Create a connection between Applaud and an external MCP server so you can discover and use its tools in Agent Tools.
Before you begin
Make sure you have:
- Tenant Admin or Experience Designer access.
- The URL of the external MCP server.
- The authentication information required by the server.
- Permission to configure Agent Tools.
- An understanding of the capabilities you want to use in Applaud.
Create the connection
- Open Agent > Tools
- Select Add tool.
- Select New connection.
- Select MCP Server.
- Select the authentication method.
- Enter a Connection name that identifies the server and environment, such as Vendor MCP – production.
- Enter the MCP server URL.
- Enter the authentication details required by the server.
- Select Test connection.
- When the connection test succeeds, select Add connection.
You can create multiple MCP Server connections for different servers or environments.
Check the connection
A successful connection test confirms that Applaud can connect to the external MCP server.
If the test fails, check:
| Check | What to look for |
| URL | The correct MCP endpoint for the intended environment |
| Authentication | Current credentials that haven't expired or been revoked |
| Server availability | The external MCP server is reachable |
| Permissions | The connection has permission to access the capabilities you need |
| Connection type | You selected the MCP Server connector |
Once the connection is working, you can discover the tools provided by the server.
Security recommendations
Follow your organization's security requirements when creating MCP connections.
Consider:
- Limiting who can create and edit MCP connections.
- Using dedicated integration credentials rather than personal accounts.
- Protecting authentication details and secrets.
- Using separate connections for test and production environments where practical.