How can I get the SKU to print on a purchase order?

Hello there, tricia-oilfieldd. Please know that although we can add the SKU column in the purchase order, this won't be included when printing the transaction. However, I've got alternative steps to help you in completing this process.

To get the SKU to print on a purchase order, I recommend creating a custom field. This way, you may see an SKU box as the header part of the PO, which will be included when printing.

Here's how:

1. Open the PO section or an existing form.
2. Select the Gear icon at the top of the form (not on the navigation bar). This opens a panel with the Custom fields section.
3. Click the + Add custom field link. 
4. Enter SKU in the Name field.
5. Checkmark the Purchase Order box.
6. Turn on the Print on form option.
7. Click Save.

Once done, you can fill out the relevant details on your purchase order and put any additional information in the SKU box. Then click the Print button. I added screenshots below for visual reference.

In case you need steps on how to run a report to see all open purchase orders in your account, you can read this article: Create and send purchase orders in QuickBooks Online.

I'll be right here to continue helping if you have any other concerns about managing purchase orders in QuickBooks, tricia-oilfieldd. Have a great day! 

@ChristieAnn   RE: Please know that although we can add the SKU column in the purchase order, this won't be included when printing the transaction.

That's rather idiotic. How is the vendor supposed to know what to ship without the SKU? One of the basic reasons for SKU's is so there can be an common understanding between entities about what product is being ordered and sold. That's why SKUs exist and were added to QuickBooks in the first place!

Do your designers know anything about how businesses work?

I completely agree. I don't understand why the SKU can't be on the PO but it is on an invoice. They both pull from the same product information that includes a line from SKU. I need it to make sure the correct part is shipped. Adding SKU as a custom field won't work on a PO because I order multiple parts on one PO.

That's crazy.  I don't understand why the SKU cannot print on a PO when it appears on an invoice. The PO and the invoice both pull form the same products and services list that includes the SKU for the product.  A custom field in the header absolutely will not work because I order multiple parts on one purchase order. Every part needs to have the corresponding SKU listed so we know we are ordering the correct part. Please figure out a way to make this work.

2024 and still cannot utilize a SKU field to communicate the SKU on a PO to a vendor.... Why would I want to put it on a PO and then not print it on the PO? Implementation makes no sense... Supply Chain and Operations people everyone are pulling their hair out.

Thank you for joining this thread, @MrRootz. I know that you're interested in including the SKUs when printing Purchase Orders in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

Currently, the ability to display SKUs when printing Purchase Orders is unavailable. I can see the importance of having this feature, and we always value the views and opinions of our users.

While the feature you're looking for isn't an option, I encourage you to submit feedback directly to our product engineers. At times, we roll out product enhancements based on the requests that we receive from our customers.

To do that, here's how:

1. Select the Gear icon at the top, then Feedback.
2. Enter your comments or product suggestions.
3. Select Next to submit Feedback.

Our product engineers will consider your suggestions, and you can always check the status of your request through this link: QuickBooks Online Customer Feedback.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to enhance QuickBooks Online.

Furthermore, to provide more insights into inventory management within QuickBooks Online, feel free to read our blog article: What is a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU)?

Let me know if you require further assistance or have concerns about managing purchase orders in QuickBooks, @MrRootz. Have a wonderful day!