Custom Tools

Custom tools let your agent DO things, not just talk. Connect external APIs or TinyWorkflow automations as tools the agent can call during conversations.

Why tools matter

Without tools, an agent can only generate text. With tools, it can:

• Create CRM records
• Send emails
• Update databases
• Call external APIs
• Trigger automations
• Look up data

API Tools

Connect any REST API as a tool:

Setting up

1. Capabilities tab → Custom Tools → + Add tool
2. Choose API as the source
3. Configure:

Description is critical

The tool description tells the AI WHEN to use it. Be specific:

Bad: "Create ticket" Good: "Create a JIRA ticket when the user reports a bug or requests a feature. Requires: title, description, priority (low/medium/high), and optionally assigns to a team member."

Workflow Tools

Connect a TinyWorkflow as a tool:

Setting up

1. Create a TinyWorkflow with:
   • A Manual trigger (with defined input parameters)
   • Actions that do the work
   • Output that returns a result
2. In Agent Studio → Capabilities → Custom Tools → + Add tool
3. Choose Workflow as the source
4. Select the workflow
5. The input parameters and description auto-populate from the workflow

Example: CRM Lookup Tool

Workflow:

Manual Trigger (input: email) → Find One Record (WHERE email = {{email}}) → Return result

When the user says "Look up john@acme.com", the agent calls this workflow and gets the CRM record.

Example: Send Email Tool

Workflow:

Manual Trigger (input: to, subject, body) → Send Email → Return confirmation

When the user says "Send a follow-up to jane@company.com", the agent calls this workflow.

How the agent decides to use tools

The AI reads each tool's name and description to decide:

• Is this tool relevant to what the user is asking?
• What parameters does it need?
• Can I extract those parameters from the conversation?

If all conditions are met, the agent calls the tool, waits for the result, and incorporates it into the response.