What Is an MCP Server?
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol.
It is an open standard that allows AI assistants to connect with external tools, services, and systems.
By adding an MCP Server to your Alta Assistant, you can give it the ability to take actions during a live conversation, such as:
Checking calendar availability
Looking up CRM data
Booking meetings
Calling an internal API
Triggering workflows
Why Use an MCP Server?
Out of the box, your Alta Assistant can hold conversations and follow a script.
When you connect an MCP Server, your assistant can also interact with external systems in real time.
This allows the assistant to:
Pull live data during a conversation
Trigger actions in other systems
Use external information to give better answers
Automate workflows without manual work
Common Use Cases
You can use an MCP Server to help your assistant:
Check calendar availability and book meetings
Look up customer records in your CRM
Trigger webhooks or internal workflows
Fetch product or pricing information
Check whether a prospect already exists in a system
Call internal APIs during a conversation
How to Connect an MCP Server
Step 1: Go to Settings
In your Alta account, go to Settings.
Step 2: Open Tools
Click Tools.
Step 3: Add a Tool
Click Add Tool.
Step 4: Select MCP Server
From the available tool options, select MCP Server.
Step 5: Enter the MCP Server URL
Enter the MCP Server URL.
This URL is usually provided by your developer, internal technical team, or tool provider.
Step 6: Add a Name and Description
Give the tool a clear name and description.
The description is important because your assistant uses it to understand when it should call the tool.
For example:
Use this tool to check if a prospect already exists in HubSpot.
Step 7: Save the Tool
Click Save.
Once saved, your Alta Assistant will have access to that MCP Server during calls and conversations.
Tips for Using MCP Servers
Write a specific and clear tool description.
Explain exactly when the assistant should use the tool.
Connect multiple MCP Servers if your assistant needs access to different systems.
If the tool is not being triggered as expected, update the description to better match the situation where the assistant should use it.
Work with your developer or technical team to confirm the MCP Server URL is correct.