What is an MCP server? A simple guide for businesses

What is an MCP server? A simple guide for businesses

< Back to all Posts

Published:

As more businesses adopt AI assistants, organisations using software across multiple departments may want to connect these tools with their existing systems.

Discover how Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers make these connections possible and how Signable works with compatible AI assistants.

What is an MCP server?

An MCP server makes specific tools and functions available to compatible AI applications.

Originally introduced by Anthropic, MCP is an open standard that allows AI applications to communicate with other systems.

For example, an MCP server could allow an AI assistant to search documents stored in a connected system or update a customer record.

What an AI assistant can see and do depends on the available functions, the granted permissions, and how the connection is set up.

How does an MCP server work?

There are three main parts to an MCP connection:

  • The AI application/assistant: The tool you use to ask questions or request actions.
  • The MCP client: The part of the application that communicates with the server.
  • The MCP server: Handles requests to access supported functions in connected systems.

When you make a request, the AI application can identify a suitable tool available through the MCP connection. The MCP client then communicates with the server, which handles the request to the connected tool.

What can an MCP server connect to?

MCP servers can connect AI applications with a range of business tools, including:

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) software: Find customer details or account information.
  • File storage: Search for documents and access stored files.
  • Databases: Look up information from connected systems.
  • Development tools: Access project information or carry out supported tasks.
  • Business applications: Find information or complete approved actions.

Some connections only let an AI assistant retrieve information, while others allow it to take actions, such as creating or updating records.

Why are MCP servers useful for businesses?

Find information faster

Employees can use compatible AI assistants to find information across connected business systems, reducing the time spent searching different applications.

Spend less time on repetitive tasks

Through supported MCP connections, employees could use an AI assistant to update records or carry out routine actions in connected software, reducing the number of steps they need to complete themselves.

Make integrations easier to build

Because MCP provides a standard way for compatible applications to communicate, developers may not need to build a separate integration for every AI tool.

However, connections still require setup, permissions management, and ongoing maintenance.

Is an MCP server the same as an API?

Not quite, although they can work together.

An application programming interface (API) allows different software applications to exchange information and request actions. An MCP server can use an existing API to make supported functions available to an AI assistant.

For example, an MCP server could use an application’s existing API to retrieve information requested through an AI assistant.

Are MCP servers secure?

MCP servers can be used securely, but before connecting one to your business tools, it’s worth checking:

  • Permissions: What information and functions can the AI assistant access?
  • Authentication: How are users and connections verified?
  • Data security: How is sensitive information protected?
  • Data handling: What information is shared with the AI assistant, and how is it processed or retained?
  • Approvals: Can users review important actions before they’re completed?
  • Access management: Can permissions be changed or removed when needed?

You should also consider where the server is hosted, how credentials are stored, and whether actions taken through the connection can be reviewed or audited.

How can you use Signable with an AI assistant?

Signable’s MCP Server allows you to connect your Signable account to compatible AI assistants, including ChatGPT and Claude.

Once connected, teams can:

  • Find existing templates: Locate agreement templates already available in Signable through your AI assistant.
  • Send envelopes using existing templates: Send customer contracts, employment documents, and supplier agreements for signing through your AI assistant using your existing Signable templates.
  • Find existing envelopes: Find previously sent agreements through your AI assistant without searching through Signable manually.

Signable’s MCP Server is available to all direct Signable users with a compatible AI tool that supports custom MCP connections. 

Using Signable’s MCP Server with other business tools

Signable can also be used alongside other connected business applications to support workflows involving multiple systems.

For example, a sales team might use a CRM system to manage customer information and Signable to send agreements for signing.

If both applications are connected to a compatible AI assistant, and the necessary functions are available, an employee could ask the assistant to retrieve customer information from the CRM before sending an agreement using an existing Signable template.

What should businesses consider before using an MCP server?

Start by identifying a business process where an AI assistant could help your team.

For organisations introducing MCP across multiple departments, it may be useful to begin with one team or use case.

This allows you to test how the connection works with your existing systems, gather employee feedback, and assess whether it’s suitable for wider use and further adoption.

Connect Signable to your AI assistant

Already using ChatGPT or Claude across your business?

Connect Signable to a compatible AI assistant and access supported eSignature functions through a tool your teams already use.

Discover how to connect Signable

Headshot of Peter
Peter Amey
Copywriter

Peter is a Copywriter with a wealth of experience spanning technology, construction, fashion, and the captivating superyacht industry. He proudly possesses a degree in Creative Writing and boasts nearly eight years of rich marketing experience across various roles. Outside of his passion for crafting engaging long-form copy, Peter loves cafe-hopping, enjoying live music, and making art.