Propel launched Model Context Protocol (MCP), what is said to be the first product lifecycle management (PLM) vendor to deliver MCP for production use.
Propel MCP establishes a direct connection between enterprise AI platforms and live product data in Propel, enabling manufacturers to put AI to work on real-time product decisions. Propel MCP enables users to expand their access to product data directly from their preferred AI clients/tools.
"Propel is the first PLM to deliver MCP for production use. Legacy PLM vendors have introduced AI assistants that operate within their own interfaces, approaches that keep product teams tethered to aging tools,” says Ross Meyercord, CEO of Propel Software. “MCP connects Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot directly to live product data, right where work already happens. For manufacturers competing on speed and product quality, that's the difference between being AI-ready today and waiting years for a legacy vendor's roadmap to catch up.”
Key takeaways:
· For manufacturers, this means the AI tools enterprises are already deploying can query live product records inside Propel, with accurate, timely answers about product data.
· Additionally, Propel can reach out to the external systems and data sources manufacturers already depend on, connecting to third-party MCP servers for supplier intelligence, component data, and ERP records, and bringing that live information directly into product decisions inside Propel.
· Users can also build custom agents that connect to third-party MCP servers from other enterprise platforms. Inventory, supplier risk data, and workflows can be brought directly into Propel. Each agent is configured to specific needs and enterprise solutions so guardrails and process flows remain in place.
