ChatGPT

Connect your Alation catalog to ChatGPT using the Remote MCP server with OAuth authentication.

Note

This guide covers Remote MCP setup for ChatGPT web. Developer mode is required to add custom MCP servers.

Prerequisites

• OAuth Client credentials from your Alation instance (Create OAuth Client)
• ChatGPT paid subscription (Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, or Edu)

Enable developer mode

Developer mode is required to create custom apps/connectors.

1. Open settings

   Navigate to Settings → Apps.

   

2. Enable developer mode

   Click Advanced settings, then toggle on Developer mode.

   

   Once enabled, you’ll see a Create app button on the Apps page.

   

Adding the app

1. Create a new app

   Click Create app to open the New App form.

2. Fill in the app details

   

   Field	Value
   Name	Alation MCP (or your preferred name)
   Description	Fetch content from Alation (optional)
   MCP Server URL	https://<YOUR_INSTANCE>.alationcloud.com/ai/mcp/
   Authentication	Select OAuth
   Client ID	Your OAuth client ID
   Client Secret	Your OAuth client secret

3. Acknowledge the risk warning

   Check the box next to “I understand and want to continue”.

4. Create the app

   Click Create.

Connecting (authentication)

1. Sign in to Alation

   A browser window opens to your Alation login page. Sign in with your credentials.

   

2. Verify connection

   After signing in, you’ll see a green confirmation popup. The app now shows as connected with available actions.

   

Using Alation in chat

To use Alation in a conversation, click the + button, then More, and select Alation MCP.

Example prompts

Once connected, try queries like:

• “What tables do we have related to customer analytics?”
• “What are the commonly joined tables with customer_profile?”

Troubleshooting

• Don’t see “Create app” button? Make sure Developer mode is enabled in Settings → Apps → Advanced settings.
• Connection failed? Verify your OAuth Client ID and Secret are correct, and that your Alation instance is accessible.