TrusTrace upgrades forced labor screening

Supply chain traceability platform TrusTrace has upgraded its Forced Labor Prevention Solution, which uses AI to help companies map their supply chains, screen for risks and gather data for regulatory compliance, according to a news release Tuesday.

In its release, TrusTrace said its Force Labor Prevention Solution is different from other systems that utilize third-party data that “can introduce large quantities of irrelevant information from various sources, creating ‘noise’ that can obscure critical insights and quickly become unmanageable.” It additionally said it proactively screens the data for risk against the U.S. Customs and Border Protection entity list.

Shameek Ghosh, CEO of TrusTrace, said in the release that its solution was its commitment “to a world where transparency and ethical practices in supply chains are non-negotiable.”

“Ensuring that forced labor has no place in our global economy is critical, and with our solution, brands can proactively and confidently lead the way in this imperative transformation, instead of merely ensuring they have a solution for the release of detained shipments,” Ghosh said. “With a proactive approach to supply chain data brands can be in the drivers’ seat not only for tackling forced labor but for multiple supply chain challenges, as well as opportunities, something that leading brands are already doing today.” 

The tool uses AI to create a chain of custody and document collection, and collects primary data from suppliers about facilities, products and materials. This drives speed, accuracy and cost savings and reduces “the likelihood of human error” in manual processes, TrusTrace said.

The company said 15 brands have begun using the tech, including Vera Bradley. 

Ayfer Yarcich, Vera Bradley’s director of global sourcing, said in the release that sourcing responsibly is core to its business.

“Mapping our supply chain and gathering purchase order data is a critical step in this journey,” Yarcich said. “By integrating TrusTrace’s upgraded FLP solution, we are not only working towards a transparent and forced labor-free supply chain but also aspiring to set a new standard in responsible and sustainable business practices.”

To date, the company said it has traced more than two million purchase orders and has mapped more than 55,000 suppliers and facilities globally.

Sweden-based TrusTrace was founded in 2016. In January of this year, it landed a $24 million growth investment. At the time, the company said it would use the new funding to “accelerate its global expansion ambitions by strengthening its presence in key markets.”