Naming strategy

Naming parts in your inventory might seem straightforward, but without a clear approach, things get messy fast. A naming strategy, or maybe "naming formula" is a better term, keeps your team aligned and your inventory clean.

The most common mistake teams make without one? Creating duplicates or using vague item names that leave everyone guessing what they're actually looking at. This usually happens when there's no shared terminology within the team. Different people use different keywords to describe the same thing, and confusion follows.

This matters more than you might think. SKUs need to be unique. They're shared with suppliers, often built into automated processes, and not easily changed. Duplicates in your inventory aren't just annoying, they're a real business risk.

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The formula we recommend
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Structure your part names like this:

[What it is] × [Variant] × [Size] × [Variant 2] × [Color] × [Brand]

Not every field needs to be used every time. Stop adding details once the item is clearly identifiable, keep it as short and unique as possible.

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For a bicycle manufacturer like Raamwerk, that might look like:

• Frame Disc XS Parallel Gen 2 Bright Blue
• Inner tube 700c 42mm Tubolito

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Getting started‍

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Two things to set up with your team:

1. Create a terminology list with clear, simple terms. This also helps new employees get up to speed quickly.
2. Implement and stick to your naming formula.

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A good naming strategy keeps your inventory understandable for everyone and helps you avoid the duplicate trap.

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