# How to integrate Timely MCP with Autogen ```json { "title": "How to integrate Timely MCP with Autogen", "toolkit": "Timely", "toolkit_slug": "timely", "framework": "AutoGen", "framework_slug": "autogen", "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/autogen", "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/autogen.md", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:28:37.961Z" } ``` ## Introduction This guide walks you through connecting Timely to AutoGen using the Composio tool router. By the end, you'll have a working Timely agent that can get your timely account billing details, set up webhook for new time entries, retrieve account info for client project through natural language commands. This guide will help you understand how to give your AutoGen agent real control over a Timely account through Composio's Timely MCP server. Before we dive in, let's take a quick look at the key ideas and tools involved. ## Also integrate Timely with - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/crew-ai) ## TL;DR Here's what you'll learn: - Get and set up your OpenAI and Composio API keys - Install the required dependencies for Autogen and Composio - Initialize Composio and create a Tool Router session for Timely - Wire that MCP URL into Autogen using McpWorkbench and StreamableHttpServerParams - Configure an Autogen AssistantAgent that can call Timely tools - Run a live chat loop where you ask the agent to perform Timely operations ## What is AutoGen? Autogen is a framework for building multi-agent conversational AI systems from Microsoft. It enables you to create agents that can collaborate, use tools, and maintain complex workflows. Key features include: - Multi-Agent Systems: Build collaborative agent workflows - MCP Workbench: Native support for Model Context Protocol tools - Streaming HTTP: Connect to external services through streamable HTTP - AssistantAgent: Pre-built agent class for tool-using assistants ## What is the Timely MCP server, and what's possible with it? The Timely MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Timely account. It provides structured and secure access to your time-tracking data, so your agent can perform actions like retrieving account information, managing webhooks, and integrating time logs with other workflows on your behalf. - Account information retrieval: Instantly fetch up-to-date details about your Timely account, including billing, activity, and user info, for streamlined reporting or troubleshooting. - Automated webhook setup: Direct your agent to create new webhooks for your account, enabling real-time integration with external apps and automated event notifications. - Seamless workflow automation: Connect Timely events to other services or agents by configuring webhooks, so you can automate time-tracking updates or project triggers. - Centralized time management: Allow your agent to coordinate between Timely and your other productivity tools by securely accessing and sharing account data as needed. ## Supported Tools | Tool slug | Name | Description | |---|---|---| | `TIMELY_CREATE_CLIENT` | Create Client | Tool to create a new client in the specified Timely account. Use when adding a new client to track time against. Client names must be unique within an account. | | `TIMELY_CREATE_DAY_LOCKING` | Create Day Locking | Tool to create a day locking entry that prevents editing of time entries for specific dates and users. Use when you need to lock time entries to prevent modifications after approval or billing. | | `TIMELY_CREATE_LABEL` | Create Label | Tool to create a new label in the specified Timely account. Use when you need to create a label for categorizing projects, time entries, or other resources. | | `TIMELY_CREATE_REPORT` | Create report | Tool to generate reports for a Timely account with optional filters. Use when you need to create reports for time tracking, billing analysis, or project summaries with date range or user/project filters. | | `TIMELY_CREATE_TEAM` | Create Team | Tool to create a new team in the specified Timely account. Use when organizing users into teams for better collaboration and project management. | | `TIMELY_CREATE_WEBHOOK` | Create Webhook | Tool to create a new webhook for the specified account. Use after specifying the target URL and event subscriptions. Call only once per configuration. | | `TIMELY_DELETE_LABEL` | Delete a label | Tool to delete a label by ID from a Timely account. Use when you need to remove an existing label. | | `TIMELY_DELETE_TEAM` | Delete a team | Tool to delete a team by its ID. Use when you need to remove a specific team from the account. This operation is destructive and cannot be undone. | | `TIMELY_DELETE_WEBHOOK` | Delete Webhook | Tool to delete an existing webhook by its ID. Use when you need to remove a webhook subscription from an account. | | `TIMELY_FILTER_REPORTS` | Filter reports | Tool to filter Timely reports based on date range, users, projects, labels, teams, and billing status. Use when you need to generate custom reports with specific criteria or analyze time tracking data