How to Use the Buddy Punch MCP in Claude

Q: Can I use Buddy Punch with Claude Desktop to view schedules?

Yes, once the server is configured, the listworkschedules tool provides instant access to your team's rotation. Claude Desktop parses the output so you can read it clearly.

Track time and manage staff directly from your Claude Desktop interface using the Buddy Punch MCP server.

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Connect Buddy Punch MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect Buddy Punch to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Buddy Punch with Claude Desktop

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Manage your staff via Claude Desktop

Use the `list_employees` tool to pull your current roster into your chat session. You can identify who is active and who needs a status update without checking the web dashboard. Adding new team members happens instantly through `create_employee`. Just provide the details to your agent and the system updates your payroll records.

Automate time tracking in Claude Desktop

Run `punch_in_out` to handle clock-in tasks during your workday. Your agent records the action in your Buddy Punch account as soon as you give the command. Review past activity using `list_time_entries`. You get a clean breakdown of logged hours displayed right in your chat history.

Sync payroll schedules with Claude Desktop

Check upcoming pay periods by calling `list_pay_periods`. It keeps your planning accurate by showing exactly when the next cycle closes. Look up `list_work_schedules` to see who is assigned to specific shifts. You can verify coverage for the week without leaving your Claude Desktop workspace.

Setup guide

Set up Buddy Punch MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The Buddy Punch MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the Buddy Punch MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under buddy-punch-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "buddy-punch-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Buddy Punch. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

Why Choose Vinkius

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Common questions about Buddy Punch MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your configuration file at the path provided in the Claude Desktop settings menu. Add the server details to the mcpServers object and restart the app to see the tools.

Yes, once the server is configured, the `list_work_schedules` tool provides instant access to your team's rotation. Claude Desktop parses the output so you can read it clearly.

It functions perfectly as a local subprocess. You define the command in your config file, and Claude Desktop handles the communication securely.

Your time entries and employee records stay within your local environment and the secure API connection. Vinkius manages the endpoint, ensuring your sensitive payroll data is only accessed via your authenticated token.

The server uses standard authentication to protect your employee information. Your data stays private during every request between your machine and the remote service.

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