# How to integrate Boxhero MCP with Autogen ```json { "title": "How to integrate Boxhero MCP with Autogen", "toolkit": "Boxhero", "toolkit_slug": "boxhero", "framework": "AutoGen", "framework_slug": "autogen", "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/autogen", "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/autogen.md", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:03:56.676Z" } ``` ## Introduction This guide walks you through connecting Boxhero to AutoGen using the Composio tool router. By the end, you'll have a working Boxhero agent that can check current stock levels for a product, list inventory items low on quantity, generate inventory report for this week through natural language commands. This guide will help you understand how to give your AutoGen agent real control over a Boxhero account through Composio's Boxhero MCP server. Before we dive in, let's take a quick look at the key ideas and tools involved. ## Also integrate Boxhero with - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/crew-ai) ## TL;DR Here's what you'll learn: - Get and set up your OpenAI and Composio API keys - Install the required dependencies for Autogen and Composio - Initialize Composio and create a Tool Router session for Boxhero - Wire that MCP URL into Autogen using McpWorkbench and StreamableHttpServerParams - Configure an Autogen AssistantAgent that can call Boxhero tools - Run a live chat loop where you ask the agent to perform Boxhero operations ## What is AutoGen? Autogen is a framework for building multi-agent conversational AI systems from Microsoft. It enables you to create agents that can collaborate, use tools, and maintain complex workflows. Key features include: - Multi-Agent Systems: Build collaborative agent workflows - MCP Workbench: Native support for Model Context Protocol tools - Streaming HTTP: Connect to external services through streamable HTTP - AssistantAgent: Pre-built agent class for tool-using assistants ## What is the Boxhero MCP server, and what's possible with it? The Boxhero MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Boxhero account. It provides structured and secure access to your inventory data, so your agent can perform actions like tracking stock levels, managing item records, processing barcode scans, and generating analytics reports on your behalf. - Real-time inventory tracking: Instantly let your agent check current stock levels for any item or product in your Boxhero account. - Barcode-based item management: Have your agent update inventory using barcode scans, making it easy to add, remove, or audit items with accuracy. - Collaborative team updates: Empower your agent to log inventory changes, notify team members, or assign tasks to keep everyone in sync. - Inventory analytics and reporting: Ask your agent to generate insights—like low-stock alerts or usage trends—to help you make smarter decisions. - Streamlined item entry and editing: Let your agent create new inventory items or update existing records, including descriptions, quantities, and categories. ## Supported Tools | Tool slug | Name | Description | |---|---|---| | `BOXHERO_DELETE_ITEM` | Delete Item | Tool to delete a specific item (barcode) by its ID. Use when you need to remove an item from the inventory. | | `BOXHERO_DELETE_LOCATION` | BoxHero - Delete Location | Tool to delete a specific warehouse location by its ID. Use when you need to remove a location from the system. | | `BOXHERO_GET_ITEM` | Get Item | Tool to retrieve a specific item (barcode) by ID. Use when you need detailed information about a single item including its attributes, pricing, and inventory quantities. | | `BOXHERO_GET_ITEM_ATTRIBUTE` | Get Item Attribute | Tool to retrieve a specific item attribute by ID. Use when you need to get detailed information about an item attribute specification. | | `BOXHERO_GET_LOCATION` | Get Location | Tool to retrieve a specific location by ID. Use when you need detailed information about a particular warehouse location including its name, quantity, and notes. | | `BOXHERO_GET_MEMBER` | Get Member | Tool to retrieve a specific team member by ID. Use when you need to get details about a particular member. | | `BOXHERO_GET_TEAM_INFO` | Get Linked Team Info | Tool to get information about the linked team and its mode. Use when you need to retrieve the currently linked team details. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_BASIC_TRANSACTIONS` | BoxHero - List Basic Transactions | Tool to list basic inventory transactions. Use when you need a high-level overview of in/out/move transactions. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES` | List Item Attributes | Tool to retrieve the list of item attribute specifications used within the team. Use when you need to understand what custom attributes are defined for items. