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What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open, language-agnostic standard that lets any application, service, or data source present itself to large-language-model agents through one consistent interface. It helps to keep your data safe with OAuth 2.0, bearer tokens, and scoped API keys—so every request remains private and access-controlled. MCP makes it easy to chain tools, build autonomous agents, and orchestrate complex, cross-system workflows that connect LLMs to live data and real-world actions in a plug-and-play fashion.

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How CRAFT puts MCP to Work

The CRAFT platform can now connect to remote Model Content Protocol (MCP) servers, allowing you to significantly expand its capabilities by accessing a wide range of external tools (e.g. Confluence, Sharepoint, Google Drive etc,.) and real-time data sources directly from your workspace.

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How the Connection Works

Our custom MCP connector acts as a secure bridge, simplifying the entire process from initial setup to getting results. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it operates:
  1. Secure Connection: The connector first establishes a secure, authenticated link to the MCP server. It handles all the necessary security configurations using standard methods like OAuth and Bearer Tokens to ensure your data remains protected.
  2. Tool Discovery: Once connected, CRAFT automatically performs “tool discovery.” It requests a complete list of available tools and resources from the server, so it knows exactly what capabilities are available for your queries.
  3. Intelligent Query Routing: When you submit a query, CRAFT uses the information from the discovery step to route your request to the appropriate tool. It intelligently packages your query with the necessary arguments for the server to process it correctly.
  4. Real-Time Results: The MCP server executes the request—whether that involves accessing real-time data or running a specific function—and sends the results directly back to you in the CRAFT platform.
Every MCP tool becomes an instant CRAFT skill.

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Using MCP on CRAFT - 3 Step Process

  1. Identify or Create an MCP Server - Determine whether an existing MCP server can fulfill your use case. If not, set up a new one with the required capabilities.
  2. Register the MCP Server in CRAFT - Add the chosen MCP server as a Service in the CRAFT platform. This step makes its capabilities available to your agents and workflows.
  3. Run Queries via CRAFT - Make a relevant query on the CRAFT platform that leverages the capabilities of the newly added MCP server.

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Step 1: Identify or Create an MCP Server

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Identify an Existing MCP Server

Here are a few examples and sources:

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Create an MCP Server (if needed)

The easiest way to create and host an MCP server is via Zapier, which provides access to over 5,000 tool capabilities. You can also create MCP servers using other providers or develop/host your own if required. This guide covers the steps for creating an MCP server using Zapier. For instructions on building your own MCP server, please refer to the MCP Documentation.

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Steps to Create a Slack MCP Server with Zapier

  1. Navigate to Zapier MCP Servers Go to https://mcp.zapier.com/mcp/servers.
  2. Create a New MCP Server
    • Click + New MCP Server
    • A dialog box will appear
    • Complete the fields as follows:
      • MCP Client → Select Anthropic API
      • Name → Provide a name (e.g., My Slack MCP Server)
    • ⚠️ Note: If you want to connect using OAuth, set MCP Client → Other. However, we do not recommend OAuth with multiple Zapier MCP servers, as Zapier may route calls incorrectly. Use OAuth only if you are running a single Zapier MCP server.
    • Click Create MCP Server
  3. Add Slack Tools
    • Go to the Tools tab
    • Click + Add Tool
    • In the dialog box, search for and select Slack
    • Click + Add all Slack tools
That’s it—your Slack MCP server is now ready to use.

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Video Tutorial: Step 1: Create an MCP Server (on Zapier)

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Step 2: Register the MCP Server in CRAFT

You can register an MCP server in CRAFT using either API Key authentication or OAuth 2.0 authentication.

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Option 1: Using API Key

  1. Login to CRAFT
  2. Go to the Service Registry tab
  3. Click + ADD MCP SERVICE
  4. A dialog box will appear. Complete the following fields:
    • Service Name → Provide a name (e.g., Slack MCP)
    • Server URL → Enter the MCP server URL
      • For Zapier MCP servers, this URL can be found in the Connect tab of your Zapier MCP server
    • Authentication Type → Select API Key
    • API Key → Enter the key for this MCP server
      • For Zapier MCP servers, the API key is also available in the Connect tab
  5. Click Save
  6. A success popup will appear, showing the list of newly available tools
The MCP server is now added to both the Service Registry and the Agent Registry and you are now ready to use the new tools on CRAFT.

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Video Tutorial: Step 2: Register MCP server in CRAFT using API Key Authentication

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Option 2: Using OAuth 2.0

⚠️ Note: We do not currently recommend using OAuth for Zapier MCP servers if you are running multiple servers, as Zapier may route calls incorrectly. If you only have one Zapier MCP server you may safely use OAuth.
  1. Login to CRAFT
  2. Go to the Service Registry tab
  3. Click + ADD MCP SERVICE
  4. A dialog box will appear. Complete the following fields:
    • Service Name → Provide a name (e.g., Slack MCP)
    • Server URL → Enter the OAuth URL for your MCP server
      • For Zapier MCP servers, this URL can be found in the Connect tab of your Zapier MCP server
    • Authentication Type → Select OAuth 2.0
  5. Click Verify Connection
  6. An OAuth confirmation popup will appear—Allow access
  7. Once confirmed, the system will show a successful connection
  8. Click Save
  9. A success popup will appear with the list of newly available tools
The MCP server is now added to both the Service Registry and the Agent Registry and you are now ready to use the new tools on CRAFT.

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Video Tutorial: Step 2: Register MCP Server in CRAFT using OAuth

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Step 3: Run Queries via CRAFT

Once an MCP service has been successfully added to the platform, you can begin running workflows that leverage the newly available tools and capabilities.
  1. Login to CRAFT
  2. Select New Chat
  3. Enter your query. For example: “Summarize the last 10 messages in the #random channel in Slack into 3 key takeaways and list any open questions.”
  4. The corresponding MCP agent will automatically activate and process your request
Your query is now executed using the newly added MCP service.

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Video Tutorial: Step 3: Run MCP Queries via CRAFT

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Other Features

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Edit MCP Service

  1. Navigate to the Service Registry from the CRAFT menu
  2. In the Actions column of the desired MCP service, click the three dots (⋮)
  3. Select Edit
  4. Update the service name (or other details, if available)
  5. Click Save Changes

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Delete MCP Service

  1. Navigate to the Service Registry from the CRAFT menu
  2. In the Actions column of the MCP service you want to remove, click the three dots (⋮)
  3. Select Delete
  4. In the confirmation dialog, click Delete to confirm

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Limitations

  1. MCP Client only supports tool calls.
  2. MCP Client only supports connecting to remote MCP servers that use either Streamable HTTP and SSE for their transport methods.
  3. Limitation: The Atlassian Remote MCP Server only supports a defined set of clients (Claude, Cursor, VS Code, Vertex AI, GitHub Copilot, Microsoft tools, with Zapier and HubSpot coming soon) plus local MCP-compatible clients via the mcp-remote proxy. So it’s suggested to connect to it via Zapier.