What Is Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Model Context Protocol lets you securely access Tropic data and intelligence in any MCP-compatible AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Claude. When MCP is enabled, your AI tools can use Tropic’s real-time data alongside your other MCP tools to answer questions and generate insights.
With MCP, you can review pricing, surface supplier information, check contract language, or run early compliance checks without signing into the Tropic app. You can also combine Tropic data with context from your own systems or external sources to get a more complete view of a contract or supplier.
Setting Up MCP
You can use the Tropic MCP in any MCP-compatible AI tool. The steps below cover setup in two common tools, ChatGPT and Claude. Most customers use MCP directly through ChatGPT or Claude. Building custom internal solutions on top of Tropic MCP is also possible, but those setups are outside the scope of this guide.
To use MCP, you need:
- A paid ChatGPT or Claude account.
- Signing in to Tropic when prompted.
- A one-time workspace setup completed by an Admin (ChatGPT or Claude).
Using MCP in Claude (One-Time Workspace Setup)
Using MCP in Claude requires a one-time setup by a workspace Owner. Once enabled, Tropic is available to all users in the organization. Users are prompted to authenticate to Tropic the first time they connect it.
- Open Claude and navigate to Settings → Connectors.
- Click Browse Connectors.
- Find Tropic and click Add to your team
Using MCP in Claude (After Setup)
- On a new chat, click the + icon and select Add connectors.
- Click Manage connectors.
- Select Tropic and click Connect.
- Authenticate when prompted
ChatGPT Setup (Workspace Setup)
Using MCP in ChatGPT requires access to Developer Mode. This access is controlled at the workspace level and may require action from a workspace administrator.
Once enabled, Tropic MCP can be used in ChatGPT by users with the appropriate access.
To enable Tropic MCP in ChatGPT:
- Confirm you are using a paid ChatGPT plan (Business, Enterprise, or Edu).
- Enable Developer Mode in ChatGPT workspace settings.
- Click Advanced Settings and toggle on Developer Mode.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Create.
- Create a new custom app.
- Use the following MCP server URL: https://app.tropicapp.io/mcp
- Authenticate to Tropic when prompted.
- Publish the app so it is available to the workspace.
Once published, Tropic MCP becomes available as a data source in ChatGPT.
Admin reference
For detailed instructions on developer mode and publishing custom apps, see OpenAI documentation:
Using MCP in ChatGPT (After Setup)
After Tropic MCP is enabled by an admin:
- Open ChatGPT.
- Start a new chat.
- Add Tropic as a data source or app.
- Ask questions related to your Tropic data in natural language.
ChatGPT will call Tropic tools behind the scenes and return results directly in the chat.
What You Can Do with MCP
MCP gives you direct access to Tropic intelligence through ChatGPT or Claude. You can explore information freely and combine Tropic data with your own context. Each tool supports a different type of use case.
Supplier Intelligence
Get competitor information, common terms, and deal context.
Use Supplier Intelligence to:
- Research a new vendor before starting negotiations to understand pricing and cost expectations.
- Identify competitors.
- Review standard contract terms and clauses commonly used with a vendor.
Price Benchmark
Compare quoted prices against real market data.
Use Price Benchmark to:
- Check whether a quoted price is in line with market expectations.
- Understand where your price falls compared to similar contracts.
- Identify potential savings opportunities.
Negotiation Playbook
Access vendor-specific tactics and negotiation flexibility scores.
Use the Negotiation Playbook to:
- Understand which negotiation levers are most effective for a supplier.
- Prepare for a renewal or new purchase discussion.
- Identify areas where suppliers are typically flexible.
Contract Document Search
Search across your contract documents to find specific language or terms.
Use Contract Document Search to:
- Find renewal terms across multiple contracts without reviewing each one individually.
- Search for auto-renewal clauses to identify contracts that may need attention.
- Locate pricing escalation or usage-based terms in supplier agreements.
- Check whether a contract references specific policies.
- Understand which products and quantities are included in a contract.
Compliance Check
Validate documents against your own procurement policies.
Use Compliance Check to:
- Review a contract for potential policy violations.
- Check whether contract terms align with your organization’s preferred payment terms.
Additional Resources
For more information about supplier intelligence, benchmarks, and negotiations, see the related guides in the Help Center.