n8n is an open-source, low-code automation platform that lets you connect, orchestrate and automate your business workflows without the limitations of traditional SaaS solutions.
Where tools like Zapier or Make are limited to simple automations, n8n goes further: you can create complex scenarios, integrate your own APIs, add conditional logic and host the solution on your servers to retain total control of your data.
It’s a tool designed for teams who want to unify their tools, automate repetitive tasks and create robust processes without depending on closed platforms.
The main advantages of n8n
Intuitive visual interface: n8n lets you build automated workflows using a simple, visual drag-and-drop system. You can chain actions between several tools without writing code.
Multiple integrations: the platform supports over 350 applications (such as Google Sheets, Slack, Notion, HubSpot, Trello, Airtable or GitHub), giving you seamless interconnection between your favorite tools.
Advanced conditional logic: unlike many no-code competitors, n8n can handle complex conditions, loops and branches to create dynamic, intelligent scenarios.
Open-source flexibility: one of the great advantages of n8n is its open-source nature, which means you can install it on your own servers and retain full control over your data, security and custom integrations.
Automatically triggered workflows: define triggers (webhooks, timers, application events) to run tasks automatically as soon as an action occurs.
A self-hosted and cloud mode: you can use n8n in the cloud for simplicity, or choose to host it on your servers for greater confidentiality and control.
An active community: as an open-source project, n8n benefits from a worldwide community of developers and users who share workflows, tutorials and custom extensions.
How to use n8n effectively
Identify repetitive processes: list time-consuming tasks (e.g. data transfer, notifications, CRM updates) that can be automated.
Create your first workflows: use the visual interface to connect your applications – for example, when a new lead arrives in HubSpot, automatically create a task in Trello and send an alert on Slack.
Exploit intelligent triggers: set up your workflows so that they are launched as soon as a specific event occurs, such as a new email, a sale or a file update.
Add conditions and filters: create logical branches (if/then/sinon) to refine your automations and adapt them to your business scenarios.
Test, adjust and optimize: thanks to real-time preview, you can check every step of your workflow before it goes into production, ensuring maximum reliability.
Make the most of templates: n8n offers numerous pre-built templates to speed up the creation of your automations, without having to start from scratch.
💡 Expert tip: for complex automation, combine no-code functionality with custom scripting (JavaScript, REST API, etc.) – n8n offers rare flexibility in this area.
The concrete benefits of using n8n
Centralize tools: link CRM, ERP, emailing and databases into a unified workflow.
Total control and confidentiality: Hosted on your premises, n8n protects your sensitive data from third-party clouds.
Unlimited flexibility: You can create workflows tailored to your business, without being tied to a closed SaaS platform.
Scalability: A simple workflow can evolve into a complex system that drives several teams and tools simultaneously.
Freedom of hosting: n8n can run on your servers, whereas Zapier and Make are 100% cloud-based.
No limit on paid jobs: Ideal for intensive, large-scale workflows.
Who is n8n for?
Freelancers and contractors wishing to automate their processes without the need for a developer.
Marketing and growth teams, who want to connect their tools to save time and improve the responsiveness of their campaigns.
Technology startups and SMEs, looking for a flexible, cost-effective solution to automate their data flows.
IT teams and developers, who appreciate control, transparency and the ability to extend capabilities via custom scripts.
