# Tool System Selection Guide
## TAM MCP Server: Choosing Between Data Access and Business Analysis Tools
**Purpose**: Help users understand when to use each tool system for optimal results.
---
## Tool System Overview
The TAM MCP Server implements **two complementary tool systems** designed for different use cases and user types:
### System 1: MCP Data Access Tools (17 tools)
- **File**: `src/tools/tool-definitions.ts`
- **Purpose**: Direct data source access with minimal processing
- **Data Format**: Raw or minimally processed data from sources
### System 2: Business Analysis Tools (11 tools)
- **File**: `src/tools/market-tools.ts`
- **Purpose**: Advanced market intelligence and business analysis
- **Data Format**: Processed insights with business context
---
## When to Use MCP Data Access Tools
### Use Cases
✅ **Application Development**
- Building custom analytics dashboards
- Integrating data into existing systems
- Creating data pipelines
- Feeding machine learning models
✅ **Data Engineering**
- ETL/ELT processes
- Data warehousing
- Custom data transformations
- API integrations
✅ **Research & Development**
- Academic research requiring raw data
- Custom analysis methodologies
- Algorithm development
- Data science experiments
### Tool Examples
```javascript
// Direct access to Alpha Vantage company data
await client.callTool("alphaVantage_getCompanyOverview", {
symbol: "AAPL"
});
// Raw BLS employment series data
await client.callTool("bls_getSeriesData", {
seriesIds: ["LNS14000000"],
startYear: "2022",
endYear: "2024"
});
// Census industry statistics
await client.callTool("census_fetchIndustryData", {
variables: "EMP,PAYANN",
forGeography: "us:1",
filterParams: { "NAICS2017": "541511" }
});
```
### Advantages
- **Maximum Flexibility**: Full control over data processing
- **Raw Data Access**: Unprocessed data for custom analysis
- **Direct Integration**: Easy to integrate into existing systems
- **Performance**: Minimal processing overhead
---
## When to Use Business Analysis Tools
### Use Cases
✅ **Business Intelligence**
- Market research and analysis
- Competitive intelligence
- Investment analysis
- Strategic planning
✅ **Business Analysis**
- TAM/SAM calculations
- Market size estimation
- Industry trend analysis
- Opportunity identification
✅ **Reporting & Presentations**
- Executive dashboards
- Business presentations
- Market reports
- Investment proposals
### Tool Examples
```javascript
// Comprehensive industry intelligence
await client.callTool("industry_data", {
industry_id: "tech-software",
include_trends: true,
include_players: true,
include_esg: true
});
// TAM calculation with business context
await client.callTool("tam_analysis", {
baseMarketSize: 500000000,
annualGrowthRate: 0.20,
projectionYears: 5,
segmentationAdjustments: {
factor: 0.60,
rationale: "Enterprise segment focus"
}
});
// Market opportunity analysis
await client.callTool("market_opportunities", {
industry: "renewable-energy",
region: "US",
timeHorizon: "5-years"
});
```
### Advantages
- **Business Context**: Processed insights with business meaning
- **Expert Guidance**: Built-in analysis expertise
- **Ready-to-Use**: Results suitable for business decisions
- **Time Saving**: No need for custom analysis development
---
## Tool Comparison Matrix
| Aspect | MCP Data Access Tools | Business Analysis Tools |
|--------|----------------------|-------------------------|
| **Target Users** | Developers, Data Engineers | Business Analysts, Researchers |
| **Data Format** | Raw/Minimal Processing | Processed Insights |
| **Use Case** | Custom Development | Business Intelligence |
| **Learning Curve** | Technical Knowledge Required | Business-Friendly |
| **Flexibility** | Maximum | Guided Analysis |
| **Time to Value** | Longer (Custom Development) | Immediate |
| **Integration Effort** | High | Low |
| **Customization** | Unlimited | Structured Options |
---
## Hybrid Usage Patterns
Many advanced users leverage **both tool systems** for comprehensive analysis:
### Pattern 1: Data Validation
1. Use **Business Analysis Tools** for initial market insights
2. Use **MCP Data Access Tools** to validate specific data points
3. Combine results for comprehensive analysis
### Pattern 2: Custom Analytics
1. Use **MCP Data Access Tools** for raw data collection
2. Apply custom processing and analysis
3. Use **Business Analysis Tools** for comparative benchmarking
### Pattern 3: Reporting Workflow
1. Use **Business Analysis Tools** for executive summaries
2. Use **MCP Data Access Tools** for detailed appendices
3. Create comprehensive reports with both perspectives
---
## Migration Guidelines
### From Data Access to Business Analysis
If you're currently using MCP Data Access Tools and want business insights:
```javascript
// Instead of raw data access
const rawData = await client.callTool("census_fetchIndustryData", params);
// Use business analysis for processed insights
const insights = await client.callTool("industry_data", {
industry_id: "manufacturing",
include_trends: true
});
```
### From Business Analysis to Data Access
If you need more control over data processing:
```javascript
// Instead of processed insights
const insights = await client.callTool("market_size", params);
// Use raw data access for custom processing
const rawData = await client.callTool("census_fetchMarketSize", {
naicsCode: "23",
geography: "us:1"
});
```
---
## Best Practices
### For Developers
1. **Start with Data Access Tools** for maximum flexibility
2. **Use Business Analysis Tools** for validation and benchmarking
3. **Cache results** appropriately for your use case
4. **Handle errors gracefully** with fallback mechanisms
### For Business Analysts
1. **Start with Business Analysis Tools** for immediate insights
2. **Use Data Access Tools** when you need specific data points
3. **Leverage enhanced descriptions** and parameter guidance
4. **Combine multiple tools** for comprehensive analysis
### For Mixed Teams
1. **Define clear responsibilities** for each tool system
2. **Establish data handoff protocols** between systems
3. **Create shared documentation** for common use cases
4. **Implement quality checks** across both systems
---
## Support & Resources
- **Technical Documentation**: [Design Architecture](DESIGN-ARCHITECTURE.md)
- **API Reference**: Complete tool parameter documentation
- **Examples**: [Postman Collection](../TAM-MCP-Server-Postman-Collection.json)
- **Testing**: Use MCP Inspector for interactive testing
---
**Last Updated**: June 13, 2025
**Version**: 2.1.0
