n8n

n8n is a workflow automation and integration platform that connects different tools and runs actions automatically based on triggers and conditions. It’s widely used by teams that need to connect Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, databases, CRM platforms, and messaging channels—without writing every integration from scratch.

We use n8n as part of our automation service: /en/services/n8n-automation/ and our overall delivery approach: /en/how-we-are/

What a workflow is in n8n

A workflow is a chain of steps that runs automatically:

• Trigger: what starts the workflow (new email, submitted form, new file in Drive, incoming WhatsApp message).
• Steps: actions (read data, lookup a customer, create a record, send a message).
• Conditions and branches: if X then do A, else do B.
• Outcome: the final result (a task created, a document stored, a record updated, an alert sent).

The real value is not simply “calling APIs.” It’s designing a workflow that matches reality: missing inputs, duplicates, errors, and human approvals.

Common business use cases

Sales and lead management

• incoming email → create a lead → send an auto-reply → create a follow-up task
• website form → tag by service → push to CRM

Documents and operations

• invoice email → store in Drive using rules → log into a spreadsheet
• high-volume document ingestion (see /en/services/incoming-documents-automation/)

Customer service

• WhatsApp inquiry → classify intent → create a ticket/task → handoff to a human for complex cases

Security and secrets management

Because n8n connects to real accounts, it should be treated as an operational system:

• role-based access control
• secure storage of tokens/secrets
• HTTPS and restricted admin access
• environment separation when required

That’s why n8n is typically deployed on disciplined infrastructure (see /en/services/infrastructure-setup/).

Reliability: why automations fail and how to prevent it

The biggest risk is automations that look good in a demo but break in production. To prevent that, we implement:

• logging and traceability
• alerts on failures
• edge-case testing
• human-handoff paths

Automation doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be observable and recoverable.

n8n vs custom development

When n8n is ideal

• you need to connect many tools quickly
• processes are repeatable
• workflows change over time

When custom development is better

• extreme performance requirements
• highly complex business logic
• a dedicated user interface is required

For most businesses, n8n provides fast leverage and can be extended later.

FAQ

Is n8n open source?

Yes (see /en/glossary/open-source/). That provides flexibility and control, but still requires correct deployment.

Can n8n connect to ERP/CRM systems?

Yes—and that’s one of its strongest roles: keeping systems in sync without manual work.

What’s the best next step?

Read our service page: /en/services/n8n-automation/ and start with a structured plan.

n8n is powerful when it’s part of a well-designed system.