click cells to edit directly

## Navigating to SKU Details

Click on any SKU row to open its detail page, where you can access:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Overview Tab" icon="info-circle">
    Basic SKU information, dimensions, and unit conversions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bill of Materials Tab" icon="sitemap">
    Components that make up this SKU and where this SKU is used
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inventory Tab" icon="boxes-stacked">
    View inventory levels across warehouses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricing Tab" icon="tag">
    Configure pricing by sales channel
  </Card>

  <Card title="Suppliers Tab" icon="truck">
    View supplier relationships and costs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Processes Tab" icon="gears">
    Manufacturing processes associated with this SKU
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## SKU Status

SKUs can have two statuses:

| Status       | Description                                        |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Active**   | SKU is in use and available for operations         |
| **Archived** | SKU is hidden from most views but data is retained |

<Info>
  Archiving a SKU doesn't delete any historical data. You can always restore an archived SKU if needed.
</Info>

## Understanding SKU Relationships

### SKUs and Collections

Every SKU belongs to a collection. Collections define:

* Shared dimensions (Size, Color, etc.)
* Product hierarchy
* Bulk settings and configurations

### SKUs and Channels

SKUs are made available on channels through availability settings. A SKU might be:

* Available on all channels
* Restricted to specific channels
* Channel-specific pricing

### SKUs and Warehouses

Inventory is tracked per SKU per warehouse. A single SKU can have inventory in multiple warehouses.

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Naming Conventions">
    Use consistent naming patterns:

    * Include key attributes: "Product Name - Size - Color"
    * Keep names concise but descriptive
    * Avoid special characters that might cause issues in exports
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="SKU Codes">
    Create meaningful SKU codes:

    * Use a consistent format across all products
    * Include category or collection indicators
    * Make codes human-readable when possible
    * Example: `TSH-BLU-M` for T-Shirt, Blue, Medium
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Using Types Effectively">
    Choose the right SKU type:

    * Use **Finished Good** for products you sell directly
    * Use **Variant** for dimension-based variations of a base product
    * Use **Component** for all purchased items used in other products (raw materials, packaging, parts)
    * Use **Bundle** when you physically assemble products together
    * Use **Kit** for products assembled at fulfillment time
    * Use **Virtual Bundle** for promotional groupings that aren't physically assembled
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating SKUs" icon="plus" href="/product-catalog/skus/creating-skus">
    Learn how to add new products to your catalog
  </Card>

  <Card title="Editing SKUs" icon="pen" href="/product-catalog/skus/editing-skus">
    Modify existing SKU information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Filtering SKUs" icon="filter" href="/product-catalog/skus/filtering">
    Find SKUs quickly with powerful filters
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collections" icon="folder" href="/product-catalog/collections/overview">
    Organize SKUs into collections
  </Card>
</CardGroup>