Introduction
Managing products effectively is critical to accurate inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and packaging operations. Shipsidekick's product management system provides comprehensive control over how your products are structured, related, and configured across your entire operation.
Whether you're working with complex assemblies, syncing inventory across multiple sales channels, or organizing product variants, this guide walks you through the core tools and workflows you'll use daily. You'll learn how to set up Bills of Materials, create SKU aliases to link products across platforms, manage variants, and use the Rule Builder to automate product-based decisions.
Core Concepts
What Are Bills of Materials (BOMs)?
A Bill of Materials defines the component hierarchy and assembly rules for a product. BOMs specify which sub-components or materials are required to create a finished product, and in what quantities. This is essential for accurate inventory allocation and fulfillment when you're assembling or bundling products.
What Are SKU Aliases?
SKU aliases allow you to link alternative product identifiers to a single product record. This is particularly useful when you sell the same product across multiple platforms (Shopify, Amazon, etc.) and each platform assigns a different SKU. Instead of managing duplicate product records, you create one primary product and add aliases for each platform's SKU.
What Are Variants?
Variants represent different configurations or versions of the same product—for example, a shirt available in sizes S, M, L, or colors red, blue, green. Each variant has its own SKU and can be managed independently for inventory purposes.
What Is Product Linking?
Product linking allows you to establish relationships between complementary or dependent products. This enables you to organize products logically and create rules based on product relationships.
Managing SKU Aliases
When to Use SKU Aliases
Use SKU aliases when:
You sell the same product on multiple platforms (Shopify, Amazon, etc.)
Each platform assigns a different SKU to the same product
You want to consolidate inventory management under one product record
You need to link orders from different channels to the same inventory
How to Add a SKU Alias
Step 1: Identify the primary product Go to the product that will serve as your main product record. This is the product you want all other SKUs to link to.
Step 2: Add the alias SKU
In the product details, add a SKU alias for the alternative identifier you want to link. For example, if your Shopify SKU is SHIRT-001 and your Amazon SKU is AMZN-SHIRT-001, you would add AMZN-SHIRT-001 as an alias to the product with primary SKU SHIRT-001.
Step 3: Manage primary SKU status If you have multiple variants and need to change which SKU is primary, make sure to turn off "Primary" on the old SKU before linking it to the desired one. This prevents confusion and ensures the system uses the correct SKU for allocation.
Step 4: Refresh orders After adding or updating SKU aliases, refresh your orders to ensure they're linked to the correct product and inventory is allocated properly.
Example: Linking Amazon SKUs to Shopify Products
Suppose you have a product on Shopify with SKU WIDGET-BLUE-M and the same product on Amazon with SKU B0ABC123XYZ.
Open the product record for
WIDGET-BLUE-Min ShipsidekickAdd a SKU alias:
B0ABC123XYZRefresh your orders
Orders from Amazon will now automatically link to your Shopify product, and inventory will be allocated from the same stock pool
Managing Variants
What Variants Are Used For
Variants allow you to track different configurations of the same product separately. Each variant has its own SKU and can have independent inventory levels.
Setting Up Variants as Linkable
Before you can link a variant to orders or use it in allocation rules, you must set it as linkable in your product configuration. This tells Shipsidekick that the variant is available for order fulfillment.
Step 1: Go to the product Open the product that contains the variant you want to make linkable.
Step 2: Mark the variant as linkable In the variant settings, enable the "linkable" option. This makes the variant available for linking to orders.
Step 3: Add SKU aliases if needed If this variant has alternative SKUs (from other sales channels), add them as aliases to the variant.
Example: Managing Shirt Sizes
You sell a shirt in sizes S, M, and L. Each size has a different SKU:
SHIRT-S(Small)SHIRT-M(Medium)SHIRT-L(Large)
Set up three variants in your product record, each with its own SKU. Mark all three as linkable. Now when orders come in, the system can allocate the correct size based on the SKU in the order.
Working with Bills of Materials (BOMs)
When to Use BOMs
Use BOMs when:
You assemble products from component parts
You bundle multiple items together
You need to track sub-component inventory separately from finished goods
You want to ensure all required components are available before fulfilling an order
Setting Up a BOM
A BOM defines which components are required to create a finished product and in what quantities.
Step 1: Create the parent product Set up the finished product (the item you sell to customers).
Step 2: Define components Add each component product to the BOM, specifying the quantity required. For example, a "Starter Kit" BOM might include:
1x Main Device
2x Batteries
1x User Manual
Step 3: Link component SKUs Ensure each component has a valid SKU so the system can track inventory correctly.
Important: SKU Changes and BOMs
When you change SKUs on Shopify for products that have BOMs, the system does not automatically update them. This is a safety measure to prevent errors in your assembly rules.
