# Set up a warehouse access point

Configure a WAP with storage devices, administrators, and access controls for shopfloor operations.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/inventory/guides/set-up-warehouse-access-point/
Updated: 2026-10-29

**Prerequisites:** A warehouse exists. At least one storage device has been created.  
**Required permission:** Admin Center access (organization owner or a member of the `<org-name>-admins` group).

A **Warehouse Access Point (WAP)** is the physical zone where operators interact with inventory — picking tools, restocking deliveries, and processing transfers. This guide covers the full WAP setup including storage device assignment, administrator delegation, and access controls.

For a quick introduction to WAPs, see the [Inventory tutorial](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/inventory/tutorials/configure-warehouse-access-point/). This guide covers the complete configuration.

## Create the WAP

1. Admin Center → **Warehouse Access Points** → **+ Create**.
1. Enter the **Name** and **Description** (describe its physical location — e.g., *Tool Crib East Wing, Building 3*).
1. Select the **Warehouse** it belongs to.
1. Select the **Administrator** — this person receives notifications for low-stock alerts and flagged operations at this WAP.
1. Click **Create**.

## Assign storage devices

1. Open the WAP → **Storage Devices** tab → **⊕**. A new storage device form opens with this WAP already selected as its **Warehouse Access Point**.
1. Fill in the device and click **Create**. Repeat for each device physically located in this zone.
1. To move an existing device into this WAP, open the device, click **Edit**, change its **Warehouse Access Point**, and click **Update**.

Each storage device belongs to exactly one WAP. Operators logged in to a WAP see only its assigned devices in the pick and restock workflows.

## Configure auto-logout

Set the **Auto Logout** field to the number of seconds a shared terminal can sit idle before it signs out — an integer from 1 to 3600. Leave it blank to use the default of 30 seconds. Values outside that range fail validation.

## Multi-WAP layouts

For large facilities with multiple zones:

- Create one WAP per physical zone
- Assign each storage device to the WAP closest to it
- Assign a dedicated administrator per WAP for accountability
- Use descriptive names that map to your floor plan (e.g., *WAP-CNC-Floor*, *WAP-Inspection*, *WAP-Shipping*)

Operators log in to their nearest WAP and work only within that zone. Transfers between WAPs are handled via the Inventory Transfer workflow.

## Verify the setup

After configuration, test by logging in to the WAP from a terminal in that zone and confirming that:
- The correct storage devices appear in the 3D layout
- Pick and restock operations route to the correct locations
- Auto-logout fires after the configured timeout

## Notes

- The **Mac Address** field identifies the terminal that is allowed to log in as this WAP. It must be unique across the entire application, not just within your organization — a terminal is matched by MAC address before the system knows which organization it belongs to.