# Katana MCP > Katana MCP automates your manufacturing ERP workflow by letting your AI agent interact with core business data—including sales, purchasing, and inventory—through natural conversation. You can generate new customer orders, check real-time stock counts for specific product variants, or pull detailed lists of all active manufacturing jobs directly from your client. This eliminates manual logins and spreadsheet cross-referencing across multiple systems. ## Overview - **Category:** erp-operations - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** manufacturing-erp, production-planning, shop-floor-control, inventory-tracking, supply-chain-management ## Description This MCP connects your AI agent to Katana Cloud Manufacturing, giving it direct access to the data that runs a factory floor. Instead of logging into a separate ERP dashboard every time you need information, your agent handles the request in plain conversation. You can ask it to check if 'Acme Corp' has enough material for their next big order or pull up all outstanding purchase orders needing attention. It uses tools like `list_customers` and `get_inventory_by_variant` to gather precise data, so you don't have to jump through tabs. Whether you need the status of a product run via `list_manufacturing_orders`, or you just want to know what materials are available in your catalog using `list_materials`, this MCP handles it all. By connecting this capability through Vinkius, you get one access point for every critical piece of operational data. ## Tools ### create_sales_order Generates a brand new sales order for a customer, provided you give the customer's ID. ### list_customers Retrieves a complete list of every registered customer in your system. ### get_sales_order Fetches all specific details for one designated sales order number. ### list_inventory Provides a high-level, overall view of the entire inventory status across all locations. ### get_inventory_by_variant Checks the specific stock count for one designated product variant ID to know exactly what's available. ### list_manufacturing_orders Pulls a list of every currently active and pending manufacturing job or work order. ### list_materials Lists all raw materials available in your Katana catalog, including metadata. ### list_products Retrieves a complete list of every finished or semi-finished product defined in the system. ### list_purchase_orders Lists all purchase orders that have been created, detailing what needs to be bought. ### list_sales_orders Retrieves a list of all sales orders, allowing you to see recent activity and status updates. ### list_suppliers Lists every external supplier connected to your manufacturing process. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Show me all active sales orders in Katana. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved your sales orders. You have 15 active orders, including SO-101 for 'Acme Corp' and SO-102 for 'Tech Solutions'. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Check the inventory level for variant ID 'VAR_987'. ``` **Response:** ``` For variant 'VAR_987', there are currently 45 units in stock, with 10 units committed to existing sales orders. ``` **Prompt:** ``` List all my manufacturing orders. ``` **Response:** ``` I've fetched 8 manufacturing orders. Current jobs include production of 'Wooden Table' and 'Office Chair'. ``` ## Capabilities ### Manage Sales and Purchasing Flow Create new sales orders using `create_sales_order` or pull comprehensive lists of both customer accounts (`list_customers`) and purchase orders (`list_purchase_orders`). ### Check Real-Time Stock Levels Get immediate inventory status for the entire facility via `list_inventory`, or drill down to check specific stock counts using `get_inventory_by_variant`. ### Track Production Status View and pull lists of all active manufacturing orders (`list_manufacturing_orders`) to monitor job progress across the shop floor. ### Query Product Data Access a full database view by listing available products or materials using `list_products` and `list_materials`, including metadata needed for planning. ### Handle Supplier and Client Info Pull lists of all suppliers (`list_suppliers`) and sales orders (`list_sales_orders`), keeping a clear view of your external partners. ## Use Cases ### The Rush Order Check A sales rep needs to confirm if a customer's large order is possible. They ask their agent, which uses `list_sales_orders` and then checks the material availability with `get_inventory_by_variant`. The agent reports back: 'Yes, 50 units are available, but they will be committed by the job listed under SO-123.' This avoids a panicked phone call to operations. ### Quarterly Inventory Audit The inventory specialist needs an overall picture of stock. Instead of running five different reports, they ask the agent to run `list_inventory`. The system immediately returns a comprehensive status report across all product variants and materials. ### Starting New Production A planner decides to start a new item. They first use `list_products` to check if the base model exists, then ask for suppliers using `list_suppliers` to find sources for necessary components, and finally run `create_sales_order` once everything is confirmed. ### Understanding Past Purchases A coordinator needs to know why a specific job stalled. They ask the agent to list all manufacturing orders (`list_manufacturing_orders`) and then check the associated purchase order status using `list_purchase_orders` to find the missing component. ## Benefits - Stop manually cross-referencing sheets. You can check current stock levels using `get_inventory_by_variant` and immediately know if a sales order is viable, all in one chat session. - Faster client calls mean better sales. Instead of searching through old records, simply ask your agent to use `list_customers` or `list_sales_orders` for instant account history. - Production visibility happens instantly. You can pull up a list of active jobs using `list_manufacturing_orders` and get an immediate status update without opening the full ERP dashboard. - Never lose track of what needs buying again. Your agent handles listing all purchase orders (`list_purchase_orders`) or checking material requirements against your product catalog using `list_materials`. - Process order creation in seconds. Instead of filling out forms, you tell your AI client to use `create_sales_order`, and it routes the request directly into Katana. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get instant, actionable answers about your factory operations without writing or running code yourself. 1. Subscribe to this MCP on Vinkius and input your Katana API key. 2. Your AI client sends a natural language request (e.g., 'What's the stock for Model X?'). 3. The agent executes the relevant tool (like `get_inventory_by_variant`) and returns structured data directly to your chat interface. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I create a sales order using Katana MCP?** To create an order, simply ask your agent to use `create_sales_order`. You just need to make sure you provide the correct customer ID when you submit the request. **Does Katana MCP only show finished goods inventory?** No. The system handles both finished products and raw components. Use `list_materials` or `get_inventory_by_variant` to see stock for every variant type. **Can I check production status with Katana MCP?** Yes, you can list all current jobs by asking the agent to run `list_manufacturing_orders`. This gives you a real-time view of what's currently running on the line. **What if I need more data than just sales orders?** You can pull far more. Use tools like `list_purchase_orders` to see incoming supplies or run `list_customers` to get a full client roster. **Is Katana MCP only for American businesses?** No, it connects directly to your specific Katana Cloud Manufacturing account. It works with whatever data and structure you already have set up in the ERP.