What happens:
You change a SKU on Shopify for a product with a BOM
Shipsidekick detects the change
Support will notify you of the SKU change
Support will ask for your confirmation that the BOM is still correct
Only after you confirm will the new SKUs be pulled into your BOM
What you should do:
Review the notification from support
Verify that your BOM rules still apply to the new SKU
Confirm with support that it's safe to update
Do not manually edit the BOM until support has confirmed the change
Example: Electronics Kit BOM
You sell a "Starter Electronics Kit" that includes:
1x Arduino Microcontroller (SKU:
ARDUINO-UNO)1x USB Cable (SKU:
USB-CABLE-A)1x Breadboard (SKU:
BREADBOARD-830)
Your BOM specifies these three components. When an order comes in for the kit, Shipsidekick checks that all three components are in stock before allocating the order. If any component is out of stock, the order cannot be fulfilled until inventory is replenished.
Product Linking
What Product Linking Does
Product linking establishes relationships between products, allowing you to organize them logically and create rules based on those relationships. Linked products can be used in the Rule Builder to create conditions and automation.
How to Link Products
Step 1: Open the primary product Go to the product you want to link from.
Step 2: Add linked products In the product linking section, add the products you want to relate to this one. You can link complementary products, dependencies, or variants.
Step 3: Use in rules Once products are linked, you can create rules in the Rule Builder that reference these relationships.
Example: Bundling Related Products
You sell a "Photography Bundle" that includes a camera, lens, and tripod. Link all three products together in your product record. Then create a rule that says: "If an order contains the Photography Bundle, automatically pack it with the lens and tripod in the same box."
Inventory Syncing Across Platforms
How Inventory Syncing Works
When you sync inventory between Shipsidekick and an ecommerce platform (like Shopify), the system updates inventory at the variant/SKU level, not at the parent product level. This ensures that only the specific variants you want to sync are updated.
Example:
You have a product "Shirt" with variants: Small, Medium, Large
Each variant has its own SKU
When you sync inventory, Shipsidekick updates the inventory count for each specific SKU in Shopify
The parent product "Shirt" inventory in Shopify is calculated from the sum of all variant inventories
This approach gives you precise control over which product configurations are available for sale on each platform.
Using the Rule Builder with Products
What the Rule Builder Does
The Rule Builder allows you to create conditions and automation based on product data. You can filter orders, create packaging rules, and automate decisions based on product fields.
Creating Product-Based Rules
Step 1: Open the Rule Builder Access the Rule Builder from your main application interface.
Step 2: Create a condition Set up a condition that targets product fields. For example:
task.order.tags.nameequals"fragile"Product is linked to a specific category
Order contains a product with a specific BOM
Step 3: Set operators and connectors
Use operators like equals to match specific values. Use AND/OR connectors to combine multiple conditions.
Step 4: Define actions Specify what should happen when the condition is met. For example:
Add a special packaging instruction
Route to a specific fulfillment location
Flag for quality review
Step 5: Save and activate Save your rule and activate it. The Rule Builder compiles it into executable logic that runs automatically.
Example: Fragile Product Handling
Create a rule that says: "If an order contains a product tagged as 'fragile', add a 'Handle with Care' label and pack it with extra padding."
Condition:
task.order.tags.nameequals"fragile"Action: Add packaging instruction "Use extra padding" and add label "Handle with Care"
Save and activate
Now every order with a fragile product automatically gets the correct handling instructions.
AI-Assisted Product Configuration
What AI-Assisted Configuration Does
Shipsidekick integrates AI into the packaging and product configuration workflow. You can use the packaging AI chat interface to get help configuring products, setting up BOMs, and creating rules.
How to Use AI for Product Setup
Step 1: Open the packaging chat interface Access the AI chat from your packaging or product management area.
Step 2: Describe your product setup Tell the AI about your product structure. For example: "I have a kit that includes three components: a main device, batteries, and a manual. How should I set up the BOM?"
Step 3: Provide product data The AI can access your product data as structured attachments, giving it context about your current setup.
Step 4: Follow recommendations The AI will provide recommendations for how to structure your products, set up BOMs, and create rules.
Step 5: Implement and test Apply the recommendations and test your setup with sample orders.
Example: Getting Help with a Complex BOM
You have a product with 15 components and you're not sure how to organize them in the BOM. You ask the AI: "I'm setting up a BOM for a computer kit with 15 components. Should I group them by category or list them all at the top level?" The AI reviews your product data and recommends a hierarchical structure that groups components by category, making it easier to manage and reducing the chance of errors.
Fixing Common Issues
Over-Allocated Orders When Linking Variants
Problem: You've linked a variant to a product, but the order shows as over-allocated (more inventory allocated than available).
Solution:
Make sure the variant you want to link is set as linkable in your product settings
Add the variant SKU as an alias to the main product
After linking, refresh or resync the order using the actions menu
The allocation will update to reflect the correct inventory
Missing SKU on an Order
Problem: An order came in without a SKU, and you can't allocate it to inventory.
Solution (Option 1 - Contact Support): Contact support to have them add the SKU alias to link the product correctly.
