openLCA MCP quickstart

Run a first read-only workflow against an existing product system.

Before you begin

openLCA is running
the intended database is open
the IPC server is running
openLCA MCP is connected to your client
read-only mode is enabled for the first run

First-run sequence

text

test_connection
→ search_product_systems
→ inspect_product_system
→ list_impact_methods
→ calculate_impacts
→ check_result_consistency
→ analyze_contributions
→ dispose_result

What each step does

Test the connection to openLCA.
Find an existing product system rather than guessing an ID.
Inspect its reference product and basis.
Choose an impact method available in the active database.
Run the calculation and keep the returned result_id.
Inspect consistency, contributions, inventory, or other views using that same result.
Dispose the result when you are finished.

When to use write tools

Use write tools only when you have a clear reason to create or change database entities. Keep the first workflow read-only so setup errors are easier to diagnose.