Understanding Variations, SKUs, and Barcodes

What are Variations?

Variations are the product attributes that define different versions of a product. For example, "Size" and "Colour" are variations. Each variation has terms — the specific values like S, M, L, XL for Size, or Black, White, Red for Colour.

In WMS360, you create variations (attributes) first, then assign them to products. Each combination of terms becomes a separate product variation with its own SKU, barcode, stock level, and price.

Where to Find Variations

Go to Catalogue > Variations in the sidebar. The Variations page shows:

• Total Variations — how many attributes you have (e.g. Size, Colour, Design)
• Active — how many are currently in use
• Total Terms — total number of values across all variations

Each variation is displayed as a card showing the variation name, status (Active/Inactive), number of terms, and action icons.

How to Create a New Variation (Attribute)

Step 1: Open the Variations Page

Go to Catalogue > Variations in the sidebar.

Step 2: Add Variation

Click the + Add Variation button in the top right corner. Enter the variation name (e.g. "Material", "Style", "Pattern") and save.

Step 3: Add Terms to the Variation

Once the variation is created, it appears as a card on the page. Click the + icon on the card to add terms. For example, for a "Size" variation, add terms: S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

You can also:

• Click the eye icon to view all terms
• Click the pencil icon to edit the variation name
• Click the trash icon to delete the variation

How to Assign Variations to a Product

Once you have created your variations and terms:

1. Go to Catalogue > Active Catalogue
2. Open the product you want to add variations to
3. Click the MANAGE VARIATION button (blue button, top right of the product page)
4. Select which variation attributes to use (e.g. Size, Colour)
5. Choose the terms for each attribute
6. WMS360 generates all combinations automatically
7. Each combination gets its own row with SKU, EAN, prices, and stock fields

What is a SKU?

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique code you create to identify each variation. Best practice is to use a pattern like CATEGORY-COLOUR-SIZE. For example: TSH-BLK-M (T-Shirt, Black, Medium).

What is a Barcode / EAN?

A Barcode (usually EAN-13) is the 13-digit numeric code printed on product packaging. It is an industry-standard identifier used for scanning. Different from SKU — a barcode is external, a SKU is your internal code.