---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/deep-research/use-cases/analyze-supply-chain-alternatives/copilot
---
# How to Analyze Supply Chain Alternatives with Copilot

Copilot puts deep research capabilities inside your IDE for the moments when building requires understanding something new. Research technical architectures, regulatory requirements, API ecosystems, or competitive landscapes without leaving your editor, then incorporate findings directly into architecture decision records, design documents, or technical specifications. This is especially valuable when you hit a knowledge gap mid-implementation and need comprehensive context fast rather than a shallow search result.

## Setup

{"mcpServers":{"toolrouter":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","toolrouter-mcp"]}}}

## Steps

1. Add ToolRouter to Copilot MCP config
2. Ask: "Research supply chain alternatives for [product/component] using deep-research"
3. Review the supply chain analysis inline
4. Ask Copilot to generate supplier evaluation data models
5. Build supply chain monitoring features into your operations platform

## Example Prompt

```
Research cloud infrastructure alternatives to reduce single-vendor dependency. Compare options for our specific technical requirements.
```

## Tips

- Copilot can translate supply chain research into technical procurement requirements
- Great for evaluating technology vendor alternatives and migration paths
- Use for building multi-vendor infrastructure strategies based on research