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_ITEMS` | List Items | Tool to list items. Use when fetching products with optional location filters and pagination. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_LOCATIONS` | BoxHero - List Locations | Tool to list warehouse locations. Use when you need valid warehouse_id values for filtering transactions. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_LOCATION_TRANSACTIONS` | BoxHero - List Location Transactions | Tool to retrieve the list of transactions in location mode. Use when you need to fetch transaction history with location-based details including in/out/move/adjust operations. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_MEMBERS` | List Team Members | Tool to retrieve the list of team members. Use when you need to get all members in the team with their roles. | | `BOXHERO_LIST_PARTNERS` | BoxHero - List Partners | Tool to list partners (suppliers and customers). Use when retrieving partner information with optional type filtering and pagination. | ## Supported Triggers None listed. ## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK The Boxhero MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agents and assistants directly to Boxhero. Instead of manually wiring Boxhero APIs, OAuth, and scopes yourself, you get a structured, tool-based interface that an LLM can call safely. With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster. ## Step-by-step Guide ### 1. Prerequisites You will need: - A Composio API key - An OpenAI API key (used by Autogen's OpenAIChatCompletionClient) - A Boxhero account you can connect to Composio - Some basic familiarity with Autogen and Python async ### 1. Getting API Keys for OpenAI and Composio OpenAI API Key - Go to the [OpenAI dashboard](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys) and create an API key. You'll need credits to use the models, or you can connect to another model provider. - Keep the API key safe. Composio API Key - Log in to the [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_docs). - Navigate to your API settings and generate a new API key. - Store this key securely as you'll need it for authentication. ### 2. Install dependencies Install Composio, Autogen extensions, and dotenv. What's happening: - composio connects your agent to Boxhero via MCP - autogen-agentchat provides the AssistantAgent class - autogen-ext-openai provides the OpenAI model client - autogen-ext-tools provides MCP workbench support ```bash pip install composio python-dotenv pip install autogen-agentchat autogen-ext-openai autogen-ext-tools ``` ### 3. Set up environment variables Create a .env file in your project folder. What's happening: - COMPOSIO_API_KEY is required to talk to Composio - OPENAI_API_KEY is used by Autogen's OpenAI client - USER_ID is how Composio identifies which user's Boxhero connections to use ```bash COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your-composio-api-key OPENAI_API_KEY=your-openai-api-key USER_ID=your-user-identifier@example.com ``` ### 4. Import dependencies and create Tool Router session What's happening: - load_dotenv() reads your .env file - Composio(api_key=...) initializes the SDK - create(...) creates a Tool Router session that exposes Boxhero tools - session.mcp.url is the MCP endpoint that Autogen will connect to ```python import asyncio import os from dotenv import load_dotenv from composio import Composio from autogen_agentchat.agents import AssistantAgent from autogen_ext.models.openai import OpenAIChatCompletionClient from autogen_ext.tools.mcp import McpWorkbench, StreamableHttpServerParams load_dotenv() async def main(): # Initialize Composio and create a Boxhero session composio = Composio(api_key=os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")) session = composio.create( user_id=os.getenv("USER_ID"), toolkits=["boxhero"] ) url = session.mcp.url ``` ### 5. Configure MCP parameters for Autogen Autogen expects parameters describing how to talk to the MCP server. That is what StreamableHttpServerParams is for. What's happening: - url points to the Tool Router MCP endpoint from Composio - timeout is the HTTP timeout for requests - sse_read_timeout controls how long to wait when streaming responses - terminate_on_close=True cleans up the MCP server process when the workbench is closed ```python # Configure MCP server parameters for Streamable HTTP server_params = StreamableHttpServerParams( url=url, timeout=30.0, sse_read_timeout=300.0, terminate_on_close=True, headers={"x-api-key": os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")} ) ``` ### 6. Create the model client and agent What's happening: - OpenAIChatCompletionClient wraps the OpenAI model for Autogen - McpWorkbench connects the agent to the MCP tools - AssistantAgent is configured with the Boxhero tools from the workbench ```python # Create model client model_client = OpenAIChatCompletionClient( model="gpt-5", api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY") ) # Use McpWorkbench as context manager async with McpWorkbench(server_params) as workbench: # Create Boxhero assistant agent with MCP tools agent = AssistantAgent( name="boxhero_assistant", description="An AI assistant that helps with Boxhero operations.", model_client=model_client, workbench=workbench, model_client_stream=True, max_tool_iterations=10 ) ``` ### 7. Run the interactive chat loop What's happening: - The script prompts you in a loop with You: - Autogen passes your input to the model, which decides which Boxhero tools to call via MCP - agent.run_stream(...) yields streaming messages as the agent thinks and calls tools - Typing exit, quit, or bye ends the loop ```python print("Chat started! Type 'exit' or 'quit' to end the conversation.\n") print("Ask any Boxhero related question or task to the agent.\n") # Conversation loop while True: user_input = input("You: ").strip() if user_input.lower() in ["exit", "quit", "bye"]: print("\nGoodbye!") break if not user_input: continue print("\nAgent is thinking...\n") # Run the agent with streaming try: response_text = "" async for message in agent.run_stream(task=user_input): if hasattr(message, "content") and message.content: response_text = message.content # Print the final response if response_text: print(f"Agent: {response_text}\n") else: print("Agent: I encountered an issue processing your request.\n") except Exception as e: print(f"Agent: Sorry, I encountered an error: {str(e)}\n") ``` ## Complete Code ```python import asyncio import os from dotenv import load_dotenv from composio import Composio from autogen_agentchat.agents import AssistantAgent from autogen_ext.models.openai import OpenAIChatCompletionClient from autogen_ext.tools.mcp import McpWorkbench, StreamableHttpServerParams load_dotenv() async def main(): # Initialize Composio and create a Boxhero session composio = Composio(api_key=os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")) session = composio.create( user_id=os.getenv("USER_ID"), toolkits=["boxhero"] ) url = session.mcp.url # Configure MCP server parameters for Streamable HTTP server_params = StreamableHttpServerParams( url=url, timeout=30.0, sse_read_timeout=300.0, terminate_on_close=True, headers={"x-api-key": os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")} ) # Create model client model_client = OpenAIChatCompletionClient( model="gpt-5", api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY") ) # Use McpWorkbench as context manager async with McpWorkbench(server_params) as workbench: # Create Boxhero assistant agent with MCP tools agent = AssistantAgent( name="boxhero_assistant", description="An AI assistant that helps with Boxhero operations.", model_client=model_client, workbench=workbench, model_client_stream=True, max_tool_iterations=10 ) print("Chat started! Type 'exit' or 'quit' to end the conversation.\n") print("Ask any Boxhero related question or task to the agent.\n") # Conversation loop while True: user_input = input("You: ").strip() if user_input.lower() in ['exit', 'quit', 'bye']: print("\nGoodbye!") break if not user_input: continue print("\nAgent is thinking...\n") # Run the agent with streaming try: response_text = "" async for message in agent.run_stream(task=user_input): if hasattr(message, 'content') and message.content: response_text = message.content # Print the final response if response_text: print(f"Agent: {response_text}\n") else: print("Agent: I encountered an issue processing your request.\n") except Exception as e: print(f"Agent: Sorry, I encountered an error: {str(e)}\n") if __name__ == "__main__": asyncio.run(main()) ``` ## Conclusion You now have an Autogen assistant wired into Boxhero through Composio's Tool Router and MCP. From here you can: - Add more toolkits to the toolkits list, for example notion or hubspot - Refine the agent description to point it at specific workflows - Wrap this script behind a UI, Slack bot, or internal tool Once the pattern is clear for Boxhero, you can reuse the same structure for other MCP-enabled apps with minimal code changes. ## How to build Boxhero MCP Agent with another framework - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero/framework/crew-ai) ## Related Toolkits - [Google Sheets](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googlesheets) - Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool for real-time collaboration and data analysis. It lets teams work together from anywhere, updating information instantly. - [Notion](https://composio.dev/toolkits/notion) - Notion is a collaborative workspace for notes, docs, wikis, and tasks. It streamlines team knowledge, project tracking, and workflow customization in one place. - [Airtable](https://composio.dev/toolkits/airtable) - Airtable combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with the power of