MCP is an open API standard that enables intelligent clients to discover, describe, and invoke operations on remote services in a self-describing, plug-and-play way.

MCP standardizes how applications provide context to language models. This standardization helps applications integrate seamlessly with different data sources and tools. This open standard connects AI assistants and agents to various systems where data resides, such as content repositories, business tools, and development environments. An MCP-compliant agent uses rich contextual information to act efficiently. A non-MCP-compliant agent doesn't have the necessary context.

With the MCP server for Business Central, you can easily connect agents to existing knowledge sources and APIs. You can enable agents to interface directly with Business Central. Actions and knowledge synchronize automatically. This synchronization facilitates real-time updates and the evolution of functionality. This model simplifies agent development and minimizes ongoing maintenance efforts.

By default, the MCP Server gives agents read-only access to all exposed Business Central API pages. If you want to enable agents to create, modify, or delete entities and data, you must configure these operations on the MCP Server. Configuring the Business Central MCP server involves adding API page objects in individual configurations and defining the allowed operations. To learn more about MCP Server configurations, go to Configure Business Central MCP Server.

For more information about MCP, go to The autonomous enterprise: How generative AI is reshaping business applications.