Vera Bradley Locks in AI-Powered Responsible Sourcing Technology
Bag and luggage brand Vera Bradley is implementing artificial intelligence-powered technology within its supply chain to increase transparency around sourcing.
The company is working with product traceability company TrusTrace to hit its ESG goals through a platform that uses AI for custody creation, primary data collection, risk screening, and compliance.
The technology manages large qualities of complex data from primarily suppliers — such as facility, product, and material details — to screen for risk and ensure Vera Bradley meets regulatory requirements enforced by the U.S. Customers and Border Protection. It creates added transparency in the company’s sourcing network.
It automates a traditionally time-consuming process, reducing the likelihood of human error and providing the added ability to translate documents in over 100 languages.
Ayfer Yarcich, director of global sourcing at Vera Bradley, said responsible sourcing is at the core of the company’s business practices.
“Mapping our supply chain and gathering purchase order data is a critical step in this journey,” he said, adding that the integration is helping Vera Bradley work toward a transparent and forced labor-free supply chain but also aspiring to set a new standard in responsible and sustainable business practices.
“This transformative step underscores our dedication to our public ESG commitments and our vision of leading the industry towards a more ethical and sustainable future,” he said.
