SKUset

SKUset is a concept used in retail and e-commerce to define a collection of stock keeping units that are treated as a coherent group for purposes such as bundles, assortments, or catalog segments. Each SKU in the set represents a distinct product variant, and the set as a whole defines how these variants are offered together, how inventory is tracked, and how pricing is applied.

A SKUset may indicate a bundle or a curated assortment. It typically includes a set identifier, a list of member SKUs with quantities, a bundle price or pricing rules, and metadata such as validity dates, regional availability, and status. In procurement and fulfillment, a SKUset is used to drive bundle picking, replenishment, and order capture, ensuring items in the set are allocated together or constrained to be sold as a unit.

Data representation: stored in product information management or ERP systems as a relation between the set and its items, sometimes with a separate BOM-like structure. The primary SKU is often the bundle or the leading item, with constituent SKUs defined as components. Changes to a SKUset typically require versioning and can impact reporting, promotions, and stock levels.

Use cases include meal kits consisting of several SKUs, seasonal gift sets, and curated online assortments. Benefits include simplified ordering, promotional efficiency, and clearer inventory planning, while challenges include maintaining consistency, avoiding SKU duplication, and handling price and availability conflicts.

See also: SKU, product bundle, assortment planning, catalog management.