n8n
intermediateOpen-source workflow automation with native AI — self-host or cloud.
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform with the deepest native AI integration of any automation tool. With 70+ AI-dedicated nodes, native LangChain support, and the ability to self-host for complete data control, n8n is the platform of choice for engineering-minded teams building complex AI workflows. It handles everything from simple automations (Slack notifications, CRM syncs) to sophisticated AI agents with memory, tool use, and multi-step reasoning. PxlPeak builds and deploys n8n workflows for businesses that need powerful automation with full control over their data and infrastructure.
70+
AI-dedicated nodes
400+
Total integrations
50K+
Active community members
$0
Self-hosted license cost
Key Features
70+ AI-dedicated nodes including LangChain, OpenAI, and vector stores
Self-hosted option with Docker for complete data sovereignty
Visual workflow builder with code fallback for complex logic
Native support for AI agents with memory, tools, and chain-of-thought
400+ integrations across business tools, databases, and APIs
Sub-workflow composition for modular, reusable automation
Use Cases We Implement
Build AI-powered document processing pipelines (intake, classify, extract, route)
Create intelligent lead scoring and enrichment workflows
Automate content creation and publishing across channels
Orchestrate multi-step AI agents that interact with business systems
How We Implement n8n
Assess
We analyze your business needs and how n8n fits into your workflow.
Configure
Set up n8n with custom settings, integrations, and data connections.
Integrate
Connect to your existing tools — CRM, helpdesk, email, and more.
Train & Launch
Train your team, document everything, and provide ongoing support.
Implementation Guide: n8n
2-4 weeksn8n is the automation platform for teams that want full control. Self-hosted, open-source, and incredibly flexible. The learning curve is steeper than Zapier, but the payoff is workflows that cost a fraction to run and do things no-code tools simply can't. We've built 200+ n8n workflows and it handles everything from simple email routing to complex AI agent orchestration.
Before You Start
Server for self-hosting (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM minimum) or n8n Cloud account
API credentials for all tools you want to connect
Written list of workflows ranked by business impact
Someone technical enough to maintain it (or hire us for ongoing support)
Step-by-Step
Choose hosting
1-2 daysSelf-hosted gives full control and saves 80% on costs. n8n Cloud is easier but limits customization. Most businesses with a dev on staff should self-host.
Railway or Render make self-hosting nearly as easy as cloud. Don't default to cloud out of laziness.
Set up infrastructure
1-2 daysDeploy n8n with PostgreSQL backend, configure environment variables, set up SSL, and configure webhook URLs.
Build first 3 workflows
3-5 daysStart with the three highest-impact automations. Keep them simple — you can add complexity later.
The first workflow should be something visible to the team. Quick wins build buy-in.
Connect AI nodes
2-3 daysSet up OpenAI, Anthropic, or local LLM connections. n8n's AI nodes handle chat memory, tool use, and RAG out of the box.
Add error handling
1-2 daysEvery production workflow needs error handling. Set up Slack/email notifications for failures and retry logic for flaky APIs.
n8n's Error Trigger node is your best friend. Set it up from day one, not after the first outage.
Document and train
1-2 daysDocument each workflow with a one-paragraph description, trigger explanation, and troubleshooting steps. Train the team on monitoring.
Go live and iterate
OngoingEnable production mode, set up execution logging, and schedule weekly reviews of workflow performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Building everything at once
Start with 3 workflows. Get them stable. Then add more. Trying to automate 20 processes simultaneously leads to none of them working reliably.
Skipping error handling
Every workflow needs an Error Trigger. APIs fail, webhooks timeout, data formats change. Handle it gracefully or you'll learn about failures from angry users.
Using n8n Cloud for high-volume workflows
Cloud pricing is per-execution. At 10,000+ executions/month, self-hosting saves $200-500/month and removes execution limits.
No version control for workflows
Export workflows as JSON and commit them to Git. n8n doesn't have built-in version control — you need to create your own backup system.
Pro Tips
Use sub-workflows for reusable logic. Building the same API call pattern in 5 workflows is a maintenance nightmare.
The Code node with JavaScript is incredibly powerful. When the visual nodes can't do what you need, write a 10-line function.
Set up a staging instance that mirrors production. Test workflow changes there before deploying live.
n8n's community nodes add hundreds of integrations. Check the community library before building custom API calls.
For AI workflows, use the Agent node with tool-use capabilities. It's more reliable than chaining multiple AI calls manually.
Want us to handle the implementation?
Our team has deployed n8n for dozens of businesses. We handle setup, integration, training, and ongoing support.
Get n8n ImplementedFrequently Asked Questions
Why choose n8n over Zapier or Make?
n8n offers the deepest AI integration (70+ AI nodes, native LangChain), can be self-hosted for data sovereignty, and has no per-task pricing that scales linearly. Zapier has more pre-built integrations. Make has a more intuitive visual builder. PxlPeak recommends n8n for AI-heavy and data-sensitive workflows.
Should we self-host or use n8n Cloud?
Self-host if you need data sovereignty, have compliance requirements, or run high-volume workflows (no per-execution costs). Use n8n Cloud for faster setup and managed infrastructure. PxlPeak handles both deployment models.
Can n8n build AI agents, not just automations?
Yes. n8n's AI agent nodes support tools, memory, and multi-step reasoning — letting you build autonomous agents that interact with your business systems. PxlPeak builds production-grade AI agents on n8n for document processing, lead management, and customer support.
How long does an n8n deployment take?
PxlPeak deploys n8n in 2-4 weeks, including infrastructure setup (self-hosted or cloud), initial workflow development, AI integration configuration, testing, and team training.
