Frank’s new tricks
If you’re in the field of fashion sourcing, it’s likely you’ve met our newest sourcing expert, Frank. If not, this fashion-crazed bear is pleased to make your acquaintance. He’s also excited to show off his latest upgrade, what he likes to call Frank, version 2. We like to call it sourcing made simple.
Frank is the world’s first AI sourcing assistant for fashion. He’s been a part of the Material Exchange team for over a year now, learning the ins and outs of the sourcing industry. He’s got a knack for picking things up quickly – and his photographic AI brain can’t get enough material data to soak up. Now, Frank has taken his capabilities to the next level as he ups his knowledge and competencies within sourcing to help both brands and suppliers alike.
Don’t underestimate the potential of this bear
Frank has a single goal: make sourcing easier for all involved. He’s been working hard to achieve this goal and has made some major improvements of late. Frank offers material sourcing professionals the ability to find materials, access in-depth data, and manage multiple projects, all in one place. Frank also helps users track orders and communicate with suppliers/brands, enabling them to easily stay organized. Essentially, Frank is moving what’s traditionally been done offline online for simple, more efficient sourcing.
What Frank’s doing for brands
As a fashionista at heart, Frank understands the importance of quality-made garments and finding just the right materials to create them. That’s why he’s upped the ante and added some valuable functionality to his repertoire. Like getting answers to searches instantly with improved search functionality, whether the question comes in simple language or industry jargon. Or having access to data points around every material and supplier in his knowledge base. With Frank, data from different platforms can be easily integrated. And all communication is streamlined and easy to find, even for teammates who may need to quickly hop in and catch up on the latest.
How Frank’s supporting suppliers
Suppliers are in a constant juggling act, working to create quality products while simultaneously connecting with their customers to build and nurture valuable relationships. Naturally, they need a robust platform to manage it all. Frank and his AI capabilities give suppliers just that: the tools they need to keep track of multiple projects in a simple, easy-to-follow interface.
Frank showcases materials to brands globally, and supports suppliers as their materials are discovered and ordered. Frank has in-depth knowledge of all materials, ensuring brands are matched with the ones they’re after. Frank also stays on top of what suppliers need to do to adhere to requirements from both brands and compliance, whether around trends, tariffs, or legislation.
Sourcing fabric online is full of unexpected bumps and turns; with the right tools, these won’t be a barrier to the final goal of creating a quality clothing line. It’s just this capability that Frank provides. Sourcing has entered a new era, and Frank is leading the way.
About Material Exchange
Material Exchange is transforming the way the fashion industry sources materials and products to make it more efficient, transparent, and sustainable. We achieve this through the world’s first fashion AI assistant, Frank the bear, who allows material suppliers to showcase their materials more effectively to fashion brands, and fashion brands to find the materials they need in a fraction of the time.
Founded in 2017 by industry professionals, the company makes material sourcing more effective by supporting the complex, fragmented relationships that exist between brands and suppliers with a simple sourcing solution.
The company is headquartered in Stockholm with additional offices around the world, including the U.S., Serbia, Italy, and the United Kingdom.