No-code for non-devs
Operations, marketing, support can build automations without asking IT. Visual UI, step-by-step validation, built-in debug.
Tools · Workflow automation
n8n
Visual workflows with built-in AI steps. Trigger, parse, classify, act: automation chains that include LLMs without writing code. 400+ integrations with business systems. Self-hostable.
AI inside the business plumbing, not in an isolated demo.
In 30 seconds
Drag-drop nodes. Trigger, AI, action. Done.
n8n is a self-hosted automation platform. You compose workflows by dragging nodes: a trigger (email received, file uploaded, event), one or more processing steps (including an LLM node that calls Ollama or other), one or more actions (post to CRM, Slack notification, DB write). Workflows are versioned, testable, and run inside your network.
For the business
The four advantages that matter
AI in real processes
The LLM step is just one of many. Extracting entities from emails, classifying tickets, generating responses: AI is part of the flow, not an island.
400+ out-of-box integrations
Salesforce, HubSpot, Notion, Slack, Gmail, Postgres, S3, Stripe, GitHub: ready connectors. For anything missing: generic HTTP webhook.
Self-hosted = your data
Workflows run in your network. Credentials to third-party systems live on your machine. No SaaS in the middle of confidential things.
When it fits
Real use cases
- Invoice arrives via email → AI extracts data → row in ERP
- Support ticket arrives → AI classifies priority → team assignment
- Website form → AI validates & enriches → CRM with score
- Daily report summarization → AI summarizes → email to management
When it does NOT fit
Honest limits
- Not a full LLM platform: for complex conversational apps use Dify
- Learning curve on complex workflows is non-trivial
- Workflow versioning is basic: for CI/CD you need discipline
Installation
30 minutes with Docker. First workflows the same afternoon.
Single Docker container, or docker-compose stack for production (with dedicated Postgres). Webhook exposed to receive external triggers. Third-party credentials stored encrypted.
Want to figure out if n8n makes sense for your organization?
The initial assessment clarifies use case, integration with the rest of the stack, investment. No generic presentations.