Add tools

A tool is a function the phone assistant can call mid-call: look up an appointment, create a ticket, check an order. Your token needs tools:read and tools:write; running a tool for a test also needs tools:execute.

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1. See what is possible

Which tool types can we create, and which tools exist already?

The assistant lists the types (list_tool_types) and your current tools (list_tools). Only types marked creatable via API can be set up here. Calendar and other integration tools need the integration connected in the dashboard first.

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2. Describe the tool

Give the assistant the API documentation or an example request:

Create a tool that fetches the next free workshop slots. GET https://api.example.com/slots?date=YYYY-MM-DD, header X-Api-Key. The agent should call it when a caller asks for an appointment.

The assistant drafts the function definition (name, description, parameters, request) and creates it (create_tool). Before you confirm, check:

• The URL and method are right and the credential is a placeholder, not pasted into the chat.
• The description says when the agent should call it and what it returns.
• Parameters the caller must provide are marked, with a hint on how to ask.

The External API Integration guide explains how these functions behave in a live call.

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3. Enable it and tell the agent

The assistant enables the tool for your agent (enable_tool) and confirms with list_tools that is_active is set. Then have it add a line to the instructions saying when to use the tool; a tool the prompt never mentions is rarely called. disable_tool switches it off again without deleting it.

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4. Test with care

Run the slots tool for tomorrow and show me the raw response.

execute_tool calls the real endpoint. Changing a tool later uses update_tool. Only tools of type external:api can be deleted (delete_tool); integration tools are managed in the dashboard. Next: monitor and improve from real calls.