n8n Automation: Complete Business Workflow Guide
Build powerful business automations with n8n. Self-hosted, unlimited workflows, and complete control over your automation infrastructure.
n8n: The Power User's Automation Platform
n8n is my go-to platform for complex, enterprise-grade automations. It's open-source, self-hostable, and offers capabilities that cloud-only platforms simply can't match. If you're serious about automation, n8n is worth mastering.
Why n8n Over Cloud Alternatives
1. No Per-Execution Pricing
Zapier charges per task. Make.com charges per operation. n8n charges $0 per execution when self-hosted. For high-volume automations, this translates to massive savings. My bar inventory system runs 15,000+ executions monthly—on Zapier, that would cost $500+. On n8n, it runs on a $20/month server.
2. Complete Data Privacy
Your data never leaves your infrastructure. For healthcare, legal, and financial clients, this isn't optional—it's required. n8n lets you comply with the strictest data regulations while still benefiting from powerful automation.
3. Custom Code When Needed
When visual nodes aren't enough, n8n lets you write custom JavaScript or Python. This flexibility means there's no ceiling to what you can build. Complex data transformations, custom API integrations, and unique business logic are all possible.
Real Implementation Example
Here's a workflow I built for a taphouse chain that processes daily inventory and sales data:
- 1. POS system sends end-of-day sales data via webhook
- 2. n8n processes and categorizes each transaction
- 3. Inventory levels are automatically updated in Airtable
- 4. AI analyzes patterns and predicts upcoming shortages
- 5. Automatic reorder notifications are sent when thresholds are hit
- 6. Weekly summary reports are generated and emailed to management
Result: 18 hours saved per week, zero stockouts, and 23% reduction in inventory waste through better predictions.
Ready to Implement This in Your Business?
Book a free 30-minute efficiency audit and I'll show you exactly how to apply these strategies to your specific situation. I guarantee at least 100 labor hours saved or you pay nothing.