for specific periods or resources. | | `TIMELY_GET_ACTIVITIES` | Get activities | Tool to retrieve all activities (audit trail) for a Timely account. Activities include logged hours, created reports, shared reports, project changes, and other account events. Use when you need to view the activity log or audit trail for an account. | | `TIMELY_GET_CLIENT` | Get Client | Tool to retrieve details of a specific client by its ID. Use when you need to fetch client information such as name, color, active status, or external references. | | `TIMELY_GET_CURRENT_PERMISSIONS` | Get current user's permissions | Tool to retrieve the current user's permissions for a specified account. Use when you need to check what actions the authenticated user can perform. | | `TIMELY_GET_CURRENT_USER` | Get current user | Tool to retrieve the currently authenticated user. Use when you need to get details of the logged-in user. | | `TIMELY_GET_LABEL` | Retrieve a label | Tool to retrieve a label by ID from a Timely account. Use when you need to fetch label details such as name, color, and parent relationship. | | `TIMELY_GET_PROJECT` | Get project | Tool to retrieve a single project by its ID. Use when you need detailed information about a specific project, such as its name, budget, billable status, or associated client. | | `TIMELY_GET_TEAM` | Retrieve a team | Tool to retrieve details of a specific team by its ID. Use when you need to fetch team information including name, color, and members. | | `TIMELY_GET_USER` | Retrieve a user | Tool to retrieve a user by ID from a Timely account. Use when you need to fetch user details such as name, email, and avatar. | | `TIMELY_GET_USER_CAPACITIES` | Get user capacities | Tool to retrieve capacity information for a specific user in a Timely account. Use when you need to check user work capacity or availability schedules. | | `TIMELY_GET_USER_PERMISSIONS` | Get user permissions | Tool to retrieve a user's permissions by their ID. Use when you need to check what permissions a specific user has in a Timely account. | | `TIMELY_GET_WEBHOOK` | Get Webhook | Tool to retrieve a specific webhook by its ID. Use when you need to check the configuration or status of an existing webhook. | | `TIMELY_LIST_ACCOUNTS` | List accounts | Retrieve all accessible Timely accounts for the authenticated user. Example: "List all Timely accounts" | | `TIMELY_LIST_CLIENTS` | List clients | Tool to list all clients in a Timely account with optional filtering and sorting. Use when you need to discover client IDs or names for project creation, reporting, or mapping external systems. | | `TIMELY_LIST_EVENTS` | List events | Tool to list all events (time entries) in a Timely account with optional filtering by date range, users, and projects. Use when you need to retrieve time entries for reporting, analysis, or synchronization with external systems. | | `TIMELY_LIST_FORECASTS` | List forecasts | Tool to list all forecasts (tasks) in a Timely account with optional date filtering. Use when you need to view planned tasks, retrieve forecast IDs, or analyze scheduled work. | | `TIMELY_LIST_LABELS` | List labels | Tool to list all labels in a Timely account. Use when you need to discover label IDs or names for organizing projects and time entries. Can optionally filter to show only child labels by providing a parent_id. | | `TIMELY_LIST_PROJECT_EVENTS` | List project events | Tool to list all events (time entries) for a specific project in Timely. Use when you need to retrieve all time logs associated with a project for reporting, analysis, or verification. | | `TIMELY_LIST_PROJECTS` | List projects | Tool to list all projects in a Timely account with optional filtering and sorting. Use when you need to discover project IDs or names for time entry creation, reporting, or mapping external systems. | | `TIMELY_LIST_ROLES` | List roles | Tool to list all available roles in a Timely account. Use when you need to discover role IDs or names for user assignment or permission management. | | `TIMELY_LIST_TEAMS` | List teams | Tool to list all teams in the specified Timely account. Use when you need to retrieve all teams for collaboration and project management purposes. | | `TIMELY_LIST_USER_EVENTS` | List user events | Tool to list all events (time entries) for a specific user in Timely. Use when you need to retrieve all time logs for a user for reporting, analysis, or verification. | | `TIMELY_LIST_USERS` | List users | Tool to list all users in a Timely account with optional filtering and pagination. Use when you need to discover user IDs, names, or emails for time entry creation, reporting, or user management. | | `TIMELY_LIST_WEBHOOKS` | List Webhooks | Tool to list all webhooks in the specified account. Use when you need to see existing webhook configurations or verify webhook setup. | | `TIMELY_PROCESS_BULK_EVENTS` | Process bulk events | Tool to create, update, or delete multiple events in a single bulk operation. Use when performing multiple event operations to improve efficiency. Supports up to 100 operations per request across create, update, and