Connecting the WhatsApp Gateway

Level Intermediate Role Owner/Admin Module CRM, Reminder System About 15 minutes
Updated

Automan WhatsApp Gateway settings with device-linking instructions and Connected status Link the WhatsApp device from this panel; the Connected indicator confirms the gateway session is active. (App UI shown in Indonesian.)

Until your shop WhatsApp number is connected, every message to a customer depends on one thing: whether somebody remembers, and has a hand free to pick up the phone.

Connecting it once opens all of it — receipts send themselves, job-is-ready messages go out unasked, and overdue invoices stop depending on anyone’s memory.

One thing we say openly before starting: WhatsApp in Automan uses a non-official gateway (not the official WhatsApp Business API). The features are complete and come with safe-usage controls — natural delays, sending-hour settings, cold-contact holds — but no party anywhere can guarantee a number immune to blocking. We choose to explain the limits rather than sell promises.

Before you start

  • The CRM/WhatsApp module is active.
  • The shop's WhatsApp number ready to scan a QR (phone in hand).

Steps

  1. Open Settings → WA Gateway

    Every connection and message template is managed from here.

    The WhatsApp settings page managing connections and message templates
    Every connection and template managed from this page.
  2. Create/connect the number's session

    One session represents one shop number.

    Creating a connection session for one shop WhatsApp number
    One session represents one shop number.
  3. Scan the QR when the status asks for it

    Use the WhatsApp app on the shop-number phone, just like logging in to WhatsApp Web.

    The WhatsApp connection QR code ready to scan from the shop-number phone
    Scan from the WhatsApp app on the phone — like WhatsApp Web login.
  4. Wait for the Connected status

    The status progresses in stages until Connected — the Store App label indicating that the gateway session is ready to test.

    The WhatsApp connection status progressing to Connected
    Connected is the ready-to-use label shown in the Store App.
  5. Test-send an internal template

    Send one test message to your own number to confirm the template and connection are right.

    Test-sending one template message to your own number
    Test on your own number before using it on customers.
  6. Set auto-senders or reminders once the connection is stable

    Start with the most useful: repair status notifications and receivable reminders. Never open with a big blast on day one.

    Auto-sender and reminder settings: repair status notifications and receivable reminders
    Start with the most useful; never open with a big blast.

What you end up with

The shop's number connected to Automan and ready for status notifications, reminders, and other automatic messages — used sensibly.

If something goes wrong

Status shows FAILED

Re-scan the QR or check the internet connection, then repeat from the session-connection step.

Messages to cold contacts get held

That's a risk-control mechanism, not an error: messages to contacts who've never interacted are held and rescheduled by the system to protect the number's health.

Where are the WhatsApp menus once it is connected?

All of them live under the Alat (Tools) group: "Alat → Whatsapp" for replying to conversations, "Alat → Whatsapp Massal" for sending in bulk, and "Alat → Pengingat" for scheduled reminders. The connection itself stays under Pengaturan → WA Gateway.

Want to send a big blast

Use natural delays, sensible sending hours, and start with small batches — safe practice for the number's health, not a guarantee.