B4 Index

Where it sits in the directory's order

What can be seen from outside, weighed as the directory publishes.

Where it answers

• https://b4-index.vercel.app/mcpstreamable-http
  • Authorization optional, secret: Optional. 'Bearer <b4_... key>' unlocks the Pro workflow tools (b4_audit, b4_compare, b4_recommend). The free tier (b4_browse, b4_score) needs no credentials.

The tools it lists (5, as of 7 days ago)

The tool-description rules found nothing in these descriptions. They look for instructions aimed at a model and for hidden characters; they cannot see what a tool does when it runs.

• b4_browse

  For browsing, filtering, or finding the index's name for something. Example: {"query": "warehouse picking", "domain": "Supply Chain"}. Search and filter the B4 Index's 1,600+ independently scored software categories. Browse by keyword, domain, quadrant, or industry. When filtering by industry, returns all vertical categories for that industry PLUS all horizontal categories (which apply to every industry). Each row carries its banded verdict — primary, confidence word, and a near-call flag — and the quadrant filter matches the verdict at whichever lens you are reading. Verdicts are banded (B4 m

• b4_score

  For one exact category name or id. Example: {"category": "Expense Management", "org": "medium"}. Score a software category using the B4 Index. Provide a known category name to get pre-computed scores, or provide raw dimension scores (1-5 each) for a custom evaluation. Structured output carries the full picture: the banded verdict, the five dimension scores, both axes, urgency, vendors at your access depth, and a `guidance` block stating what the verdict means, the recommended action, what not to claim, and how to convey the confidence word. Follow that guidance rather than substituting your ow

• b4_audit

  For a list of vendor or product names (a stack), with an optional description per row. Example: {"tools": ["Salesforce", {"name": "Lydia Voice", "description": "voice-directed picking in the warehouse"}]}. Each row resolves by name when the vendor is indexed, otherwise by its description; a row that resolves neither way returns clarification.needed with the question to ask the user. Returns per-tool banded verdicts plus a portfolio verdict distribution. Each entry carries the full category payload, so BEWARE entries show where spend is most likely misplaced and each entry's guidance block stat

• b4_compare

  For one exact category name or id when the question is the build path against the buy path. Example: {"category": "Order Management (OMS)"}. Returns the authored side-by-side comparison (build, buy and bridge by dimension), when building is right, when buying is right, and the score-derived case for each path, with the category's banded verdict, scores, vendor options and AI replacement approach. Use b4_score for the scores alone. Structured output carries the full picture: the banded verdict, the five dimension scores, both axes, urgency, vendors at your access depth, and a `guidance` block s