workday-mcp-server-by-cdata

What is workday-mcp-server-by-cdata?

workday-mcp-server-by-cdata is a read-only MCP server created by CData that enables LLMs (like Claude Desktop) to query live Workday data using natural language. It wraps the CData JDBC Driver for Workday, exposing Workday data as relational SQL models accessible through a simple MCP interface.

How to use workday-mcp-server-by-cdata?

Clone the repository, build the server with mvn clean install, download and license the CData JDBC Driver for Workday, configure the connection string using the driver’s utility, then create a .prp file with properties (Prefix, ServerName, DriverPath, DriverClass, JdbcUrl, etc.). Finally, add the server to your Claude Desktop configuration (claude_desktop_config.json) by specifying the Java command, the JAR path, and the .prp file path. The server communicates via stdio, so it must run on the same machine as the client.

Key features of workday-mcp-server-by-cdata

• Read-only access to Workday data via MCP
• Natural language querying through LLMs
• Built on the CData JDBC Driver for Workday
• Exposes three tools: get_tables, get_columns, and run_query
• Uses stdio transport (client and server must be on same machine)
• Open source under the MIT License

Use cases of workday-mcp-server-by-cdata

• Querying employee or HR data from Workday without writing SQL
• Analyzing workforce metrics via conversational AI assistants
• Retrieving live Workday objects for reporting or decision support
• Integrating Workday data into LLM-driven workflows

FAQ from workday-mcp-server-by-cdata

Is workday-mcp-server-by-cdata read-only?

Yes, this server provides read-only access. For full read, write, update, delete, and action capabilities, CData offers a separate beta MCP Server for Workday.

What are the prerequisites to run the server?

You need Java, Maven, and the CData JDBC Driver for Workday (requires a license or trial key). The driver must be downloaded and licensed before use.

How do I configure the connection to Workday?

Create a .prp file with properties like Prefix, ServerName, DriverPath, DriverClass, and JdbcUrl. The JDBC connection string can be generated using the driver’s Connection String utility.

What transport does workday-mcp-server-by-cdata use?

It uses stdio transport, meaning the MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop) must run on the same machine as the server.

What tools are available in the server?

Three tools are provided: {servername}_get_tables (list tables), {servername}_get_columns (list columns for a table), and {servername}_run_query (execute a SQL SELECT query).