Overview
If you've explored the Settings section in Alta, you may have noticed an option to add Tools — one of the most powerful being the HTTP Tool.
What Is a Tool?
In Alta, Tools are external functions that an AI Assistant can use during a live conversation or automated call.
They allow the assistant to go beyond just talking — enabling real-time interaction with external systems.
Common capabilities include:
Checking calendars
Retrieving CRM data
Booking meetings
Triggering workflows
Think of Tools as extensions that give your AI Assistant real-world capabilities.
What Is the HTTP Tool?
The HTTP Tool (also referred to as the API Tool) allows your AI Assistant to send HTTP requests to external systems.
This means the assistant can:
Communicate with APIs
Trigger webhooks
Send and receive real-time data
In simple terms, it enables your assistant to connect with any external software that has an API.
What Can You Do With the HTTP Tool?
Here are some common and high-impact use cases:
1. Check Availability
Query a calendar or scheduling system to determine if a time slot is available.
2. Look Up CRM Data
Retrieve contact details, company data, or deal status from systems like:
HubSpot CRM
Salesforce
3. Book Meetings
Send requests to scheduling tools such as:
Calendly or your internal booking system.
4. Update Records
Push data back to external systems, for example:
Logging call outcomes
Updating lead status
Creating new records
5. Trigger Workflows
Fire webhooks to automation platforms like:
Zapier
Make
How Is the HTTP Tool Configured?
Each HTTP Tool requires a few key components:
1. Name
A clear identifier for the tool.
2. Description
Explains when and why the assistant should use the tool.
This is critical — the AI relies on this to decide when to trigger it.
3. Configuration Object
Defines how the request is made, including:
Endpoint URL
HTTP Method (GET, POST, etc.)
Headers (e.g. authentication)
Parameters / Body data
Best Practices
Be specific in the description
Clearly define when the tool should be used (e.g. “Use this tool to check calendar availability before suggesting meeting times”).Keep responses structured
Ensure your API returns clean, predictable data so the AI can interpret it correctly.Test before scaling
Validate the tool works as expected before using it in live campaigns.
Why It Matters
The HTTP Tool is what transforms your AI Assistant from a conversation layer into a system of action.
Instead of just talking, your assistant can:
Pull live data
Make decisions based on real-time information
Execute actions instantly
This enables true end-to-end automation — from conversation to outcome — without human involvement.