> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Claude to your facility

> Let Claude look up cars, customers, and other facility records after a staff sign-in—without giving away an API key.

## What you will accomplish

You will turn on **AI agents (MCP)** in Settings, copy the **Connector URL**, add it in Claude (or a similar helper), and sign in as staff so that helper can look up your facility records.

When you finish, you will know:

* How this is different from the **AI Assistant** in the dashboard sidebar.
* How to find the **AI agents (MCP)** card and turn the switch to **Enabled**.
* How to copy the **Connector URL** and paste it into Claude.
* What to do when Claude asks you to sign in and pick what it can see.

## When to use this guide

Use this guide if you already use **Claude** (on the web, on the desktop, or on your phone) and you want it to answer questions about *your* cars and customers—not just general advice.

Skip this guide if you only need the helper that lives inside Car Storage Software. That tool is [AI Assistant](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/agent) in the left sidebar. Start with [Use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant).

<Note>
  **Three doors, one set of records**

  Your facility can use helpers in three places. They all read the same cars, customers, and schedule.

  | Where you work | Best for | Open this guide |
  | - | - | - |
  | **[AI Assistant](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/agent)** in the dashboard | Lookups, voice, and draft cards while you are at a computer | [Use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant) |
  | A **staff iMessage group** on your phone | Fast questions while you walk the lot | [Use the AI Assistant from iMessage](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant-from-imessage) |
  | **Claude** (or Cursor) after you connect it | People who already chat in Claude and want facility answers there | This guide |
</Note>

## Why the name says MCP

The card is labeled **AI agents (MCP)**. **MCP** is a technical nickname for the connection. You do not need to remember it.

Think of the **Connector URL** as the *address of your facility's front door for helpers*. You paste that address into Claude. Claude then asks you to sign in, just like a staff member signing in to the dashboard.

<Warning>
  **This is not a customer tool**

  Only **staff** can finish the sign-in. A customer portal login will not work. Do not send the Connector URL to customers.
</Warning>

## Before you start

* Sign in as a **team admin**. Only an admin can turn this card on or off.
* Have a **Claude** account ready (claude.ai, Claude Desktop, or Claude on your phone). Cursor and Claude Code work too if your team already uses them.
* Know which staff person will sign in when Claude asks—use a real staff account, not a shared login.
* Plan to start with **read-only** access (look up records, do not create or change them) until you trust the setup.

## Find the AI agents card

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    From the [Dashboard](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard), click **Settings** in the left menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Integrations">
    Click **Integrations**.

    Direct link: [Settings > Integrations](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations).

    **Expected result:** The page title is **Integrations**. Under **Available integrations** you see a search box and a grid of cards.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search if you do not see the card">
    Click **Search integrations...** and type **claude** or **mcp**.

    **Expected result:** Only the **AI agents (MCP)** card stays on the page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/CVykmUsibl778tg6/images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-integrations-catalog-sep29.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=CVykmUsibl778tg6&q=85&s=e1023f7940b7b40631ee601d33166684" alt="Integrations settings page showing cards including AI agents (MCP) in the catalog grid" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-integrations-catalog-sep29.webp" />
</Frame>

*Open [Settings > Integrations](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations). The **AI agents (MCP)** card sits with the other tools. It may say **Off** until you turn it on.*

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/CVykmUsibl778tg6/images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-integrations-search-claude-sep29.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=CVykmUsibl778tg6&q=85&s=03550c629bf81c97c5174b287d58d965" alt="Integrations search box with mcp typed, showing only the AI agents (MCP) card with an On label" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-integrations-search-claude-sep29.webp" />
</Frame>

*Type **mcp** or **claude** in **Search integrations...** to jump straight to the card. After you turn it on, the small label says **On**.*

<Tip>
  **The blue header may not list Claude**

  The sentence at the top of Integrations talks about QR codes, Shopmonkey, HubSpot, and similar tools. The **AI agents (MCP)** card is still on the same page. Use search if you do not see it at first.
</Tip>

## Turn it on and copy the address

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click the AI agents (MCP) card">
    A window opens. The title is **AI agents (MCP)**. The first line says **Connect Claude, Cursor, or Claude Code to your facility data.**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read the Turn it on box if you see it">
    If the switch at the bottom still says **Enable this integration**, you will also see a note titled **Turn it on to connect**. That is normal. The helper cannot finish sign-in until you flip the switch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn the switch on">
    At the bottom of the window, turn the switch so the label changes from **Enable this integration** to **Enabled**.

    **Expected result:** The switch stays on. The card on the page now shows **On**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the Connector URL">
    Find the box labeled **Connector URL**. Click **Copy** next to it.

    **Expected result:** Your live facility address looks like `https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/api/mcp/v1`. A practice or test site may show a different address—that is fine for testing, but Claude should get the address from *your* live Settings page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/CVykmUsibl778tg6/images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-off-sep29.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=CVykmUsibl778tg6&q=85&s=ab0155dd3dc52428d6aad03aa15b3b64" alt="AI agents (MCP) window showing Turn it on to connect, Connector URL, Claude setup steps, and Enable this integration switch" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-off-sep29.webp" />
</Frame>

*If the switch still says **Enable this integration**, turn it on before you paste the **Connector URL** into Claude. The **Turn it on to connect** box is a reminder, not an error.*

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/CVykmUsibl778tg6/images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-enabled-claude-sep29.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=CVykmUsibl778tg6&q=85&s=efe30ebc112daa07ad7371e0424cd1b7" alt="AI agents (MCP) window with Enabled switch, Connector URL, and Claude tab steps" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-enabled-claude-sep29.webp" />
</Frame>

*When the switch says **Enabled**, copy the **Connector URL**. The **Claude** tab lists the clicks you will make inside Claude. Your live address will use carstoragesoftware.com, not a local test address.*

## Add the connection in Claude

Stay on the **Claude** tab in the window. Those steps match what you do in Claude.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Claude's connector settings">
    In Claude, open **Customize → Connectors**. Team or company owners may see **Organization settings → Connectors** instead.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a custom connector">
    Click **Add** or **Add custom connector**. If Claude asks for a type, choose **Web**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste the Connector URL">
    Paste the address you copied. Leave any **OAuth client ID** or **secret** boxes blank. Claude fills those in for you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save, then click Connect">
    Click **Add**, then **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in as staff">
    A browser window opens. Sign in with your **facility staff** account. Approve access. Start with look-up (read) access if Claude lets you choose.

