Customizing product SKUs: set your own SKU number format

Customizing product SKUs: set your own SKU number format

Every product in NexerIQ has a SKU (its unique item code). If you'd rather not invent a SKU for each new product, NexerIQ can generate them for you — SKU-000001, SKU-000002, and so on. And if your catalogue follows its own coding style, you can change the pattern to match. A live preview shows you exactly what the next SKU will look like before you save.

Where to find it

Open Settings → Inventory → General and look for the Numbering card. You'll see:

  • Template — the pattern used to build each SKU.
  • Start number — where the very first SKU starts (usually 1).
  • Next: — a live example of the next SKU as you type.

How the template works

A template is plain text with a {Counter} placeholder where the running number goes. Everything else is kept exactly as written. Add leading zeros with a width — {Counter:6} means "pad to 6 digits".

  • SKU-{Counter:6} → SKU-000001 (the default)
  • SKU{Counter:6} → SKU000001 (no dash — the separator is optional)
  • PRD-{Counter:5} → PRD-00001
  • {Year}-{Counter:5} → 2026-00001

Placeholders you can use

  • {Counter} — the running number; add a width for leading zeros, e.g. {Counter:4} → 0001.
  • {Year} — the current 4-digit year.
  • {Month} and {Day} — the current month and day.

The editor lists the full set, and the Next: preview updates live so you can see the result straight away.

What happens when you change the pattern

Changing the template only affects future products — SKUs already in your catalogue never change.

  • Renaming the fixed text (e.g. SKU- to ITM-) keeps the running count going; only the look changes.
  • Adding {Year} makes SKUs restart each year.
  • Use Start number to begin at a specific value when migrating from another catalogue.

Click Save once the preview looks right.

Letting NexerIQ fill it in

When you create a product, leave the SKU blank and NexerIQ assigns the next one automatically. Want a specific SKU instead? Type it in — your value is always used.

Tip: Always keep the {Counter} placeholder — it's what keeps every SKU unique. NexerIQ won't let you save a template without it.

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