Before you start
You need an Hourquill workspace, a project you can track time against, and a ChatGPT account with custom MCP connections available. Workspace administrators may need to enable this capability.
Check OpenAI’s current developer mode and MCP guidance ↗
- Get your connection details. Open Hourquill → Integrations → AI assistants → Set up. Copy the MCP server URL shown there. Ask your workspace administrator if you cannot see this page.
- Add a custom connection in ChatGPT. Use ChatGPT’s supported MCP setup, enable developer mode if its current instructions require it, and enter the Hourquill server URL.
- Sign in and review access. Follow the Hourquill authorization screen. Check the account, workspace, and permissions before approving.
- Check the connection. In a new conversation with the Hourquill tools enabled, ask it to list projects available to you.
- Try one session. Ask to start a timer on a named project. Review any action confirmation, then open Hourquill to check the running timer.
- Close the loop. Ask it to stop your timer and show the saved entry. Check that entry in Hourquill.
A first prompt
“List my available Hourquill projects. I’m about to work on the Cedar proposal. Before starting a timer, confirm the project with me.”
If it does not connect
Check your ChatGPT plan and administrator settings, the exact server URL, and your Hourquill permissions. Reconnect if the authorization has expired. Do not paste API keys or access tokens into chat. Contact support with the step that failed and the visible error, with sensitive details removed.
ChatGPT’s interface and plan availability can change. The linked OpenAI guide is the source for current client setup. Required confirmations remain part of the workflow.