AI has become indispensable these days. In companies in particular, it can be used for countless processes and thus make tasks more efficient – a dream come true for many workers.
The company n8n now offers a new AI platform that not only automates processes, but can also be customized using an open source approach. But how does n8n differ from its competitors? Where can the tool be used? And what does its future look like?
This blog article takes a closer look at the young company and answers these questions.
What is n8n?
N8n is an open source platform for companies to automate their work processes and make their workflow more efficient. By using AI, different applications can be linked, making it easier to exchange data. It acts as an iPaaS platform, i.e. a tool for cloud automation, with the aim of connecting cloud apps.
The linking of different function blocks creates workflows that are easy to navigate and construct even for non-programmers. As it is an open source model, developers can access and extend it. This makes the application customizable for different needs. Both large companies and start-ups can benefit from it and save time and money by using it.
What functions does n8n offer?
The AI from n8n offers various functions:
- Multi-triggering: A workflow can be started by different triggers and the tool then merges these into one process.
- App development: Even though n8n has only integrated a few apps so far, the tool’s simple navigation makes it possible for developers to add apps themselves. The code can be expanded more and more and adapted to individual requirements.
- Modular structure: The drag-and-drop builder enables non-programmers to use the AI independently. It describes a visual tool that allows you to connect building blocks that then form an automated process without having to program yourself.
Various subscriptions are available to use these functions. Users pay between €20 and €50 per month and there is a free version, although the versions are limited. There are individual subscriptions for companies with specific security requirements, for which you can contact n8n.
What makes n8n special – or not?
n8n is thus entering the open source platform market, which already includes many AI companies. To stand out, n8n offers various advantages:
- The USP of n8n is definitely its open source availability. This makes it accessible and enables continuous development of AI.
- As it is an iPaaS platform, it can be used immediately and connect apps in the cloud.
- n8n offers a comparably affordable pricing model without limiting the number of users on a subscription.
- The company is transparent about data protection and only collects a small amount of user information. In addition, the AI can be used on personal servers, giving the person full control over the data.
However, the company does not outperform the competition in all aspects:
n8n currently supports 200 apps. This is far fewer than its competitors, many of which already have over 1000 collaborations. Thanks to the company’s community, however, they are constantly receiving new suggestions for apps and concrete development steps for integration. This can pay off in the long term in order to catch up with other companies.
Industry examples of AI use:
n8n can be used efficiently in various industries and simplifies many business processes.
To illustrate the functions of the tool, here are two examples:
- In lead management, n8n can support marketing teams in capturing and evaluating new leads. It collects data in CRM systems and automatically evaluates leads based on various criteria. The tool can send a personalized email directly to promising contacts, inform the marketing team and create weekly reports. This enables quick contact with potential customers and organized data maintenance, which saves time.
- IT operations can also make good use of AI. For example, it can be used to regularly check the function of a website so that it is available around the clock. As soon as an error code appears, the AI is able to automatically inform the team and create a ticket so that the incident is documented. It is also possible for the tool to restart the website on its own to fix errors. As soon as it has been fixed, the team is automatically informed. This reduces the response time enormously and the error message can be minimized.
Does n8n have a future?
For the future of n8n, it can be said that they will increasingly focus on security and data protection in order to become more interesting for companies. In addition, new apps are constantly being integrated in order to catch up with competitors and keep up with the competitive AI market. In addition, the cloud platform is to be further expanded, making it easier to use. n8n already has a strong community, but this can be further strengthened and expanded through forums or development templates.
It can therefore be concluded that n8n shows great potential to grow further and become a serious competitor on the AI market.
Conclusion: Game changer or one of many?
In summary, n8n’s open source platform helps companies to automate processes and act more efficiently. Through their transparency and openly accessible codes, the AI can be developed further and further. They focus on data protection, making it an attractive AI option for companies. For example, it can support marketing teams in lead management or monitor and correct IT processes for the tech team.
Although n8n lags behind its competitors in some functions, such as app integrations, its strong community gives it a lot of support for future developments. It is therefore clear that although n8n is still small, it has great potential to grow and keep pace with the market leaders in the future thanks to its transparency and innovative approach.
