A Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a scannable barcode with characters attached to a product used for inventory identification and tracking. A SKU also indicates the pricing, product and manufacturer information for a product. Within a warehouse, effective SKU management can speed up delivery and control costs. By properly placing and managing SKUs, manufacturers and suppliers can maximize the number of picks an associate can accommodate, increase agility within the supply chain and decrease inventory cost.
Penske Logistics
Solutions
Search
X
ClearChain
®
Technology Suite
Streamline supply chain complexities for optimal network efficiency.
ClearChain
®
Control
Take your supply chain to the next level with end-to-end visibility, orchestration and control.
Secure Your Data
Our data security solutions monitor systems, information and those who access and view data.
Increase Your Visibility
Our technology suite allows users to know what is happening at the touch of a button.
Improve Efficiency
Drive efficiency, increase sustainability, optimize the supply chain and reduce your risks.
Automotive
Our years of experience prepared us for managing the logistics required for the changing automotive industry.
Chemical
Penske has a background of improving supply chain efficiency for leading chemical, paint and agricultural products companies.
Consumer Products
Allow us to enhance your consumer products supply chain through efficient, cost-effective solutions that give you more visibility.
Food and Beverage
We offer a range of services to transport your products from farm to market, to arrive safely, quickly, and fresh through specialized systems, transportation, and warehouses.
Healthcare and Medical Supplies
We know it's critical for you to have visibility into the safe and timely distribution of healthcare products, medical supplies, and medical devices.
Technology and Electronics
Custom solutions for global supply chains, delivering parts and products through agile distribution and transportation solutions.
Industrial
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
We create solutions to support manufacturing and manage your inventory across global networks, all while reducing costs and driving efficiency.
Paper and Packaging
Penske can help identify and trim logistics and transportation costs while retaining superior service and on-time delivery.
Retail
From big box to convenience stores, we serve the delivery and supply chain needs of leading major retailers.
Resource Library
Explore a diverse range of articles, case studies, e-books, industry reports, and news from our logistics experts.
Logistics Industry Reports
These reports are widely used by supply chain and logistics professionals as the benchmark for U.S. logistics activity.
Case Studies
Review our supply chain management case studies to see how we've helped major corporations overcome logistics challenges.
Logistics Glossary
Find the most up-to-date definitions for Penske Logistics terminology.
Leadership Team
Learn about the leaders of Penske Logistics, a global logistics solutions provider. Explore their backgrounds, roles, and insights into the industry.
Global Reach
Penske is a large global logistics solutions and services providers, offering local management to meet your needs.
Environmental Sustainability
As a leader in transportation and logistics, we recognize our environmental responsibility to provide sustainable logistics solutions.
Press Releases
Discover our achievements, including expansions, improvements, and partnerships. Explore press releases from Penske Logistics.
News and Stories
Stay informed about key industry news and Penske Logistics updates through our blog posts.
Awards
Our partners and industry organizations have recognized us for providing outstanding logistics services.
Request Information
Call 1-800-529-6531
Give us a call or send us a message. We want to hear from you.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Let's begin a dialogue. Send your requirements and a Penske representative will contact you.
Become a Carrier
Develop a partnership with Penske. Our agents are ready to go to work for you.
Join Our Team
Advance your career with an organization committed to integrity and innovation.
sku management Articles
With so many new parts entering the automotive space each year, the number of stock keeping units (SKU) continues to compound. By properly placing and managing SKUs within the walls of a warehouse, manufacturers and suppliers can maximize the number of picks an associate can accommodate, increase agility within the supply chain and decrease inventory cost.
Yet each new SKU brings increased complexity and a risk for errors. SKU proliferation also creates transportation challenges, because businesses are unable to draw on history to predict a new part's movement.
To help manufacturers and suppliers speed deliveries, manage inventories and control costs, Penske Logistics takes a multipronged approach to SKU management. Penske's engineers share their customers' main goal – to move parts from receipt to final pick with the least amount of labor possible. They use their knowledge to assess warehouse capacity and determine whether parts will be picked by the case or individually.
Match Slotting Patterns With SKU Velocity
Within the warehouse, velocity matters. That's why Penske's engineers constantly review SKU velocity, then re-engineer the warehouse to match demand. This often means placing high-velocity pick items as close to the door and as tight as possible to increase efficiency.
Slotting patterns often change as demand shifts, such as during peak production periods of certain makes and models, during promotional periods, or during surges in demand. To stay ahead, a trusted partner must communicate with its customers so it understands when and how SKUs change.
With its ClearChain® technology suite, Penske provides detailed information on each part as it moves through the supply chain, including inbound deliveries. This keeps inventory in place as needed.
"We work with our customers to manage SKUs, and it is one of the most difficult tasks that many manufacturers have."
—Chirag Patel, senior vice president of logistics technology for Penske Logistics
Get Ahead of SKU Changes
When vehicle makes and models change, so do SKUs. The proliferation of SKUs and the rapid change of pace means today's warehouses must be nimble. SKU changes also impact capacity within the warehouse's four walls, and locations can run out of room as SKU counts increase.
Penske Logistics works closely with its customers to understand when and how SKUs will change, and then determine how to best manage them. This increased level of visibility and planning can ensure SKUs get slotted to maximize efficiency.
Close monitoring of SKUs also helps in the event of a recall, because warehouse managers will know the exact location of recalled items and can pull them before they reach the transportation network.
"We work with our customers to ensure we can handle the volume and to make sure parts gets where they need to go."
—Chirag Patel
Meet Fulfillment Requirements
Penske's ClearChain technology provides a high-level and detailed view of every movement within the supply chain. This enhances Penske's ability to manage SKUs and ensures each item is slotted for maximum efficiency. Production lines rely on the seamless flow of goods, and even minutes count. Penske Logistics helps shippers meet fulfillment requirements while ensuring load accuracy and on-time delivery.
[Read more...]Show less
Loading posts...
Customer Service
Our Businesses
Penske Resources
© 2026 Penske. All Rights Reserved.