delete operations. | | `TIMELY_RETRIEVE_ACCOUNT` | Retrieve an account | Tool to retrieve details of a specific account by its ID. Use when you need to fetch fresh account info after confirming the ID. Example: "Retrieve account details for account ID 364" | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_CLIENT` | Update a client | Tool to update an existing client by ID in Timely. Use when you need to modify client details such as name, status, color, or external ID. | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_DAY_LOCKING` | Update day locking settings | Tool to update day locking settings for specified users and dates. Use when you need to lock or unlock specific days for time tracking. Locked days prevent users from editing time entries on those dates. | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_LABEL` | Update a label | Tool to update a label by ID in a Timely account. Use when you need to modify an existing label's name, color, or hierarchy. | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_PROJECT` | Update a project | Tool to update a project by ID in a Timely account. Use when you need to modify project details such as name, description, billing status, or archive a project. | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_USER` | Update a user | Tool to update a user by ID in a Timely account. Use when you need to modify user details such as email, name, role, or status. | | `TIMELY_UPDATE_WEBHOOK` | Update Webhook | Tool to update an existing webhook by ID. Use when you need to modify webhook settings such as URL, subscriptions, or active status. | ## Supported Triggers None listed. ## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK The Timely MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agents and assistants directly to Timely. Instead of manually wiring Timely APIs, OAuth, and scopes yourself, you get a structured, tool-based interface that an LLM can call safely. With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster. ## Step-by-step Guide ### 1. Prerequisites You will need: - A Composio API key - An OpenAI API key (used by Autogen's OpenAIChatCompletionClient) - A Timely account you can connect to Composio - Some basic familiarity with Autogen and Python async ### 1. Getting API Keys for OpenAI and Composio OpenAI API Key - Go to the [OpenAI dashboard](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys) and create an API key. You'll need credits to use the models, or you can connect to another model provider. - Keep the API key safe. Composio API Key - Log in to the [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_docs). - Navigate to your API settings and generate a new API key. - Store this key securely as you'll need it for authentication. ### 2. Install dependencies Install Composio, Autogen extensions, and dotenv. What's happening: - composio connects your agent to Timely via MCP - autogen-agentchat provides the AssistantAgent class - autogen-ext-openai provides the OpenAI model client - autogen-ext-tools provides MCP workbench support ```bash pip install composio python-dotenv pip install autogen-agentchat autogen-ext-openai autogen-ext-tools ``` ### 3. Set up environment variables Create a .env file in your project folder. What's happening: - COMPOSIO_API_KEY is required to talk to Composio - OPENAI_API_KEY is used by Autogen's OpenAI client - USER_ID is how Composio identifies which user's Timely connections to use ```bash COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your-composio-api-key OPENAI_API_KEY=your-openai-api-key USER_ID=your-user-identifier@example.com ``` ### 4. Import dependencies and create Tool Router session What's happening: - load_dotenv() reads your .env file - Composio(api_key=...) initializes the SDK - create(...) creates a Tool Router session that exposes Timely tools - session.mcp.url is the MCP endpoint that Autogen will connect to ```python import asyncio import os from dotenv import load_dotenv from composio import Composio from autogen_agentchat.agents import AssistantAgent from autogen_ext.models.openai import OpenAIChatCompletionClient from autogen_ext.tools.mcp import McpWorkbench, StreamableHttpServerParams load_dotenv() async def main(): # Initialize Composio and create a Timely session composio = Composio(api_key=os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")) session = composio.create( user_id=os.getenv("USER_ID"), toolkits=["timely"] ) url = session.mcp.url ``` ### 5. Configure MCP parameters for Autogen Autogen expects parameters describing how to talk to the MCP server. That is what StreamableHttpServerParams is for. What's happening: - url points to the Tool Router MCP endpoint from Composio - timeout is the HTTP timeout for requests - sse_read_timeout controls how long to wait when streaming responses - terminate_on_close=True cleans up the MCP server process when the workbench is closed ```python # Configure MCP server parameters for Streamable HTTP server_params = StreamableHttpServerParams( url=url, timeout=30.0, sse_read_timeout=300.0, terminate_on_close=True, headers={"x-api-key": os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")} ) ``` ### 