Flow Studio
MCP Capability Overview
Calling AI tools via the Model Context Protocol — MCP server registration, the MCPToolCallNode, tool result mapping, and the integration with the Octopus AI framework.
What is MCP?
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting AI systems to tools, data, and context. MCP servers expose named tools with defined input/output schemas. The Flow Studio MCP capability allows workflow nodes to invoke any registered MCP tool as a first-class workflow step.
MCP in Workflow Context
WorkflowNode (MCPToolCallNode)
│ inputMap → tool parameters
▼
IMCPClientFactory.CreateClient(serverId)
│
▼
MCP Server (stdio | SSE | HTTP)
├── Tool: document-analyzer
├── Tool: risk-scorer
└── Tool: entity-extractor
│
▼
NodeExecutionResult
└── $output.{nodeId}.result
Available MCP Nodes
| Node Type | Operation | Output |
|---|---|---|
MCPToolCallNode | Invoke one tool on a registered MCP server | { result, toolName, serverId, callId, executedAt } |
MCP vs Business Services: Use the MCP capability for AI model tools (inference, analysis, generation). Use the Business Services capability (Guide37) for operational business services (payroll, ERP, HR). MCP servers are AI-oriented; business services are system-of-record oriented.