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Connectors: Integrating External Systems

How the AI works directly with your systems: connectors don't just read data, they create tasks, set up calendar events and update records.

Written by Thore Dücker

Connectors link Beyond Chat to your external systems, for example Microsoft 365 or Notion. The AI doesn't just read data, it actively works with it: right from the chat, without you having to switch tools.

What connectors can do

Connectors are based on the MCP standard (Model Context Protocol) and go beyond simply reading information:

  • Read: retrieve information from your systems and use it in the chat

  • Write: change data directly, for example create new tasks in your project management tool, set up calendar events or update records in your CRM

This makes Beyond Chat your control center: you run your workflows right from the chat, without switching context.

Security and permissions

  • Your own account: Each user authenticates with a connector using their own account (e.g. Microsoft 365, Notion). The AI only gets access to data the user is already authorized to see in the external system

  • Control visibility: Admins decide whether connectors are shown via group permissions

Important: If a connector processes personal data, regulatory requirements may apply (e.g. a data protection impact assessment). Clarify this with your data protection officer before rolling it out.

Requirements

Connectors are a model capability: choose a model that can use connectors (shown in the model info card), or let the Smart Router choose. When you pick a model manually, use the tools icon to switch individual connectors on or off.

Setting up connectors

  • Pre-built connections: find them in the chat interface under Connectors

  • Your own connections: create them via Create New

Troubleshooting

If a connector doesn't return any data, check two things:

  1. Check the tools: Is the connector enabled for the selected model? (tools icon when picking a model manually)

  2. Ask explicitly: Instruct the model directly in your prompt to use the connector, for example: "Use the Notion connector and ..."

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