6. Create the model client and agent What's happening: - OpenAIChatCompletionClient wraps the OpenAI model for Autogen - McpWorkbench connects the agent to the MCP tools - AssistantAgent is configured with the Timely tools from the workbench ```python # Create model client model_client = OpenAIChatCompletionClient( model="gpt-5", api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY") ) # Use McpWorkbench as context manager async with McpWorkbench(server_params) as workbench: # Create Timely assistant agent with MCP tools agent = AssistantAgent( name="timely_assistant", description="An AI assistant that helps with Timely operations.", model_client=model_client, workbench=workbench, model_client_stream=True, max_tool_iterations=10 ) ``` ### 7. Run the interactive chat loop What's happening: - The script prompts you in a loop with You: - Autogen passes your input to the model, which decides which Timely tools to call via MCP - agent.run_stream(...) yields streaming messages as the agent thinks and calls tools - Typing exit, quit, or bye ends the loop ```python print("Chat started! Type 'exit' or 'quit' to end the conversation.\n") print("Ask any Timely related question or task to the agent.\n") # Conversation loop while True: user_input = input("You: ").strip() if user_input.lower() in ["exit", "quit", "bye"]: print("\nGoodbye!") break if not user_input: continue print("\nAgent is thinking...\n") # Run the agent with streaming try: response_text = "" async for message in agent.run_stream(task=user_input): if hasattr(message, "content") and message.content: response_text = message.content # Print the final response if response_text: print(f"Agent: {response_text}\n") else: print("Agent: I encountered an issue processing your request.\n") except Exception as e: print(f"Agent: Sorry, I encountered an error: {str(e)}\n") ``` ## Complete Code ```python import asyncio import os from dotenv import load_dotenv from composio import Composio from autogen_agentchat.agents import AssistantAgent from autogen_ext.models.openai import OpenAIChatCompletionClient from autogen_ext.tools.mcp import McpWorkbench, StreamableHttpServerParams load_dotenv() async def main(): # Initialize Composio and create a Timely session composio = Composio(api_key=os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")) session = composio.create( user_id=os.getenv("USER_ID"), toolkits=["timely"] ) url = session.mcp.url # Configure MCP server parameters for Streamable HTTP server_params = StreamableHttpServerParams( url=url, timeout=30.0, sse_read_timeout=300.0, terminate_on_close=True, headers={"x-api-key": os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")} ) # Create model client model_client = OpenAIChatCompletionClient( model="gpt-5", api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY") ) # Use McpWorkbench as context manager async with McpWorkbench(server_params) as workbench: # Create Timely assistant agent with MCP tools agent = AssistantAgent( name="timely_assistant", description="An AI assistant that helps with Timely operations.", model_client=model_client, workbench=workbench, model_client_stream=True, max_tool_iterations=10 ) print("Chat started! Type 'exit' or 'quit' to end the conversation.\n") print("Ask any Timely related question or task to the agent.\n") # Conversation loop while True: user_input = input("You: ").strip() if user_input.lower() in ['exit', 'quit', 'bye']: print("\nGoodbye!") break if not user_input: continue print("\nAgent is thinking...\n") # Run the agent with streaming try: response_text = "" async for message in agent.run_stream(task=user_input): if hasattr(message, 'content') and message.content: response_text = message.content # Print the final response if response_text: print(f"Agent: {response_text}\n") else: print("Agent: I encountered an issue processing your request.\n") except Exception as e: print(f"Agent: Sorry, I encountered an error: {str(e)}\n") if __name__ == "__main__": asyncio.run(main()) ``` ## Conclusion You now have an Autogen assistant wired into Timely through Composio's Tool Router and MCP. From here you can: - Add more toolkits to the toolkits list, for example notion or hubspot - Refine the agent description to point it at specific workflows - Wrap this script behind a UI, Slack bot, or internal tool Once the pattern is clear for Timely, you can reuse the same structure for other MCP-enabled apps with minimal code changes. ## How to build Timely MCP Agent with another framework - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/timely/framework/crew-ai) ## Related Toolkits - [Google Sheets](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googlesheets) - Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool for real-time collaboration and data analysis. It lets teams work together from anywhere, updating information instantly. - [Notion](https://composio.dev/toolkits/notion) - Notion is a collaborative workspace for notes, docs, wikis, and tasks. It streamlines team knowledge, project tracking, and workflow