What is n8n?
Automation is one of the most important levers today for accelerating processes and conserving resources. Yet many companies rely on closed tools that are expensive, inflexible, and often problematic in terms of data protection.
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) takes a different approach: it is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows users to visually automate processes, connect data sources, and simplify recurring tasks, without restrictions from vendors or licensing models.
(What a workflow for automatic newsletter summaries could look like.)
Why n8n is a Gamechanger
The difference from commercial automation tools like Zapier or Make lies in the freedom and control that n8n provides.
Companies can host the platform themselves, apply their own security policies, and maintain full control over data and integrations.
At the same time, n8n offers the flexibility of a low-code platform: workflows can be created, tested, and expanded visually or, when needed, supplemented with custom code.
What makes n8n particularly interesting right now is that the tool is currently experiencing tremendous momentum in the international tech scene.
An increasing number of companies, including leading global corporations, startups, and agencies, are relying on n8n to automate their internal processes and make their data flows more efficient.
The community is growing rapidly, new integrations are emerging almost daily, and the platform continues to evolve, driven by an active, global developer base.
Technical Highlights of n8n:
- Over 500 prebuilt integrations with common tools (including Slack, Google, Notion, HubSpot, GitHub)
- Self-hosting for full data sovereignty
- Event-based workflows (webhooks, cron jobs, API triggers)
- Extendable with custom code in JavaScript or Python
- Git integration and team features for collaborative development
This way, n8n combines the openness of open source with the efficiency of commercial tools - just without dependencies or licensing costs.
What are the possibilities with n8n?
n8n can be used in a wide variety of ways; from classic business processes to marketing, media, or IT automation.
Wherever data flows, n8n can move, transform, or connect it.
Content- und Marketing-Automation
It is in marketing that n8n truly shows its full potential.
Examples:
- A new blog post is published -> n8n automatically creates social media posts, newsletter teasers, and tracking links.
- RSS feeds from news sources are regularly analyzed, and relevant topics are forwarded to the content team or editorial system.
- Form submissions from landing pages are automatically sent to the CRM, leads are tagged, and email sequences are triggered.
- Updated blog posts or press releases are published across multiple channels simultaneously.
Further Application Areas
- DevOps & IT: automated deployments, alerts for error messages, integration of monitoring tools
- Sales: data synchronization between CRM, ERP, and support systems
- Back Office: automatic invoice generation, document uploads, status notifications
- Support: ticket creation and prioritization based on incoming requests
The advantage: all workflows can be visualized and adjusted at any time - ideal for dynamic teams.
Artificial Intelligence
One area in which n8n is currently gaining particular importance is the integration of artificial intelligence. Thanks to its open, API-based architecture, n8n can connect to virtually any AI solution; from large language models and image or speech recognition to specialized machine learning services.
This creates a new form of automation: workflows that not only respond to rules but can also understand and make decisions. For example, texts, product descriptions, or blog articles can be automatically generated, analyzed, and published. Customer data can be evaluated in real time to identify trends or derive recommendations. Support processes also benefit, for instance, through intelligent chatbots that interpret inquiries and provide appropriate responses.
What makes n8n special is the freedom to decide which AI systems to use and where the data should be processed. Whether cloud services like OpenAI or locally hosted models: n8n combines classic process automation with modern AI technology to create truly intelligent workflows.
What Companies Gain
Automation is not just a technical topic - it is a strategic advantage.
Companies that use tools like n8n benefit in several dimensions:
1. Time Savings and Efficiency
Recurring tasks run automatically, around the clock.
A marketing team can save hundreds of hours per month when content distribution, lead processing, or reporting are automated.
This time gained can be used for creative or strategic work, instead of copy-paste tasks.
2. Data Sovereignty
Especially in Europe and in industries with high data protection requirements (finance, healthcare, public authorities), this is a decisive advantage.
The data remains within the company’s own system or on OPaaS’s data protection–compliant servers.
3. Scalability
Workflows grow with requirements. New tools, APIs, or processes can be integrated within minutes — without months-long IT projects.
4. Flexibility and Control
n8n can be adapted to any business logic — from simple tasks to complex, multi-stage automations.
And: thanks to its open-source code, there is full control over every function and data processing step.
In short: companies that take automation seriously lay the foundation for efficient, secure, and future-proof processes with n8n.
The Challenges
As intuitive and modern as n8n may appear at first glance, one thing should not be underestimated: behind the visual interface lies complex logic.
The tool does allow automation through a drag-and-drop interface, but behind the scenes, complex processes are running that require a certain level of technical understanding.
(What lies behind a “code node.”)
To develop stable and secure workflows, knowledge of APIs, data structures, and error management is essential. Without these fundamentals, unintended dependencies or security vulnerabilities can easily arise. n8n relieves developers and administrators of much work, but it does not replace technical know-how.
That’s why it’s especially important for companies to work with experienced experts when building complex automations. This is the only way to ensure that workflows are not only scalable, high-performing, and secure, but also won’t cause problems later on.
Why OPaaS?
At OPaaS, we see n8n as much more than just a tool - we see it as a platform for digital sovereignty.
Our customers benefit from the fact that we operate n8n securely, stably, and perfectly integrated, whether on-premise or in our cloud as a direct add-on.
We support companies from analysis to design to support. Holistically, technically sound, and always with a focus on security and efficiency.
Our services at a glance:
- Analysis: identification of workflow potential within the company
- Architecture & Integration: incorporating n8n into existing system landscapes
- Security and Data Protection Concepts: access control, API security, encryption
- Custom Nodes & Extensions: development of individual automation logic
- Maintenance, Monitoring & Support: ongoing management and optimization of workflows
The fact that even leading global companies are increasingly adopting n8n shows that open-source-based automation is no longer an experiment — it has become the new standard.
With our experience, we help anchor these technologies within companies in a secure, efficient, and future-proof way.
