These terms can sound technical, but the benefits are simple: less manual work, fewer mistakes, faster decisions, and better visibility.

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What is an API?

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An API is a controlled way for one system to ask for information or make an update in another system.

• Pull key details from your core system into Microsoft 365
• Update records automatically (when appropriate)
• Create consistent processes instead of ad-hoc workarounds

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What is a webhook?

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A webhook is how a system tells another system “something just happened”.

• When a project is created → set up the workspace automatically
• When a status changes → notify the right people
• When something is overdue → escalate without chasing

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What is MCP?

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MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a way to let AI tools securely use information and actions from your systems through approved connectors.

• AI can reference the right business context (with permissions)
• AI can help staff find answers faster across systems
• AI can support workflows using approved tools and data access

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Why this matters for forward-thinking business leaders

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Forward-thinking leaders aren’t adopting AI just to be “modern” — they’re building an organisation that can move faster, scale, and make better decisions without adding layers of admin.

• AI is only as good as the information it can access
  
  • If your data is stuck in silos, AI becomes a nice-to-have chat tool. When systems are connected, AI becomes genuinely useful.
• Operational speed becomes a competitive advantage
  
  • Businesses that reduce friction in workflows respond faster, deliver faster, and adapt faster.
• You’re building an “automation-ready” organisation
  
  • Once core systems are connected, improvements compound over time — each new automation is easier and cheaper to implement.
• Risk and governance improve, not worsen
  
  • Proper integrations reduce ad-hoc spreadsheets, manual workarounds, and shadow processes that are hard to secure and audit.
• You future-proof your tech stack
  
  • APIs, webhooks, and standards like MCP make it easier to adopt new tools (including AI) without ripping everything out and starting again.

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