Title: How to Use the "Create an Action" Feature in Custom GPTs
Content: “Actions” let your custom GPT interact with external APIs — think booking systems, CRMs, weather lookups or internal databases,You define the API, describe it with an OpenAPI schema, and explain when and how the GPT should use it,Ideal for businesses that want to automate workflows inside ChatGPT — without needing full app builds,Common use cases across Asia include: order lookups, stock checks, HR systems, and appointment scheduling,This guide walks you through building, testing, and deploying your first Action step by step
What Is a GPT Action?
“Can you check the current air quality in Jakarta?” → GPT sends a request to an API you defined → Returns real-time AQI data into the chat
Step 1: Set Up Your Custom GPT
Go to: https://chat.openai.com/gpts,Click “Create”,Fill out your GPT’s name, instructions, and tone as needed,Switch to the Configure tab
Step 2: Prepare Your API
A public API (like OpenWeather, Google Calendar, etc.),A private internal API (e.g., inventory, HR systems, internal bots),A no-code tool like Zapier or Make, which exposes endpoints
It supports HTTPS,It accepts and returns JSON,You have the API key (if it requires auth)
Step 3: Write Your OpenAPI Schema
Step 4: Add the Action in GPT Builder
Scroll to “Actions”,Click “Add Action”,Paste your API’s base URL,Paste or link to your OpenAPI schema,Add a description for GPT — e.g., “Use this action to check leave balances when users ask about time off”,Set authentication:
- No auth,API key (via headers or query param),OAuth (advanced)
No auth,API key (via headers or query param),OAuth (advanced)
Step 5: Write GPT Instructions to Use the Action
When a user asks about leave days, use the HR API to check their balance. Ask for their employee ID first. Do not guess.
Step 6: Test the Action
“How many leave days do I have left?” → GPT should ask for your employee ID → Then call the action → Then return the result, e.g. “You have 12 leave days remaining.”
Correct input formatting,Unexpected errors or failed calls,GPT failing to use the action when it should
Step 7: Publish and Maintain
Hit Publish,Choose Private, Link or Public visibility,Keep your API uptime in mind — if the endpoint is down, GPT won’t function properly,Monitor logs and rate limits if it’s a high-traffic GPT
Real-World Examples from Asia
Singapore travel agencies integrating visa APIs for instant eligibility checks,Malaysian e-commerce startups checking stock or delivery status via GPT,Indonesian HR tech firms adding internal policy lookups via GPTs,Thai insurance brokers offering premium calculators through live API calls
Security Note
While custom GPTs offer powerful integrations, it's crucial to consider the security implications, especially when dealing with sensitive data. For a deeper dive into API security best practices, refer to the OWASP API Security Top 10. This is particularly relevant given the increasing adoption of AI in various sectors, including the financial industry where APAC Insurers Embrace AI Despite Tech Hurdles. The ability of AI to clone your voice, your face and even your insights also highlights the importance of robust security measures. Furthermore, as ChatGPT's 'Buy It' Button Is Quietly Rewriting Online Shopping, the integration of AI with transactional systems demands heightened security vigilance.
Final Thoughts: ChatGPT as Your API Concierge