Zoho CRM

Create an MCP server in Zoho

Sign in to the Zoho MCP console for your Zoho data center, such as mcp.zoho.com or mcp.zoho.eu. Select Create MCP Server, enter a name, and select Create.

Add Zoho CRM tools

Open Tools and select Add Tools. Filter for Zoho CRM and check only the tools your receptionist needs, such as tools to search records, get a record, and create records. Select Add Now.

Leave out tools that update or delete records, or that change your CRM’s modules, fields, or workflows.

Authorize the connection in advance

Zoho tools default to Authorize on Demand, which asks for a Zoho sign-in in a browser the first time a tool runs. Your receptionist can’t complete that sign-in during a call, so authorize the connection in the console instead:

1. Open Connections → Zoho Services, select Edit, choose Authorize via Connections, and select Update.
2. Select the menu (…) next to the connection and select Authorize.
3. Sign in as the Zoho user your receptionist should act as, and allow access.

The tools can do anything this user’s CRM role allows. Consider a dedicated user with a role limited to the modules your receptionist needs.

Copy the MCP URL

Open Connect and copy the MCP URL. The URL contains a key that gives access to your CRM tools, so treat it as a secret.

Add the MCP server

In Reception.ai, go to Integrations, select Add integration, and choose MCP Server.

Leave Secret Token empty, because the key is already in the URL. Select Enable.

Assign tools

Open the Tools tab and assign the search, get, and create tools to the Client (receptionist).

Test it

Test your receptionist with a call from a number that’s already in Zoho CRM, then with a new caller. The new caller appears as a lead.