MCP Connectors for AI Agents

In this article, you'll learn how to set up connectors for AI Agents to expand their capabilities. You'll discover how to add pre-configured connectors from the catalog and how to configure your own MCP connectors (Model Context Protocol) to connect your agents with external applications.

---

Key Benefits and Use Cases

Connectors give agents access to tools and services. Connections determine which authenticated account the agent uses.

• awork provides pre-defined connectors.
• Additionally, you can create your own connectors using the MCP protocol.

Connectors vs. Connections

• A connector defines the external service and the technical access to it
• A connection is a specifically set up and authenticated account for that service

When multiple connections are available, a selector is displayed. This lets you choose which connection the agent should use.

---

Managing Connectors in the Library

1. Open the Library
   • via Settings (gear icon in the bottom left of the main menu) > Library
   • or open the AI section in the left main menu and click the Library button in the top right
2. Navigate to the Connectors section
   In the Library, you'll see a navigation menu on the left with sections for Agents, Skills, and Connectors. Select Connectors to view an overview of available connections.

Setting up a new connector

1. Click + Connector below the search field.
2. Select a connector from the catalog
   The Set up Connector modal opens with the connector catalog. The catalog displays all available connectors in a grid view. A search function is available at the top. Some connectors are marked as Coming Soon and are not yet available. Click the desired tile to select the connector.
3. Configure connector details
   After selection, a form appears with the following fields:
   • Connector Name: The name for the connection
   • Description: An explanation of what the connector provides
4. For connectors that require OAuth, additional fields are displayed. Configure the OAuth app with the provider and then add the client credentials here:
   • OAuth Client ID: The client ID from the provider
   • OAuth Client Secret: The associated secret
   • Redirect URL: The callback URL for authentication in the provider's app.
   • A link to the OAuth setup guide helps you with configuration.
5. Save the connector
   Click Save to create the connector. Click Cancel to discard changes, and Back takes you back to the catalog selection.

The first person in the workspace to add this type of connector sets up the initial connector and defines the access credentials. Other users can then set up their own connections for it.

Creating your own MCP connector

If a required service is not included in the pre-configured catalog, you can configure your own connector using the MCP protocol.

1. Scroll down in the connector catalog to the Custom Connectors (MCP) section. Click the Configure New MCP tile.

1. Configure the MCP connector
   Fill in the following fields:
   • Connector Name: A descriptive name for the external application
   • Description: Explain what the application provides and when it should be used
   • MCP Server URL: The URL of the MCP server (for example, https://example.com/mcp)
2. Set workspace availability
   Enable the Make this connector available to the workspace checkbox if all team members should have access to this connector.

1. Advanced OAuth settings (optional)
   Use the dropdown arrow to configure additional authentication options if needed. Set up the OAuth app with the provider and then add the client credentials here. Store the listed redirect URL in the provider's app.

This allows you to connect internal systems or services that are not included in the pre-configured awork connector catalog.

Custom connectors set up by other users are also displayed in the connector catalog. You can use such a server and connect it with your personal authentication if needed.

---

Managing Connections

For one connector, multiple authenticated accounts can be available.

Adding connections

1. Open the Action menu for the desired connector and select Manage connections

1. In the Connections section, click the + Add button

A connection can be renamed. To do this, click directly in the row of a connection ("Account of User").

Once multiple connections exist, a selector is displayed in the connector card. This lets you choose which connection the agent should use.

Sharing a connection

Connectors can be shared with other users if the appropriate global permissions exist.

Authenticated connections can also be shared with team members.

When sharing, the original authentication secrets are not revealed. Instead, the connection is made accessible to other users according to the selected sharing method.

1. Open the Action menu for the desired connector and select Manage connections
2. In the Connections section, click the Action menu
3. Select Share connection

In the sharing dialog, you can specify who can access the skill:

• General access: Specify whether and how your organization can access the connection
• Individual access: Click Add user or team to add individual users or teams
• Access rights: Choose between None or Read

The shared connection will then also appear in the Library of the respective users.

Deleting a connection

1. Open the Action menu for the desired connector
2. Select Delete connection

---

Enabling and Disabling Connectors for Agent Access

An enabled connector expands the content or capabilities available to the agent.

You can enable a connector directly on the connector card in the Library for agents in general. Use the toggle for this:

• Active: The connector can be used by agents.
• Disabled: Agents cannot connect to the external tool via the connector. You can enable the connector if needed for a specific run. If a required connection is not available, a notice is displayed for that connector.

Adding a connector directly to an agent

1. Switch to the Agents section in the Library.
2. Click Details on an agent to open the agent details.
3. In the Connectors section within the agent details, click the Add button. A dropdown menu opens with two options:
   • Add existing connector: Select an already configured connector. Use the search field or the Active and All filters to find and add the desired connector.
   • Create new connector: Set up a new connector directly

The agent can now use the connector.

Once an agent is selected for AI chat, you can see available connectors by clicking + Connectors.

A distinction is made between:

• Active connectors: These are currently used by the agent
• Disabled connectors: You can enable these if needed

If you open the Library from here, the agent configuration is already applied and you'll see the elements enabled for the connector.

---

Suggesting a New Connector

1. Scroll down in the open Set up Connector modal.
2. Click the Suggest a connector link below the connector catalog.
3. Give us the Name of the tool you'd like to use, and optionally the Website and link to the MCP Server Documentation of the tool.

---

Troubleshooting and Notes

• Typos during connector setup: If incorrect credentials are used or typos are made during the initial setup of a connector, the connector must be deleted and recreated. The credentials cannot be changed.
• Admins cannot access all connectors: Currently, administrators still cannot see and manage all connectors. This capability will be added in the future.

---

FAQ

What is a connector?

A connector establishes the connection to an external service and defines the technical access to it.

What is a connection?

A connection is a specifically set up and authenticated account for a connector.

Can a connector have multiple connections?

Yes. Multiple authenticated accounts can be available for a connector. You can use the selector to choose which connection the agent should use.

Can connections be shared with team members?

Yes. An authenticated connection can be shared with other users. The shared connection will then also appear in their Library.

Are credentials visible when sharing?

No. The original authentication secrets are not revealed when sharing.

Can I connect a service that awork doesn't offer as a connector?

Yes. You can create your own connector using the MCP protocol.

Can an agent use a shared connection?

Yes. An agent can use a shared connection without the respective user having to set up their own authentication.