Two ways to connect to Exact Online
If you want to retrieve or modify data in Exact Online from an external system, there are two main approaches: the Exact Online REST API and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Both give you access to the same data, but they work in fundamentally different ways and serve different audiences.
In this article, we compare the two approaches so you can decide which one is right for your situation.
What is the Exact Online API?
The Exact Online REST API is a traditional programming interface provided by Exact. Developers use it to build custom integrations: syncing orders to a webshop, importing bank statements, or connecting a BI dashboard.
Key characteristics:
- REST/OData protocol with JSON responses
- Requires OAuth 2.0 authentication and token management
- Requests are written in code (PHP, Python, C#, etc.)
- Rate-limited to 60 requests per minute per company
- Full read and write access to most Exact Online entities
The API is powerful but requires significant technical knowledge. You need a developer to build and maintain the integration, handle error scenarios and manage authentication tokens.
What is MCP?
The Model Context Protocol is an open standard that enables AI assistants to communicate with external tools and data sources. Instead of writing code, you give commands in natural language and the AI translates them into structured actions.
Key characteristics:
- Open protocol designed specifically for AI-to-tool communication
- Natural language interface — no coding required
- Authentication handled via OAuth 2.1 with PKCE (one-time setup)
- Works with ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude and other AI tools
- The MCP server (Ledger Botje) handles rate limits and error handling for you
MCP was designed from the ground up for the AI era. It turns complex API operations into simple conversations.
Comparison at a glance
| Aspect | Exact Online API | MCP (via Ledger Botje) |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Developers | Business users & developers |
| Interface | Code (REST/OData) | Natural language (AI chat) |
| Setup time | Days to weeks | Under 5 minutes |
| Maintenance | Ongoing (token refresh, error handling) | None (handled by Ledger Botje) |
| Security | OAuth 2.0 + custom implementation | OAuth 2.1 with PKCE + built-in safeguards |
| Flexibility | Unlimited (any logic possible) | 151 predefined tools (covers most use cases) |
| Cost | Developer hours + hosting | From €39/month |
When should you use the API?
The Exact Online API is the right choice when you need:
- Automated server-to-server integrations — e.g., syncing a webshop with Exact Online on a schedule
- High-volume batch processing — importing thousands of records per hour
- Custom business logic — complex calculations, conditional workflows, or multi-system orchestration
- Real-time webhooks — reacting to events in Exact Online as they happen
If you have a development team and need deeply customised integrations, the API gives you maximum control.
When should you use MCP?
MCP via Ledger Botje is ideal when you want to:
- Query data on the fly — ask questions about stock, orders, invoices or customers in plain English
- Perform ad-hoc actions — create an order, update a price, or book a delivery without opening Exact Online
- Generate reports — get summaries, comparisons and analyses without building dashboards
- Empower non-technical staff — anyone who can type a question can use Exact Online data
Can they coexist?
Absolutely. Many organisations use both approaches side by side. The API handles automated, high-volume processes (webshop sync, EDI imports), while MCP handles interactive, ad-hoc tasks (questions, one-off orders, quick reports).
They do not interfere with each other. Ledger Botje maintains its own cached copy of your Exact Online data, so MCP queries do not count against your API rate limits.
Get started with MCP
Want to experience the difference? Set up MCP in under five minutes and start asking questions right away. No code, no developer needed. Visit the pricing page to choose your plan and try it free for 30 days.
Curious what you can automate once connected? Read our complete guide to automating Exact Online with AI. New to AI? Start with our AI starter guide for SMBs.