Clear inputs, deterministic checks and visible limitations make useful tools for people and AI.
What is MCP?
Model Context Protocol is a protocol for connecting AI applications with tools and information. A product-identity tool could expose a well-defined operation, such as checking a GTIN, with explicit inputs and a structured result.
Reference: Model Context Protocol · What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?
Useful tasks are small and verifiable
An assistant might explain an EPC, check a product-code column or construct a Digital Link once the necessary facts are supplied. The assistant should ask for missing prefix information instead of inventing it. Production actions still need their own permissions and records.
{
"input": {
"epc": "3036451FD456ED00000003E9"
},
"expectedOutput": {
"gtin": "09521141890127",
"serial": "1001"
}
}A business example is not a complete protocol request
The example here describes an input and expected output for a hypothetical decoder. In an MCP implementation, a client discovers tool definitions and calls a tool through the protocol, including its schemas and required metadata. Tool names and business fields belong to that implementation. Use the selected specification version when implementing messages; copying this teaching example does not create a connectable service.
Reference: Model Context Protocol · Tools (2026-07-28 specification)
Return evidence along with a result
For an identity tool, useful output includes the supported scheme, normalised input, decoded fields and a clear failure reason. A model can explain the result, while deterministic code performs arithmetic and field validation. A successful checksum should remain a checksum result; it must not become an unsupported claim about the product’s licence, authenticity or legal conformity.
Review the data path before connecting an assistant
DPPURL’s current tools run locally in the browser. A future MCP integration would have its own data path: information sent to a remote model or server would leave that browser. Define what may be shared, who authorises actions and how failures are reported before enabling an integration. Keep reading a product identifier separate from actions such as issuing serials or writing tags.