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Set up a Custom Lattice MCP Server

Amy
  • Updated

Note: Lattice MCP is currently only available for customers with data hosted in North America and for those with Early Access. Register your interest for early access to the Lattice MCP by completing this form.

Connecting a custom Lattice MCP Server happens in three steps:

  1. A Lattice administrator creates a custom MCP Server in Lattice based on specific information provided by the AI system’s administrator
  2. The AI system’s administrator configures the AI system to connect to the Custom Lattice MCP Server, based on information provided by the Lattice administrator. The AI system’s administrator then provisions Lattice MCP access to individual users, specific roles, or all users of the AI system.
  3. An end user who logs into the AI system establishes a connection to the Lattice MCP and signs in to Lattice with their Lattice user credentials.

Note: Setup requires administrator access. The Lattice side requires Lattice Admin access and the AI system side usually requires an IT administrator or someone with admin access to that system.

Step 1: Create a custom MCP Server in Lattice

This step requires Lattice Admin access.

  1. Go to Admin > Platform > MCP Server.
  2. Select Add MCP Server.
  3. Copy the Client ID, and the Client Secret if your AI system requires one.
  4. Select Done, I've copied my credentials.
  5. Paste in the Redirect URL(s) from your AI system. If your AI system lists multiple, add each of them individually.
  6. Select Add.
  7. Select Complete.

Tips and Useful Information

  • Naming your MCP Server: A custom MCP Server in Lattice represents a connection to one specific AI system, so it is recommended to name it after the system you are connecting to.
  • Redirect URL: This is a URL specific to the AI system you are connecting to, and that system's administrator will provide it. Lattice uses it during login to securely send a temporary access code back to your AI system, confirming that you have logged in and granted permission.
  • Client Secret: 
    • This is not always required, and the AI system’s administrator will tell you if you need to provide a Client Secret. When you add a Client Secret to a Custom MCP, Lattice shows the Client Secret only once, at the moment you create it.
    • Treat any Client Secret carefully. Store it in the encrypted password vault or one-time link service recommended by your IT team. Do not paste it into a document, an email, or a chat. If a secret is ever exposed, you can generate a new one, which immediately severs any system still using the old one.

Step 2: Add the connection to your AI system

This step usually requires an IT administrator or someone with admin access to your AI system.

These steps will vary depending on which AI system you use. Many have different UI flows, names for key concepts, and authorization or provisioning capabilities. Most systems will follow these general steps:

  1. Add a custom connection in your AI system's settings.
  2. Enter a name for the connection. This name is generally visible to your end users, so "Lattice" works well.
  3. Enter the Lattice MCP Server URL: https://api.latticehq.com/mcp
  4. Paste the Client ID you copied from Lattice into the Client ID field.
  5. Paste the Client Secret if the AI system requires it.
  6. Save the configuration.
  7. Provision access to users of the AI system

Step 3: Connect your individual Lattice account

Once the Lattice MCP Server is connected to the AI system, and AI system users are granted access to the Lattice MCP, they must finalize the connection and authenticate. The exact flow will vary for each AI system, but usually follows these steps:

  1. In your AI system, open Connectors and select the Lattice connector.
  2. Click Connect. You will be redirected to Lattice.
  3. Enter your Lattice subdomain and click Continue.
  4. Log in to Lattice.
  5. Review the permissions Lattice asks you to grant:
    • View employee information via MCP
    • View feedback via MCP
    • View goals via MCP
    • View Grow competencies and tracks via MCP
    • View and write meetings via MCP
    • View and write performance reviews via MCP
    • View and write updates via MCP
  6. Click Authorize to grant these permissions.
  7. Click Open to return to your AI system.

To confirm the connection is working, prompt your AI system with "Who am I in Lattice?" If it is connected, the AI system will call the Lattice MCP and respond with your name.

Troubleshooting

If you cannot authenticate after setting up a new connection, first check that the information is correct in both Lattice and your AI system. The most common issues are an incorrect Redirect URL in the Lattice custom MCP Server configuration, or an incorrect MCP Server URL or Client ID in the AI system. 

If everything is correct and the problem continues, contact your IT administrator, since firewalls, AI gateways, or self-hosted AI systems can also cause authentication issues. 

You can also file a ticket with Lattice Customer Care for further support by emailing customercare@lattice.com.

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