> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.colacloud.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Monitor TTB COLA Approvals with ChatGPT and Claude

> Use COLA Cloud assistant integrations to find new alcohol label approvals and create durable saved-search alerts.

## Product Promise

COLA Cloud turns TTB alcohol label approvals into an assistant-ready data source.
Use ChatGPT, Claude, Claude Code, or another MCP client to search approvals,
fetch cited records, and inspect permittees. Use the COLA Cloud web app when you
want a durable saved-search alert that COLA Cloud owns and runs.

Good fits:

* Track competitor product launches by brand, category, origin, or permittee.
* Monitor new import activity by state or permittee type.
* Watch for category trends such as ready-to-drink cocktails, agave spirits, or low-ABV wine.
* Draft the right filters with an assistant, then save durable email alerts in the web app.

## Fastest Self-Serve Setup

For a developer workflow, use Claude Code or another MCP client that supports
remote HTTP headers:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "colacloud": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.colacloud.us/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${COLA_API_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Create your API key in **Dashboard > API Keys**, export it as `COLA_API_KEY`,
and ask:

```text theme={null}
Use COLA Cloud to find new California cabernet approvals from the last 90 days.
Fetch details for the three most relevant records and include links.
```

If your MCP client or setup agent starts asking about OAuth, stop and confirm
which path you are using. ChatGPT uses the published app and OAuth. Direct MCP
clients use the API-key Bearer header above.

## ChatGPT and Claude Connectors

The published ChatGPT app and direct MCP clients use the same hosted MCP server:

```text theme={null}
https://mcp.colacloud.us/mcp
```

ChatGPT users can connect the published [COLA Cloud plugin](/sdks/mcp-chatgpt)
from the ChatGPT Plugin Directory. Claude Code and other direct MCP clients can use
the API-key configuration above when they support custom HTTP headers.

The API-key path above remains the self-serve setup for MCP clients that support
custom headers. See [ChatGPT setup](/sdks/mcp-chatgpt) and [Claude
setup](/sdks/mcp-claude) for current caveats.

## Example Workflows

### Competitive Launch Watch

```text theme={null}
Use COLA Cloud to search for new bourbon approvals from Kentucky in 2025.
Fetch the five most relevant records, group them by permittee, and include
COLA Cloud links.
```

### Importer Discovery

```text theme={null}
Use COLA Cloud to find active New York permittees matching import.
Fetch details for the most relevant permittees and summarize their recent COLA
activity.
```

### Durable Approval Alert

```text theme={null}
Use COLA Cloud to draft the search filters for a weekly alert covering new
California cabernet approvals.
```

After the assistant helps narrow the query, create the saved search in
**Dashboard > Saved Searches**. COLA Cloud stores the saved search, shows it in
the dashboard, and sends future emails using each scheduled run's approval-date
window. Do not rely on ChatGPT Tasks or Claude reminders for this recurring
automation.

## CTA

1. Create an account at [app.colacloud.us](https://app.colacloud.us).
2. Connect the [COLA Cloud ChatGPT app](/sdks/mcp-chatgpt), or create an API key in **Dashboard > API Keys** for direct MCP clients.
3. Connect direct MCP clients to `https://mcp.colacloud.us/mcp`.
4. Upgrade in **Dashboard > API Keys > Upgrade** when you need higher quotas or active saved searches.