How do you create and use a product reference effectively?

In the world of modern commerce and especially e-commerce, effective product management is essential for success. One of the keys to this management is the use of product reference.

But what is a product reference, how do you create one, and why is it so important? This article explores these questions and offers practical tips for creating and managing product references.

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What is a product reference?

A product reference is a unique code assigned to each product in an inventory. It makes it easy to distinguish one product from others, thus facilitating stock managementS, the sales tracking and the optimization of logistic processes.

The different types of product references

• SKU (stock keeping unit): The SKU is a unique code used mainly for inventory management. It allows products to be monitored individually.
• UPC (universal product code): lUPC is a universal bar code used primarily in North America to identify products at points of sale.
• EAN (european article number): lEAN is similar to UPC, but is used internationally, and mainly In Europe.
• ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): The asin is a unique code used by amazon to identify products on its platform.

Where can I find a product reference?

Product references can be found in several ways:

• Search online : use search engines to find references. By entering the product name followed by “product reference”, you can often find detailed information about the product code.
• Business databases : consult internal or supplier databases. Businesses often have catalogues Or inventory management systems where product references are listed.
• E-commerce sites : on platforms like Amazon, eBay or other online sales sites, each product is usually accompanied by a specific reference, often in SKU (stock keeping unit) or ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) format. By checking the product details on these sites, you can find the exact reference.

The advantages of a product reference

There are many benefits to using product references.

They allow a better organization of inventories, facilitate product tracking and improve operational efficiency.

In addition, they help to reduce errors and optimize the supply chain.

Focus on e-commerce

In the ecommerce, product references are important for product tracking, inventory management, and improvingcustomer experience.

They allow quick and accurate identification of products, thus facilitating purchases and deliveries.

Focus on logistics

Product references play a key role in optimizing the supply chain.

They make it possible to reduce the delivery errors and to improve logistical efficiency by facilitating the monitoring and management of stocks.

How do I create and manage a product reference?

The creation

Creating an effective product reference requires following a few simple steps:

• Analyzing needs : understand the types of products and their variants.
• Choose a format : decide what type of reference to use (sku, upc, ean, etc.).
• Create unique codes: use tools or software to generate unique codes.
• Documenting referencess: maintain an up-to-date reference database.

Mistakes to avoid when creating

Common cases

Some common mistakes include usingNo non-standardized codes, the duplication of references and the poor code documentation.

Solutions

To avoid these mistakes, it is important to:

• Use standardized code formats
• Maintain a up to date database and well organized thanks to the solutions PIM (Product Information Management)
• Train staff on the importance and correct use of product references

Integration

Introduction to ERP integration systems

The systems ERP (enterprise resource planning) allow you to centralize and manage all of a company's information, including product references. These systems integrate various functional modules, such as:

• Inventory Management : monitoring stock levels, managing warehouses and optimizing restocking
• Purchasing Management : processing supplier orders, managing relationships with suppliers and tracking deliveries
• Sales Management : processing customer orders, managing invoices and monitoring payments
• Production management : production planning, operations monitoring and resource management
• Financial Management : monitoring financial transactions, managing budgets and analysing financial performance

By integrating product references into an ERP system, businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and get a real-time overview of their operations.

Procedure for integrating product sheets

To integrate product references into an ERP system, it is essential to:

• Choose a compatible ERP system : ensure compatibility with the types of references used.
• Importing data : load product references into the system.
• Configure settings : adjust system parameters to optimize the use of product references.

Useful tools for managing product references

There are several tools and software available to help manage product references, such as:

• Inventory management software : like TradeGecko or Odoo
• Mobile applications : for tracking and managing inventory on the go
• Product Information Management (PIM) solutions : to centralize and manage all product information, thus ensuring data consistency and accuracy
• Master Data Management (MDM) solutions): to manage and harmonize reference data across the organization, guaranteeing their quality and reliability

What is the future for product referencing?

The future of product references seems promising with the emergence of new technologies such as Blockchain And theIoT (internet of things)), which offer even more effective ways to manage and track products.

With the continuous evolution of e-commerce in BtoB and logistics, product references will become even more essential to ensure optimal management of inventories and supply chains internationally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the product reference is crucial for the effective management of stocks and logistics processes. They offer numerous benefits, from reducing errors to improving the customer experience.

By following best practices and using the appropriate tools, businesses can optimize their use of product references to achieve sustainable success.

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FAQS

What is a product reference?

A product reference is a unique code assigned to a product to distinguish it from others in an inventory.

Why is it important to manage product references well?

Good management of product references reduces errors, improves operational efficiency and facilitates inventory tracking.

How do I choose the right type of product reference?

The choice depends on the specific needs of the business and the type of products managed. Options include SKU, UPC, EAN, and ASIN.

What tools can help manage product references?

Inventory management software like TradeGecko and Odoo, as well as mobile applications, can be very useful.

What is the difference between SKU, UPC, and EAN?

The SKU is used for internal inventory management, the UPC is a universal barcode in North America, and the EAN is an international barcode used primarily in Europe.