MCP is an open protocol standardising how language models connect to external systems. It removes the need to write a separate integration for every tool.
01. The Problem It Solves
Connecting a model to your ERP, file system and database used to require custom code for each. MCP defines those connections through a common interface; a server written once works with different clients.
02. Core Concepts
An MCP server exposes a system's capabilities as tools. An MCP client is the side where the model runs. The model reads what each tool does from its definition and calls it when needed.
03. The Enterprise Equivalent
Write an MCP server for your own ERP and the same server becomes usable across different AI clients. The integration investment is made in the standard rather than in a single tool.
04. Permission Boundaries
A model being able to call a tool must not mean it is authorised to perform that operation. Authorisation should be enforced on the MCP server side, bound to the user's identity.
05. Write Operations
Read tools are low risk. Tools that create, update or delete records need an approval step and an audit trail. Not exposing irreversible operations directly to the model is a basic principle.
06. Where to Start
Build your first MCP server on a read-only reporting source. Value appears quickly, risk stays low, and the team learns the protocol on real data.