What is a Semi-SKU and when should I use one?

Here's a guide for defining and leveraging intermediate components in manufacturing.

A Semi-SKU (semi-finished SKU) is a product that’s not yet ready for sale but is produced as part of the manufacturing process. It’s a partially completed component—used in one or more steps before the final product is assembled.

Using Semi-SKUs helps manufacturers break complex production into manageable stages and track the movement and inventory of intermediate goods.

What Is a Semi-SKU?

A Semi-SKU is typically created as the output of an in-house or outsourced process in a BOM. It represents something that’s not the final product but is required before the end SKU can be completed. Semi-SKUs:

Have their own SKUs
Can be tracked in inventory
May appear in multiple BOMs
Are not customer-facing products

For example, if you're producing a ring, you might first mold the base (Semi-SKU), polish it, and then add stones in a later step. The molded base would be your Semi-SKU.

Why Use Semi-SKUs?

Clarity: Breaks manufacturing into clear, logical steps
Inventory Tracking: Lets you monitor progress and stock of intermediate goods
Reusability: Semi-SKUs can be shared across multiple final products
Process Control: Helps isolate issues in specific stages of production

How to Use Them in DigitBridge

In the Processes tab of a BOM, when defining a production step (either in-house or outsourced), enter a Semi-SKU to indicate that the result of this step is a semi-finished item. This Semi-SKU will then:

Be tracked in the Semi-Warehouse
Appear in WIP jobs using that BOM
Flow into your raw materials and yield tracking

Tip: Semi-SKUs often sit between raw materials and finished goods—critical for multi-stage production workflows.