Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized protocol that enables AI models to securely access external data sources and tools through a structured interface. It provides a secure, efficient, and standardized way for AI applications to interact with external resources, databases, APIs, and tools without compromising security or performance.

MCP enables AI models to:

1. Secure Data Access – Safely connect to external data sources and APIs
2. Tool Integration – Access and utilize external tools and functions
3. Contextual Information – Retrieve relevant information from various sources
4. Real-time Updates – Access live data and dynamic content
5. Standardized Communication – Use a consistent protocol for all external interactions

What you can build with MCP

1. Data-Driven AI Applications – Connect AI models to databases, APIs, and external data sources
2. Real-time Information Systems – Access live data feeds, weather updates, stock prices, and more
3. Document Processing – Retrieve and analyze documents from various sources
4. API Integration – Seamlessly integrate with third-party services and APIs
5. Custom Tool Ecosystems – Build and deploy custom tools that AI models can access
6. Multi-Source Intelligence – Combine information from multiple sources for comprehensive insights

How to Setup MCP

1. Go to Lamatic Studio
2. Navigate to MCP/Tools > MCP
3. Click on + Add MCP
4. Configure the MCP server with the following details:
   • Credential Name: Enter a descriptive name for your MCP server
   • Host: Provide the MCP server URL (required field)
   • Type: Select the protocol type (http or sse)
   • Headers: Configure authentication and custom headers
5. Click "Test & Save" to validate the connection and save your configuration

MCP Configuration

Credential Name

A descriptive name for your MCP server connection. This will be used to identify the server in your flows.

Example: MCP Server

Host

The endpoint URL where your MCP server is hosted. This is a required field that specifies the server address.

Example: https://api.weatherapi.com/v1

Type

The protocol type for your MCP server connection. Choose between:

• http: Standard HTTP protocol for most API connections
• sse: Server-Sent Events for real-time data streaming

Headers

Custom HTTP headers for authentication and configuration. You can add headers like:

• Authorization: For API key or bearer token authentication
• Content-Type: Specify the content type for requests
• Custom Headers: Any additional headers required by your MCP server

Click the "Edit" button to configure headers in JSON format:

{
  "Authorization": "Bearer your-api-key",
  "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

How to Use MCP in Flows

To integrate MCP into your flow, follow these steps:

1. Select Your Flow – Choose the flow where you want to use MCP
2. Add MCP Node – Add an MCP node to your flow
3. Configure MCP Server – Select the MCP server you want to connect to
4. Choose Resources/Tools – Select the specific resources or tools you need
5. Handle Responses – Configure how MCP responses are processed in your flow

MCP Node Configuration

The MCP node allows you to:

• Select MCP Server: Choose from your configured MCP servers
• Access Tools: Use tools and resources provided by the MCP server
• Process Data: Handle responses and integrate with other nodes in your flow

MCP Best Practices

Security

• Always use secure connections (HTTPS) for MCP servers
• Implement proper authentication and authorization
• Regularly rotate API keys and tokens
• Monitor and log all MCP interactions

Performance

• Implement caching for frequently accessed data
• Use connection pooling for better performance
• Set appropriate timeouts and retry policies
• Monitor response times and optimize slow queries

Error Handling

• Implement robust error handling for network failures
• Provide fallback mechanisms for critical data
• Log errors for debugging and monitoring
• Gracefully handle rate limiting and quota exceeded scenarios

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Debugging

1. Check MCP Server Logs – Review server-side logs for connection issues
2. Verify Configuration – Ensure all connection parameters are correct
3. Test Connectivity – Use simple test calls to verify server accessibility
4. Monitor Performance – Track response times and identify bottlenecks