# SKU (stock keeping unit) > A retailer's internal code for one distinct product variant. Also known as: SKU, stock keeping unit. Category: E-commerce and workflow. A stock keeping unit (SKU) is an internal code a retailer or manufacturer assigns to each distinct product variant, for example one size and colour of a shirt. Product images are linked to products by SKU in shops, PIM and DAM systems. ## How PhotoRobot uses it PhotoRobot export feeds include the SKU of each item, and additional SKUs, for example a trading partner's codes, can be imported into a project later as extra variables. ## Related terms - [GTIN](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#gtin): GS1's globally unique product number behind EAN and UPC barcodes. - [Barcode](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/barcode): A machine-readable code on a product or label, scanned to identify items without typing. - [PIM (product information management)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/pim): A system that stores and distributes product data, such as descriptions and attributes, to all sales channels. - [Export feed](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/export-feed): A machine-readable XML or JSON list of items and image URLs that other systems read automatically. - [Shooting list](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/shooting-list): The list of items to be photographed in a project, usually imported from a spreadsheet. ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 19 pages. Most relevant: - [About PhotoRobot - Company History & Documentation](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/about-photorobot-company-history-documentation): …Touch: 2024 - Present (Controls features an iOS app to identify objects via QR code, SKU barcodes, or Universal Product Code. - [From Crop to Channel-Ready Delivery in PhotoRobot Editor](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/channel-ready-export): When one SKU often requires several crops and sizes, the resize function in the crop workflow keeps high-volume editing inside _Controls – where production already lives. - [What is Product Photography Automation?](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-product-photography-automation): Barcode scanners and automated naming conventions ensure image files are correctly associated with the appropriate product SKUs. - [Automate Sending Product Images with Integrated DAM Software](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/automate-sending-product-images): …call for customer-specific file naming conventions: branding, customer codes, product SKU, number, type, etc File types exist in various formats: jpg, tiff, gif Each customer demands a specified… - [Digital Asset Management for Large-Scale Manufacturers](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/digital-asset-management-for-manufacturers): The customer requires additional data for their digital assets: name, SKU, ID, timestamps, weights, dimensions, etc. - [eCommerce Photography - How to Optimize Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/ecommerce-photography): Assigning items to their virtual shelf requires only scanning the product’s SKU followed by scanning the shelf code. - [PhotoRobot FAQs](https://www.photorobot.com/faq): Variables may include, for example, an additional SKU to be added to fit later exports for a trading partner. - [Tracking Production Status in PhotoRobot Controls Workflows](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/tracking-production-status): To support key production events, there are configurable automatic transitions for: New items — start every SKU in the right bucket. - [Digital Asset Management](https://www.photorobot.com/software/management): Set properties such as: Name, ID, SKU, Status, Timestamp & more. - [Image Hosting With Spin Viewer](https://www.photorobot.com/software/image-hosting): Various properties are included, such as: Name, ID, SKU, Status, Timestamp.