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n8n Demo — Step-by-Step Setup Guide

This guide walks you through creating an n8n workflow that uses an MCP Client tool with AgentCloak to anonymize PII data.

Step 1: Launch n8n​

  1. Start your n8n instance using one of the following methods:

    • Docker: docker run -it --rm -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n

    • Desktop App: Open the n8n desktop application.

    • Server Deployment: Start your server-based n8n instance as configured.

  2. Confirm n8n is running by opening the UI in your browser (default: http://localhost:5678).

Step 2: Add a Chat Trigger​

  1. In your workflow editor, click Add Node.

  2. Select Chat Trigger.

  3. Configure it to receive incoming messages.

    • This node will start the workflow whenever a chat message is received.

Step 3: Add an AI Agent​

  1. Click Add Node and select AI Agent.

  2. Connect the Chat Trigger node output to the AI Agent node input.

  3. Open the Prompt section of the AI Agent node.

  4. Configure the User Prompt:

    Anonymize all PII data from the message below
    {{ $json.chatInput }}

This ensures the AI will process incoming messages and remove sensitive data.

Step 4: Add a Chat Model​

  1. Click Add Node and select a Chat Model (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, or another supported provider).

  2. Connect the Chat Model to the AI Agent.

  3. Configure the model with your provider credentials and any required parameters.

Step 5: Add an MCP Client Tool​

  1. Click Add Node and select MCP Client Tool.

  2. Connect the MCP Client Tool to the AI Agent.

  3. Configure the MCP Client Tool with the AgentCloak server parameters:

    • Endpoint
    • Server Transport
    • Authentication method
    • Credential for Header Auth
    • Tools to include

    • Add a header x-inc-agentcloak-api-key:

  4. Test the node to ensure it successfully communicates with your AgentCloak server.

Step 6: Save and Activate Workflow​

  1. Review the workflow to confirm all nodes are properly connected.

  2. Click Save and then Activate the workflow.

  3. Send a test message to the Chat Trigger and verify that the workflow:

    • Receives the message.

    • Anonymizes PII via the AI Agent.

    • Processes the message through the Chat Model.

    • Sends it to the MCP Client Tool with AgentCloak.

    ✅ Workflow Complete – Your n8n workflow is now configured to securely anonymize chat messages using AgentCloak.