As a brake pad catalog grows from dozens to hundreds of SKUs, the main risk is often not a missing number. It is the same product being named differently in purchasing, warehouse, sales and supplier systems. A controlled data structure reduces duplicate buying, incorrect labels and unreliable cross-references.
1. Use one internal SKU as the primary key
Create a unique internal SKU for every product that can be purchased, stocked or sold independently. Do not reuse it when suppliers or packaging change. Store FMSI references, OE numbers, supplier part numbers and customer numbers in a cross-reference table rather than using an external number as the sole database key.
2. Separate product, formulation and packaging revisions
The same pad shape can have different friction materials, accessories, edge codes, brands and packages. A catalog should distinguish at least:
- Product master: internal SKU, pad-shape or drawing revision, key dimensions and accessory configuration;
- Material revision: formulation identifier, intended project, validation status and change date;
- Market revision: destination or customer, required documents and markings;
- Packaging revision: sales unit, box and carton quantities, brand artwork and approval revision.
If a difference affects purchasing, stock or sales, it should not exist only in a free-text note.
3. Build a many-to-many cross-reference table
One internal SKU may have several OE references, while an external number may require vehicle, year, dimensions or configuration to resolve. Record number type, value, source, verification date, verifier and status. FMSI describes standardized part numbers as a common language in the supply chain, but a reference number still needs verification against product data.
Separate confirmed, pending and retired references. An unverified online cross-reference should not move directly into an orderable state. If retained for research, label its source and risk.
4. Make order lists reference the controlled master
A purchase order can contain internal SKU, supplier part number, quantity, price, material revision, package revision and delivery requirement. Use validated selections from the master rather than repeated manual entry. Before sending a list, check duplicates, blank references, quantity units, conflicting revisions and inactive SKUs.
5. Keep a history of changes and substitutions
Do not erase an old record and overwrite it. State whether a new SKU is a full, conditional or non-substitute replacement, with effective date, remaining stock and affected orders. A formulation, accessory or packaging change may not create a new pad shape, but it may require a distinct inventory revision.
6. Close the loop with a supplier response
Ask the supplier to return line-level status: matched, drawing or dimensions required, unavailable, MOQ, sample required and estimated lead time. Import the response into order review instead of leaving it only in email. After receiving, connect actual batches, quantities and discrepancies back to the master.
Recommended minimum fields
Internal SKU, product name, shape revision, FMSI reference, OE reference, supplier part number, vehicle or application note, key dimensions, accessories, material revision, market revision, packaging revision, sales unit, status, source, verification date and change history. They need not be in one worksheet, but they must be related.
How BAOTAI supports multi-SKU projects
BAOTAI can organize an open-item list from buyer-supplied FMSI, OE and customer SKU references, drawings or samples, then coordinate pad shape, material, marking and packaging after project confirmation. Keeping the buyer’s internal SKU as the primary key preserves continuity as packages change or markets expand.
Browse the brake pad SKU catalog and upload an Excel or CSV list through the inquiry form. Retain original row numbers and internal SKUs so both parties can respond line by line.
Editorial note: This original BAOTAI data-management guide does not provide vehicle-fitment conclusions or reproduce protected third-party catalogs. The current cover is a placeholder pending replacement.