    **Expected result:** Claude finishes connecting. You can ask it to list cars or customers for your facility.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Try one safe question">
    Ask Claude: **List the cars stored for Alex Morgan** (use a real name from [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts)).

    **Why this matters:** You confirm the helper is looking at *your* records before anyone uses it with a customer on the phone.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **What you allow Claude to see**

  The sign-in screen asks what the helper may access. That list matches the same kinds of access as a team API key (cars, customers, schedule, and so on). **Read** means look up. **Write** means create or change records. Start with read. You can connect again later if you need write access.
</Note>

## If your team uses Cursor instead

Some shops use **Cursor** for computer work. The same **Connector URL** works there.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Keep the card Enabled">
    Confirm the switch still says **Enabled** on [Settings > Integrations → AI agents (MCP)](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations?integration=mcp).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Cursor tab">
    In the same window, click the **Cursor** tab. Follow the numbered steps. You can copy the example block with **Copy**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect and sign in">
    If Cursor shows **Needs authentication**, click **Connect**. Sign in as staff and approve access, the same way you would in Claude.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/CVykmUsibl778tg6/images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-cursor-sep29.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=CVykmUsibl778tg6&q=85&s=c694c727e02b27b348618f67e91297ca" alt="AI agents (MCP) window on the Cursor tab showing setup steps and a copyable configuration block" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/ai-assistant/ai-assistant-mcp-dialog-cursor-sep29.webp" />
</Frame>

*The **Cursor** tab is for teams that already use Cursor. Staff still sign in with a facility account. You do not paste an API key.*

<Tip>
  **Claude Code is optional**

  The **Claude Code** tab is for people who work in a terminal. Most facility owners can ignore it. If you have an IT partner, they can follow that tab. Everyday staff should use the dashboard [AI Assistant](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/agent) or Claude on the web.
</Tip>

## How this stays safe

<Info>
  **You stay in control.** Turning the card **Off** later stops new connections.

  **Each staff member signs in as themselves.** Do not share one login so several people can connect Claude.

  **Look-up first.** Let Claude read records before you allow it to create customers, cars, or events.

  **Money and contracts still need the dashboard.** Do not ask Claude to void an invoice, change a card on file, or delete a signed agreement. Use [Payments](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/payments) and your contracts pages for that work.

  **This does not text customers.** Customer messages still go out from [Inbox](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/inbox).
</Info>

## Common mistakes

* Pasting the Connector URL before the switch says **Enabled**—Claude cannot finish sign-in.
* Signing in with a **customer** email instead of a staff account.
* Sending the Connector URL to a customer or posting it in a public place.
* Assuming Claude already sent a text or created a car—check [Inbox](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/inbox) or [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) if you are not sure.
* Using a test address from a practice site in your live Claude app. Always copy the URL from *your* live [Integrations](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations?integration=mcp) page.

## Troubleshooting

<Warning>
  **The switch will not turn on**

  You need **admin (full access)** to turn **AI agents (MCP)** on or off. Ask an owner to open [Settings > Integrations](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations) with you, or to grant admin access in [Settings > Team](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/team).
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Claude says authorization failed after I signed in**

  Confirm the switch says **Enabled**. Sign in again as **staff**, not as a customer. Close extra browser tabs that might still be signed in to the customer portal.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **Claude connects but cannot list cars**

  You may have approved no access, or only areas that do not include cars. Connect again and allow **read** access for cars and customers. Also confirm your staff role can open [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) in the dashboard—see [Who can use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/who-can-use-the-ai-assistant).
</Note>

<Warning>
  **Claude asked me to sign in again when I tried to add a record**

  Look-up access cannot create records. Reconnect and approve write access only if you truly want Claude to add or change data. Many teams never turn write on and use [Prepare work with the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/prepare-work-with-the-ai-assistant) in the dashboard instead, because those changes show **proposal cards** you can review first.
</Warning>

<Tip>
  **I want to stop Claude from seeing our data**

  Disconnect the connector inside Claude. You can also turn **AI agents (MCP)** **Off** on [Settings > Integrations](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/integrations?integration=mcp). New sign-ins will fail until an admin turns it back on.
</Tip>

## What to do next

* Practice a lookup in the dashboard helper: [Use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant).
* If you prefer step-by-step notes that stay next to the Integrations window, open [Connect Claude or another AI helper](/docs/settings/connect-ai-agents-mcp).
* For staff who should not use Claude at all, keep using [AI Assistant](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/agent) and leave this card **Off**.


## Related topics

- [Connect Claude or another AI helper](/docs/settings/connect-ai-agents-mcp.md)
- [AI Assistant overview](/docs/ai-assistant/overview.md)
- [Use the AI Assistant from iMessage](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant-from-imessage.md)
- [Who can use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/who-can-use-the-ai-assistant.md)
- [Use the AI Assistant](/docs/ai-assistant/use-the-ai-assistant.md)


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