MCP Server Setup and AI Integration

We first define what information needs to be retrieved and which actions, if any, are allowed. An existing vendor integration may cover the task without custom development. A custom MCP server may be appropriate where supported applications need a controlled interface to internal tools.

The design confirms client compatibility, transport, authentication, hosting, and network requirements. MCP support differs between applications and plans. A shared protocol does not guarantee that every client supports the same authentication or tool behaviour.

We specify user identity, narrowly scoped access, secret storage, and server-side checks for each operation. The model’s request is validated before the server performs an action. Source-system permissions still apply.

External documents and tool results can contain malicious instructions. We test this exposure, restrict information sent to tools, and define confirmation points for consequential actions. Logs should support investigation without collecting unnecessary sensitive content.

Acceptance tests cover permitted requests, denied requests, invalid inputs, timeouts, repeated operations, and credential expiry. Write operations need a defined approach to duplicate requests and partial failures. A read-only pilot can establish value before write access is considered.

XL AV can scope server configuration or development, integration tests, deployment documentation, and staff handover. The project identifies the hosting owner, update process, monitoring, credential rotation responsibilities, and a method to disable the connection.