a database for easy project and data management. Teams use Airtable to organize, track, and collaborate with custom views and automations. - [Asana](https://composio.dev/toolkits/asana) - Asana is a collaborative work management platform for teams to organize and track projects. It streamlines teamwork, boosts productivity, and keeps everyone aligned on goals. - [Google Tasks](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googletasks) - Google Tasks is a to-do list and task management tool integrated into Gmail and Google Calendar. It helps you organize, track, and complete tasks across your Google ecosystem. - [Linear](https://composio.dev/toolkits/linear) - Linear is a modern issue tracking and project planning tool for fast-moving teams. It helps streamline workflows, organize projects, and boost productivity. - [Jira](https://composio.dev/toolkits/jira) - Jira is Atlassian’s platform for bug tracking, issue tracking, and agile project management. It helps teams organize work, prioritize tasks, and deliver projects efficiently. - [Clickup](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clickup) - ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform for managing tasks, docs, goals, and team collaboration. It streamlines project workflows so teams can work smarter and stay organized in one place. - [Monday](https://composio.dev/toolkits/monday) - Monday.com is a customizable work management platform for project planning and collaboration. It helps teams organize tasks, automate workflows, and track progress in real time. - [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time. - [Agiled](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agiled) - Agiled is an all-in-one business management platform for CRM, projects, and finance. It helps you streamline workflows, consolidate client data, and manage business processes in one place. - [Ascora](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ascora) - Ascora is a cloud-based field service management platform for service businesses. It streamlines scheduling, invoicing, and customer operations in one place. - [Basecamp](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp) - Basecamp is a project management and team collaboration tool by 37signals. It helps teams organize tasks, share files, and communicate efficiently in one place. - [Beeminder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/beeminder) - Beeminder is an online goal-tracking platform that uses monetary pledges to keep you motivated. Stay accountable and hit your targets with real financial incentives. - [Breathe HR](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breathehr) - Breathe HR is cloud-based HR software for SMEs to manage employee data, absences, and performance. It simplifies HR admin, making it easy to keep employee records accurate and up to date. - [Breeze](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breeze) - Breeze is a project management platform designed to help teams plan, track, and collaborate on projects. It streamlines workflows and keeps everyone on the same page. - [Bugherd](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bugherd) - Bugherd is a visual feedback and bug tracking tool for websites. It helps teams and clients report website issues directly on live sites for faster fixes. - [Canny](https://composio.dev/toolkits/canny) - Canny is a platform for managing customer feedback and feature requests. It helps teams prioritize product decisions based on real user insights. - [Chmeetings](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chmeetings) - Chmeetings is a church management platform for events, members, donations, and volunteers. It streamlines church operations and improves community engagement. - [ClickSend](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clicksend) - ClickSend is a cloud-based SMS and email marketing platform for businesses. It streamlines communication by enabling quick message delivery and contact management. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Boxhero MCP? With a standalone Boxhero MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Boxhero tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Boxhero and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint. ### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Autogen? Yes, you can. Autogen fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Boxhero tools. ### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Boxhero while using Tool Router? Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Boxhero scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do. ### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router? All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Boxhero data and credentials are handled as safely as possible. --- [See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)