Solution (Option 2 - Fix It Yourself):
Open the order and click Edit Order
Remove the old line item (the one without a SKU)
Add the correct line item with the proper SKU
Save the order
Prevention: Ask support to set up SKU aliases for products that frequently come in without SKUs. This prevents the issue from happening again.
SKU Changes on Shopify Breaking BOMs
Problem: You changed a SKU on Shopify for a product with a BOM, and now your BOM is out of sync.
Solution:
Wait for support to notify you of the SKU change
Review the notification and verify your BOM is still correct
Confirm with support that it's safe to update
Support will pull in the new SKUs
Test your BOM with a sample order to ensure it works correctly
Best Practices
1. Use Consistent SKU Naming Conventions
Establish a naming convention for your SKUs and stick to it. For example:
CATEGORY-VARIANT-SIZE(e.g.,SHIRT-BLUE-M)PRODUCT-CODE-CHANNEL(e.g.,WIDGET-001-AMZN)
This makes it easier to identify products and troubleshoot issues.
2. Set Up SKU Aliases Before Syncing Orders
Before you start syncing orders from multiple channels, set up all your SKU aliases. This prevents orders from coming in without proper SKU links and reduces allocation errors.
3. Test BOMs with Sample Orders
After setting up a BOM, create a test order and walk through the fulfillment process. Verify that:
All components are allocated correctly
Inventory is deducted from the right locations
The system doesn't allow fulfillment if a component is out of stock
4. Document Your Product Structure
Keep documentation of your BOMs, variants, and product links. Include:
What each BOM contains and why
Which variants exist for each product
Which products are linked and why
Any special handling or packaging rules
5. Review SKU Changes Carefully
When support notifies you of SKU changes on Shopify, take time to review them carefully. Don't automatically confirm—verify that:
The new SKU matches the product
Your BOM rules still apply
No other products are affected
6. Use the Rule Builder for Automation
Instead of manually handling special cases, create rules in the Rule Builder. This ensures consistency and reduces manual errors. For example, create rules for:
Fragile products
Products requiring special packaging
Products that should be shipped separately
Products with specific handling requirements
7. Monitor Inventory Sync Accuracy
Regularly check that inventory syncing is working correctly. Verify that:
Inventory counts match between Shipsidekick and your ecommerce platform
Variant-level syncing is updating the correct SKUs
No inventory is being lost or duplicated in the sync process
8. Keep Variants Organized
If a product has many variants, organize them logically:
Group by attribute (size, color, etc.)
Use clear naming conventions
Mark only the variants you actually sell as linkable
Archive or hide variants that are no longer available
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change which SKU is primary for a product?
A: Yes. If you have multiple variants and need to change which SKU is primary, turn off "Primary" on the old SKU before linking it to the desired one. Then refresh your orders to update allocations.
Q: What happens if I change a SKU on Shopify for a product with a BOM?
A: The system does not automatically update the BOM. Support will notify you of the change and ask for confirmation before pulling in the new SKUs. This prevents errors in your assembly rules. Review the notification, verify your BOM is still correct, and confirm with support before the update is applied.
Q: How do I link Amazon SKUs to my Shopify products?
A: Go to the product that has the variant you want as primary, add a SKU alias for the Amazon SKU you want to link, then refresh the orders. Make sure you turn off Primary on the old SKU before linking it to the desired one if there are multiple variants.
Q: Can I use the Rule Builder to create conditions based on product fields?
A: Yes. The Rule Builder supports filtering and conditions based on product fields (e.g., task.order.tags.name). You can use operators like equals and combine conditions with AND/OR connectors.
Q: Does inventory sync at the parent product level or the variant level?
A: Shipsidekick syncs inventory at the variant/SKU level, not at the parent product level. This ensures that only the specific variants you want to sync are updated in your ecommerce platform.
Q: What should I do if an order comes in without a SKU?
A: You can either contact support to have them add the SKU alias to link the product correctly, or fix it yourself by opening the order, clicking Edit Order, removing the old line item, and adding the correct one. To prevent this in the future, ask support to set up SKU aliases for products that frequently come in without SKUs.
Q: How do I fix an over-allocated order when linking product variants?
A: First, make sure the variant you want to link is set as linkable. Then add the variant SKU as an alias to the main product. After linking, refresh or resync the order using the actions menu to update the allocation properly.
Q: Can I use AI to help set up my products and BOMs?
A: Yes. Use the packaging AI chat interface to get help configuring products, setting up BOMs, and creating rules. The AI can access your product data and provide recommendations based on your specific setup.
Q: How often should I review my product setup?
A: Review your product setup whenever you:
Add new products or variants
Change SKUs on your ecommerce platform
Modify BOMs or product links
Experience allocation or fulfillment errors
Expand to a new sales channel
At minimum, do a quarterly review to ensure everything is still accurate.
Q: What's the best way to organize products with many variants?
A: Group variants logically (by size, color, etc.), use clear naming conventions, mark only the variants you actually sell as linkable, and archive variants that are no longer available. Keep documentation of your variant structure so team members understand how products are organized.