customization in one place. - [Airtable](https://composio.dev/toolkits/airtable) - Airtable combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with the power of a database for easy project and data management. Teams use Airtable to organize, track, and collaborate with custom views and automations. - [Asana](https://composio.dev/toolkits/asana) - Asana is a collaborative work management platform for teams to organize and track projects. It streamlines teamwork, boosts productivity, and keeps everyone aligned on goals. - [Google Tasks](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googletasks) - Google Tasks is a to-do list and task management tool integrated into Gmail and Google Calendar. It helps you organize, track, and complete tasks across your Google ecosystem. - [Linear](https://composio.dev/toolkits/linear) - Linear is a modern issue tracking and project planning tool for fast-moving teams. It helps streamline workflows, organize projects, and boost productivity. - [Jira](https://composio.dev/toolkits/jira) - Jira is Atlassian’s platform for bug tracking, issue tracking, and agile project management. It helps teams organize work, prioritize tasks, and deliver projects efficiently. - [Clickup](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clickup) - ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform for managing tasks, docs, goals, and team collaboration. It streamlines project workflows so teams can work smarter and stay organized in one place. - [Monday](https://composio.dev/toolkits/monday) - Monday.com is a customizable work management platform for project planning and collaboration. It helps teams organize tasks, automate workflows, and track progress in real time. - [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time. - [Agiled](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agiled) - Agiled is an all-in-one business management platform for CRM, projects, and finance. It helps you streamline workflows, consolidate client data, and manage business processes in one place. - [Ascora](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ascora) - Ascora is a cloud-based field service management platform for service businesses. It streamlines scheduling, invoicing, and customer operations in one place. - [Basecamp](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp) - Basecamp is a project management and team collaboration tool by 37signals. It helps teams organize tasks, share files, and communicate efficiently in one place. - [Beeminder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/beeminder) - Beeminder is an online goal-tracking platform that uses monetary pledges to keep you motivated. Stay accountable and hit your targets with real financial incentives. - [Boxhero](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero) - Boxhero is a cloud-based inventory management platform for SMBs, offering real-time updates, barcode scanning, and team collaboration. It helps businesses streamline stock tracking and analytics for smarter inventory decisions. - [Breathe HR](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breathehr) - Breathe HR is cloud-based HR software for SMEs to manage employee data, absences, and performance. It simplifies HR admin, making it easy to keep employee records accurate and up to date. - [Breeze](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breeze) - Breeze is a project management platform designed to help teams plan, track, and collaborate on projects. It streamlines workflows and keeps everyone on the same page. - [Bugherd](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bugherd) - Bugherd is a visual feedback and bug tracking tool for websites. It helps teams and clients report website issues directly on live sites for faster fixes. - [Canny](https://composio.dev/toolkits/canny) - Canny is a platform for managing customer feedback and feature requests. It helps teams prioritize product decisions based on real user insights. - [Chmeetings](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chmeetings) - Chmeetings is a church management platform for events, members, donations, and volunteers. It streamlines church operations and improves community engagement. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Timely MCP? With a standalone Timely MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Timely tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Timely and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint. ### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Autogen? Yes, you can. Autogen fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Timely tools. ### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Timely while using Tool Router? Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Timely scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do. ### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router? All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Timely data and credentials are handled as safely as possible. --- [See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)