MCP vs plateformes d'automatisation : quand MCP bat les flux type Zapier

Choosing between MCP-driven interactive workflows and rule-based automation platforms like Zapier? This comparison explains where each approach shines, when to use MCP, when to use automation, and how to combine both in hybrid patterns for maximum effectiveness.

Understanding the Two Approaches

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

Interactive, AI-driven workflows where assistants use tools in real-time based on context and user intent. Dynamic and adaptive.

Interactive and context-aware
AI makes decisions dynamically
Natural language driven
Adapts to changing requirements
Requires AI assistant

Automation Platforms (Zapier, Make, etc.)

Rule-based automation that executes predefined workflows triggered by events. Predictable and reliable for repetitive tasks.

Rule-based (if-then logic)
Trigger-driven workflows
No AI required
Predictable execution
Works 24/7 automatically

Where Each Shines

MCP Excels At:

✅ Interactive, Context-Aware Workflows

Dynamic Decision Making: AI chooses actions based on current context
Natural Language: Users describe what they want, AI figures out how
Adaptive: Workflows adjust to changing requirements
Complex Reasoning: AI can analyze data and make nuanced decisions
Preview & Confirm: AI shows plans before executing
Contextual: AI remembers recent tasks and projects

Example: MCP Workflow

User: "Review my tasks from last week. Identify what's blocking progress and suggest priorities for this week."

MCP Process:

AI lists tasks from last week
AI analyzes task statuses and comments
AI identifies blockers based on context
AI suggests priorities considering due dates and dependencies
AI presents analysis and recommendations

Result: Contextual, intelligent analysis that adapts to your specific situation

Automation Platforms Excel At:

✅ Repetitive, Rule-Based Tasks

Trigger-Based: Automatically respond to events (new email, form submission)
24/7 Operation: Runs continuously without human intervention
Predictable: Same rules execute the same way every time
High Volume: Handles thousands of operations efficiently
Multi-Step Chains: Complex workflows with many steps
Integration Heavy: Connects many different services

Example: Zapier Workflow

Rule: "When a new form submission arrives, create a task in Corcava, send email notification, and add to spreadsheet"

Automation Process:

Form submission triggers workflow
Zapier creates task via API
Zapier sends email automatically
Zapier adds row to spreadsheet
All steps execute without human intervention

Result: Reliable, automatic execution every time the trigger fires

Hybrid Pattern: MCP + Automation

Many teams use both MCP and automation platforms together for complete workflow coverage:

Best of Both Worlds

Pattern: Use automation for triggers, MCP for context and decision-making

Automation handles triggers: New email, form submission, webhook events
MCP handles context: AI analyzes situation and makes decisions
Automation executes actions: Based on MCP's recommendations
MCP provides insights: AI reviews automation results and suggests improvements

Example: Hybrid Workflow

Scenario: Customer Support Ticket

Step 1: Automation (Zapier)

New support ticket arrives → Triggers workflow

Step 2: MCP (AI Assistant)

AI analyzes ticket content, determines priority, suggests assignee based on workload

Step 3: Automation (Zapier)

Creates task in Corcava with AI's recommendations, sends notification

Step 4: MCP (AI Assistant)

AI monitors task progress, suggests follow-ups, generates status updates

Decision Framework

Use MCP When:

You need context-aware decisions
Workflows vary based on situation
You want natural language interaction
You need AI to analyze and reason
You want preview before execution
You're working interactively with an assistant

Use Automation When:

You have clear, repetitive rules
You need 24/7 automatic execution
You're connecting many services
You need high-volume processing
You want predictable, rule-based workflows
You don't need AI reasoning

Feature Comparison

Feature	MCP	Automation Platforms
Decision Making	✅ AI-driven	⚠️ Rule-based
Context Awareness	✅ Strong	❌ Limited
24/7 Operation	⚠️ Requires assistant	✅ Automatic
Adaptability	✅ High	⚠️ Requires rule updates
Volume Handling	⚠️ Interactive	✅ High volume
Natural Language	✅ Native	❌
Integration Count	⚠️ MCP servers	✅ Thousands

✅ = Full support | ⚠️ = Partial support | ❌ = Not available

Getting Started with Corcava MCP

Quick Setup Steps

Create a Corcava API key
Add Corcava MCP to your IDE
Try interactive workflows
Consider combining with automation for triggers

Choose the Right Approach

Use MCP for interactive workflows, automation for triggers, or combine both for maximum effectiveness

Try MCP →Hybrid Patterns