n8n

n8n is a workflow automation platform that combines a visual builder with technical control. It is a relevant option for teams that want to connect APIs, transform data and add AI processing while retaining the ability to inspect and customize each step.

What you can do

• Visual workflows with integrations, branching and data transformations.
• AI model and agent components for building application-specific processes.
• Cloud hosting and a self-hosted edition under n8n’s license terms.

A useful starting workflow

A useful first workflow might receive a support message, extract the order number and suggest a category. Keep the original text with the result, send uncertain cases to a person, and log failed steps. Before expanding it, check how credentials, retries and duplicate messages are handled.

What to check

Self-hosting brings responsibility for backups, upgrades, access control and monitoring. It also does not make external AI calls free. Review the software license, model-provider costs and hosting needs alongside the workflow features. A team with no capacity to maintain a server may prefer the hosted route.

Pricing and access

Hosted plans are paid, with trial options. A self-hosted community edition is available under the applicable license; infrastructure and external service costs remain separate.