Claude Plugins — Automate Your Business Processes

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2.4 MCP Servers -- Connecting to Your Tools

MCP Servers: Connecting to Your Tools

Lesson 2.4 — How Claude communicates with your CRM and APIs

Skills define expertise. Commands trigger workflows. But when Claude needs to read from or write to an external system — your CRM, database, or email — it needs a bridge. That bridge is an MCP server.

What Is MCP?

MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is an open standard by Anthropic that gives Claude a universal way to connect to external services. Think of it as a USB-C port for AI — one standard protocol for any system.

Standard Protocol

MCP provides a unified interface for connecting to any external service — APIs, databases, email systems.

Plug and Play

Once configured, Claude can call MCP tools as naturally as using built-in functions. No custom integration code.

Real-Time Data

Unlike static references, MCP servers give Claude live access to your current data — customers, orders, inventory.

How MCP Fits Into Plugins

Skill Defines the Workflow

The skill file says: to create a contact, follow these steps and use these MCP tools.

Command Triggers It

The user types /create-contact or Claude detects the intent from context.

MCP Server Executes

Claude calls the MCP server to actually read from or write to Odoo, email, or any other system.

Configuration

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "odoo-crm": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "odoo-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "ODOO_URL": "https://your-instance.com"
      }
    }
  }
}

The .mcp.json file in your plugin tells Claude which MCP servers to start. Each server exposes tools that Claude can call — like searching contacts, creating leads, or sending emails.

Not Always Needed

Many plugins work perfectly without MCP servers. If your workflow only needs Claude to generate content or follow instructions, skills and commands are enough. Add MCP only when you need live data access.

Key Takeaway

MCP servers are the bridge between Claude and your live systems. They complete the plugin architecture: skills for knowledge, commands for triggers, and MCP for real-time data access.