Model Context Protocol (MCP) Integration

Overview

Consultia integrates with AI assistants through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling powerful AI-driven insights and automation for your consulting business. This integration allows AI assistants like Claude Desktop to directly access and interact with your Consultia data, providing intelligent assistance for customer management, analytics, and business operations.

What is MCP?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized protocol that enables AI assistants to securely connect to external data sources and tools. In Consultia, MCP provides:

  • Secure Data Access: AI assistants can query your Consultia data with proper authentication
  • Business Intelligence: Advanced analytics and insights through AI-powered analysis
  • Automated Operations: AI can execute business operations like sending emails, updating records, and generating reports
  • Real-time Integration: Live connection to your Consultia data for up-to-date information

Key Benefits

For Consulting Companies:

  • AI-Powered Insights: Get intelligent recommendations and analysis of your business data
  • Automated Workflows: Reduce manual tasks through AI-driven automation
  • Enhanced Decision Making: Access comprehensive analytics and business intelligence
  • Improved Efficiency: Streamline operations with AI assistance

For Your Team:

  • Natural Language Queries: Ask questions about your data in plain English
  • Intelligent Assistance: Get AI help with customer management and business operations
  • Real-time Analytics: Access live business metrics and performance data
  • Secure Integration: Enterprise-grade security for all AI interactions

Getting Started with MCP

Prerequisites

  1. Claude Desktop: Install Claude Desktop application on your computer
  2. API Key: Generate an MCP API key in Consultia
  3. Network Access: Ensure your computer can access the Consultia server

Quick Setup

  1. Generate API Key:

    • Navigate to Integrations > MCP Settings
    • Click "Create New API Key"
    • Configure permissions and expiration
    • Copy the generated API key

  2. Configure Claude Desktop:

    • Open Claude Desktop
    • Go to Settings > Model Context Protocol
    • Add new server with your Consultia URL
    • Enter your API key for authentication

  3. Test Connection:

    • Use the connection tester in MCP Settings
    • Verify that Claude can access your Consultia data
    • Start asking questions about your business

Security and Permissions

API Key Security

  • Secure Generation: API keys are cryptographically secure with ck_ prefix
  • Permission-Based Access: Granular permissions control what AI can access
  • Audit Logging: All AI interactions are logged for security and compliance
  • Automatic Expiration: API keys can be set to expire automatically

Available Permissions

  • READ_CUSTOMERS: Query customer information and relationships
  • READ_INVOICES: Access invoice data and payment information
  • READ_PAYMENTS: View payment records and financial data
  • READ_RESOURCES: Access resource allocation and worksheet data
  • READ_PRODUCTS: Query product catalog and pricing information
  • EXECUTE_ACTIONS: Perform business operations like sending emails and updating records

Best Practices

  1. Principle of Least Privilege: Only grant permissions that are necessary
  2. Regular Key Rotation: Update API keys periodically for enhanced security
  3. Monitor Usage: Review audit logs regularly for unusual activity
  4. Secure Storage: Store API keys securely and never share them publicly

Tool Categories

Consultia's MCP integration provides tools organized into several categories:

1. Core MCP Tools

  • list_tools: Discover available tools and their capabilities
  • call_tool: Execute specific tools with parameters

2. Consultia Data Access

  • query_crm_data: Query customer, invoice, and business data
  • get_crm_analytics: Access business intelligence and analytics

3. Business Operations

  • execute_crm_action: Perform business operations like sending emails and updating records

4. Connection Management

  • Connection Testing: Verify MCP server connectivity and performance
  • Usage Dashboard: Monitor API usage and performance metrics

Next Steps