What Is Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Managing vendor negotiations and contract reviews often means switching between tools, tracking down data, and piecing together context manually. Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets you bring Tropic's intelligence directly into any MCP-compatible AI tool you already use, so you can get answers without leaving your workflow.
With MCP, you can review pricing, check contract language, surface supplier information, and run early compliance checks, all without signing into Tropic. You can also combine Tropic data with context from your own systems for a more complete view of any 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. 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)
Setting up Tropic in Claude is a two-part process: a workspace Owner enables the connector for the organization, then each individual user connects it to their own account.
Step 1: Admin enables Tropic for the organization
- Open Claude and navigate to Organizational Settings → Connectors.
- Click Add → All available.
- Search for Tropic and click Add to your team.
Step 2: Each user connects Tropic to their account
- Open Claude and navigate to Customize → Connect your apps.
- Search for Tropic and click Connect.
- Authenticate to Tropic when prompted.
Once authenticated, your Claude chats will have access to Tropic data and intelligence. You can manage permissions or disconnect Tropic at any time from Customize → Connectors.
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.
Contract Insights
View and filter contracts based on Purchase Prep Assistant analysis.
Use Contract Insights to:
- Filter contracts by savings opportunity, department, contract value, and more.
- View Purchase Prep Assistant recommendations on which contracts to renew, negotiate, or cancel based on Tropic Network intelligence.
Additional Resources
For more information about supplier intelligence, benchmarks, and negotiations, see the related guides in the Help Center.