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How to use Zapier to send an SMS text message when an employee punches in or out.
How to use Zapier to send an SMS text message when an employee punches in or out.

Use Zapier to connect Buddy Punch with an SMS service.

Eric avatar
Written by Eric
Updated over a week ago

To start, you will first need an account with Zapier. Once your account has been created and you've signed in to Zapier, you can access Buddy Punch app by clicking the following link: https://zapier.com/apps/buddy-punch/integrations

Or alternatively, you can search for Buddy Punch in the list of available apps on the Zapier website:

Once you've chosen Buddy Punch as your main app, you can then choose which app you'd like to send SMS messages with. We recommend ClickSend SMS:

You can then use the dropdown list to specify the "Trigger" and the "Action." In this example, we'll be sending an SMS when an employee punches in. Click the "Connect Buddy Punch + ClickSend SMS" button once you've made your selection:

Next, you will want to name your zap and click the "Sign in to Buddy Punch" button. You'll receive a pop up where you will enter your Buddy Punch account information and will have to agree to certain permission:

You'll notice that your Buddy Punch account is now listed under the Buddy Punch account dropdown. Click the CONTINUE button to move onto the next part of setting up the zap:

You'll be asked to test the trigger to ensure it's working properly. Click the Test Trigger button to begin the test:

When a sample trigger is found, it will be displayed so you can review it. If everything looks correct, click the CONTINUE button:

Now that you have Buddy Punch setup, you'll need to move onto the next step of setting up ClickSend SMS. If you want to change the SMS application you're using, simply click "Change" next to ClickSend SMS. You can also change the action by clicking "Change" next to Send SMS. If your settings look correct, click the CONTINUE button to move onto the next step:

You will then be asked to Sign in to ClickSend SMS. You will need an existing account with Clicksend SMS first. You can sign up for an account with ClickSend SMS here.

Just as with the Buddy Punch account setup, you'll be presented with a popup box where you will have to enter specific ClickSend SMS information. Once done, your ClickSend account will be visible in the ClickSend SMS account dropdown list. Click CONTINUE when done:

In the next step, you will need to customize the SMS that is sent out whenever an employee punches in. The "To" line is where you'll want to enter the number that should receive the SMS messages. The "Message" option is where you can craft your message. This message can be a mixture of pre-determined fillers such as Employee's First Name or Location with regular text. The pre-determined fillers are pulled in from Buddy Punch during the trigger testing phase:

After you've filled out the custom SMS options, click the CONTINUE button to move onto the final step where you can then test the trigger. Just click the TEST & CONTINUE button:

You should receive an SMS message to the number added during the customize SMS step. If you did and you're happy with the setup, click the "TURN ON ZAP" button. Then you're all set! You will begin receiving SMS messages whenever an employee punches in.

You will need to repeat the same process for an employee punches out as well.

If at any point you need to edit an existing Zap or create a new one, you can do this directly from your Zaps page:

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