n8n is a visual, self-hostable workflow automation platform that connects hundreds of applications and lets you incorporate AI. We use it to integrate your systems, automate internal processes and build flows with language models, with your data under control and a cost that does not spiral with volume.
By Oliver Guirado · Updated on October 28, 2026 · 5 min read
What is n8n and why is it a solid foundation for automation?
n8n is an automation tool with a visual flow interface: each step (receive an email, read a sheet, call an API, query an AI model, create a record in the CRM) is a node connected to the others. Unlike other platforms, it can be installed on your own server, which gives you control of the data, and it lets you write code when the logic requires it.
No dependence on a provider: the flows are yours and can be deployed in your cloud.
Visual and maintainable: anyone on the team can understand what a flow does.
Native AI: nodes for language models, agents, vector databases and document processing.
Scalable: from a proof of concept to production with queues, retries and monitoring.
What we can automate with n8n
Application integration
CRM, ERP, stores, email, spreadsheets and internal tools synchronised without copying data by hand.
Internal processes
Approvals, notices, periodic reports and onboarding of employees or customers.
AI flows
Classify emails, summarise documents, extract data from invoices or draft replies with human review.
Sign-up flows, documentation and tasks with reminders and status control.
Integrations between companies
Exchange of orders, delivery notes or incidents with customers and suppliers through APIs.
Sample n8n projects
Sample project · B2B services
AI lead capture and qualification for a consultancy
Problem
Leads arrived from forms, LinkedIn and email, and it took days to qualify and assign them; many were lost.
Solution
A flow that collects each lead, enriches it with public data, scores it with a language model using criteria defined by sales, assigns it to the right salesperson and creates the task in the CRM with a summary.
Steps
Definition of qualification criteria with the sales team.
Inbound flows and data enrichment.
AI scoring and assignment rules.
Integration with the CRM and messaging alerts.
Review of results and tuning of criteria.
Target outcome
A response within minutes to the highest-value leads and a funnel that can be traced from start to finish.
Technology
Self-hosted n8n, language model, CRM via API, corporate messaging.
Sample project · Retail
Automatic weekly reports for a store chain
Problem
Every week a person consolidated sales, stock and incidents from several systems into a sheet and wrote the summary for management.
Solution
A scheduled flow that queries the sources, consolidates the data, generates the report with charts and a natural-language summary and sends it to each manager with their figures.
Steps
Inventory of data sources and definition of indicators.
Consolidation flow with validations.
AI summary generation and template review.
Automatic delivery and alerts on anomalies.
Target outcome
Reports first thing on Monday without manual work and early warning of deviations.
Technology
n8n, sales and stock APIs, database, email and messaging.
The projects on this page are illustrative, anonymised examples of how we approach this kind of work. Every real project is defined with your information, your systems and your goals.
Benefits of automating with n8n
Benefit
What it means in practice
Time savings
Fewer hours on repetitive tasks and more on valuable work
Fewer errors
Data that moves from one system to another without copy and paste
Control and traceability
Every run is logged, with alerts if something fails
Predictable cost
No paying for every operation as volume grows
Evolution
A flow today and an AI agent tomorrow on the same base
Our approach in n8n projects
Process analysis and mapping: we understand how it is done today, the volume and the exceptions.
Pilot and quick validation: a first useful flow within a few weeks to demonstrate value.
Advanced automation with AI: we add interpretation of text and documents where it pays off.
Evolution, support and continuous improvement: monitoring, versioning and new flows.
If you need a system that reasons and chains tools, the next step is AI agents; and if your automation is part of a product, AI integration in applications.
Maintenance and support of n8n workflows
Flows depend on applications that change (APIs, versions, credentials). That is why we offer maintenance: n8n updates, backups, monitoring with alerts, credential management, documentation of every flow and improvements on demand. You can have it on your server, on our managed infrastructure or in your cloud.
How much it costs to automate processes with n8n
Scope
Indicative investment
Typical timeline
A simple flow between two or three applications
€1,500 – €5,000
1 – 3 weeks
A set of flows with AI, validations and alerts
€6,000 – €25,000
4 – 10 weeks
Maintenance and evolution of flows
€200 – €1,200 / month
Ongoing
Managed n8n hosting (optional)
€50 – €150 / month
Ongoing
Indicative reference prices in euros, excluding VAT, for projects in Spain and Europe in 2026. The final amount depends on scope, integrations and data quality; we confirm it with a fixed quote after a first meeting.
Frequently asked questions
What is n8n?
It is a workflow automation platform with a visual interface that connects applications, APIs and AI models, and that can be installed on your own server.
Is n8n free?
The code is available to self-host under a licence with specific terms of use, and there is a paid cloud version. The licence must be checked for business use; we advise you on the right option.
What is the difference between n8n, Zapier and Make?
Zapier and Make are cloud services that are easier to start with and whose cost grows with volume. n8n lets you self-host, write code and has a steadier cost at high volume, in exchange for more technical knowledge.
How much does it cost to automate with n8n?
A simple flow costs between €1,500 and €5,000; a set of flows with AI and alerts, between €6,000 and €25,000. Maintenance is around €200 – €1,200 a month.
Can AI be used inside n8n?
Yes. There are nodes for language models, agents, vector databases and document processing, which make possible flows that interpret text, extract data and draft replies.
When is custom development better than n8n?
When the logic is very complex, performance or security requirements are high, or the automation is part of your product. We look at it case by case in the analysis phase.
Shall we talk about your project?
Tell us about your case and we will reply within 24-48 hours with a proposed scope and an indicative quote.
