Configure External Tool Access for AI Agents

Extend AI Agent Capabilities with External Tools

Within your CRM's workflow builder, AI Agents can be connected to external services that support the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This allows your automated agents to move beyond the data stored in your CRM and interact with live information from other systems. You can configure an agent to perform web searches, automate browser tasks, query databases, or call custom APIs, all as part of an automated workflow sequence.

Understanding MCP Connections

An MCP connection is a secure link between your CRM's AI Agent and an external server that provides specific tools. When you configure this connection, the agent can request and use these tools while executing its workflow actions. This is useful for tasks like real-time research, data enrichment, or automating interactions with other software platforms.

Before You Begin

To set up a connection, you will need details from your chosen MCP service provider. This typically includes:

• A server URL for the MCP service.
• The required authentication method (e.g., an API key, bearer token, or custom header).
• Information on the preferred transport type (usually HTTP Streamable).

The availability, cost, and specific tools offered are determined by the external provider, not by your CRM platform.

How to Add an MCP Connection

Follow these steps to give an AI Agent access to external tools.

Step 1: Access the AI Agent Tool Settings

Navigate to the workflow containing your AI Agent action. Edit the action and look for an option to Add Tools or manage its toolset. Within the tools menu, locate and select the MCP tab.

Step 2: Create a New Connection

Click the button to Add Connection. A configuration form will appear.

Step 3: Enter Connection Details

Fill in the required fields:

• Connection Name: Give it a clear, descriptive name for easy identification.
• Server URL: Enter the full URL provided by your MCP service.
• Transport Type: Select the communication method. HTTP Streamable is the default and recommended option unless your provider specifies otherwise.
• Authentication Type: Choose the method required by the provider (e.g., None, API Key, Bearer Token).
• Enter any necessary credentials, such as an API key, in the fields that appear.

Step 4: Test and Discover Tools

Click the Test Connection button. This will:

1. Verify the CRM can communicate with the server.
2. Validate your authentication credentials.
3. Automatically discover and list all the tools the MCP server makes available.

Step 5: Manage Tool Permissions

After a successful test, you will see a list of discovered tools. For security and focus, you should enable only the specific tools this AI Agent needs for its task in this workflow. Uncheck the boxes for any unnecessary tools.

Step 6: Save the Configuration

Once you have selected the desired tools, save the connection. The AI Agent in this workflow will now be able to use the enabled external tools during execution.

Best Practices for Managing Connections

• Use Descriptive Names: Name connections clearly (e.g., "Marketing Web Search") to avoid confusion later.
• Principle of Least Access: Only enable the tools an agent actually requires. This improves security and helps the agent make better decisions.
• Test Thoroughly: Always test new connections in a non-critical workflow before using them in production.
• Monitor Credentials: Follow your organization's policies for rotating API keys and other sensitive credentials.
• Review Periodically: As your workflows change, periodically review the tool permissions for each connection to ensure they are still appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect multiple external servers to one AI Agent?

Yes. You can add multiple MCP connections to a single AI Agent, allowing it to draw upon tools from several different external services.

Does the CRM provide or host these external MCP servers?

No. The CRM provides the framework to connect to compatible, externally hosted MCP servers. You are responsible for sourcing, subscribing to, and managing credentials for these third-party services.

How do I know what tools an MCP server offers?

The tool discovery process happens automatically when you test the connection. The CRM will query the server and display a list of all available tools it exposes.