Claude Setup

Connect your Alation catalog to Claude (web, desktop, and mobile) using the Remote MCP server with OAuth authentication.

Note

This guide covers Remote MCP setup (OAuth-based, no local installation). For local MCP server setup, see the Local MCP Guide.

Prerequisites

• OAuth Client credentials from your Alation instance (Create OAuth Client)
• Claude subscription: Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise

Adding the Connector

1. Open Connector Settings

   • Pro / Max plans: Navigate to Settings → Connectors
   • Team / Enterprise plans: Navigate to Admin Settings → Connectors (Owners only)

   For Team/Enterprise, only Primary Owners or Owners can add connectors. Users then individually connect and enable them.

2. Add Custom Connector

   Click Add custom connector at the bottom of the page.

   

   Fill in the following:

   Field	Value
   Name	Alation (or your preferred name)
   Remote MCP server URL	https://<YOUR_INSTANCE>.alationcloud.com/ai/mcp/

   Expand Advanced settings and enter:

   Field	Value
   OAuth Client ID	Your client ID from Alation
   OAuth Client Secret	Your client secret from Alation

   Click Add.

Connecting (Authentication)

1. Click Connect

   Back on the Connectors page, find your Alation connector showing “Disconnected” status. Click Connect.

   

2. Sign in to Alation

   A browser window opens and redirects you to your Alation instance. Sign in with your Alation credentials.

   

   After signing in, the browser redirects back to Claude and your connector shows as connected.

Enabling Tools

All tools are enabled by default after connecting. This section is optional if you want to toggle the connector or disable specific tools.

Toggle the Connector On/Off

In a chat window, click the + button, then Connectors to see available connectors. Toggle alation on or off as needed.

Configure Individual Tools

To disable or block specific tools:

1. Navigate to Settings → Connectors

2. Find your Alation connector and click Configure

   

3. Set permissions for individual tools:

   • Always allow - Tool runs without prompting
   • Ask for approval - Claude asks before using the tool
   • Block - Disables the tool

Example Prompts

Once connected, try queries like:

• “What tables contain sales data?”
• “Tell me about Commission Model dashboard?”
• “Can you explain Classified columns SQL query in the catalog”

Troubleshooting

• “Connect” button spins or page loads forever? The OAuth flow opens in your default browser. Make sure you’re logged into claude.ai in that browser with the same account as Claude Desktop.