—n8n automation agency and consulting
n8n automation, on your own server
In short
We design, deploy and maintain n8n automations for small and mid-sized companies: lead intake, invoices, reports, tool syncing and AI steps. We run self-hosted n8n on your server, with backups, alerting and documentation, so your data and credentials stay inside your infrastructure. Focused projects take a few weeks; larger ones, 4-8 weeks.
- Timeline
- From a few weeks. 4-8 weeks with several integrations or AI agents.
- What we deliver
- n8n in production, workflows, alerting, backups and documentation.
- Hosting
- On your server or VPS, with an EU provider if you prefer.
- Ownership
- Server, workflows and credentials: all yours.
- Budget
- Fixed price after a diagnosis call.
- Maintenance
- Your team, or us under an agreed support plan.
What n8n is
n8n is a workflow automation platform. You build workflows in a visual editor and, where needed, with JavaScript or Python code. It has hundreds of integrations, an HTTP node for any API, and nodes to call language models and run AI agents.
This very website uses it: the contact form sends n8n a webhook signed with HMAC-SHA256.
Why self-hosted n8n on your own server
We recommend it when you handle customer data, invoices or internal information.
- Data control: every execution stays on your server.
- EU hosting: you choose the provider and region, which simplifies GDPR.
- No per-task fees: you pay for the server, not for each execution.
- Credentials encrypted in your instance, not in a vendor's account.
n8n Cloud and the licence
n8n Cloud, managed by n8n itself, is enough if the data is not sensitive or you do not want another server to look after. Moving to self-hosted later is possible: workflows export as JSON.
n8n is fair-code, under the Sustainable Use License: self-hosting it for your company's internal processes carries no licence fee. It does not allow reselling n8n as a hosted service to others, and some advanced enterprise features are paid.
What we automate for SMEs
AI is one more step: a model classifies, extracts or drafts, and the workflow validates the output. For multi-step tasks, an agent with a narrow set of tools and human approval.
- Leads: web form or email → validation, deduplication and a new CRM record.
- Invoices and documents: data extraction and posting to the ERP or accounting software.
- Scheduled reports with data from several sources.
- Customers, orders or stock kept in sync across tools.
- Alerts by email, Slack or Teams.
- Emails classified and routed with AI.
- Agents that query your systems and prepare drafts for approval.
When n8n is not the right tool
n8n moves data between systems. It does not replace business software. If it is not a fit, we tell you.
- Complex logic or a real user interface: custom software, such as a CRM or an internal dashboard, fits better.
- Very simple automations: for one trigger and one action with non-sensitive data, Zapier or Make may be enough.
- Nobody to run it: if no one will update and monitor it, n8n Cloud is the better choice.
How we deploy and run n8n
What keeps a workflow running is operations. Scope is fixed during the diagnosis.
Workflow audit
Processes, tools and volume. We review your current workflows and prioritise what to automate and what to leave alone.
Docker deployment on your VPS
n8n and PostgreSQL in Docker, behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS and pinned versions.
Queue mode when volume requires it
Redis spreads executions across several workers. If you do not need it, we do not set it up.
Credentials management
Encrypted in your instance, API keys with minimum permissions, and signed or authenticated webhooks.
Backups
Database and encryption key, stored off the server. We test the restore.
Monitoring and alerting
An error workflow alerts you when an execution fails, naming the workflow and the step affected.
Version control
Workflows exported as JSON to a Git repository you own, with a history of changes.
Documentation and handover
What each workflow does, what it depends on and what to do if it fails. Handover session with your team.
Who it is for
- SMEs copying data by hand between CRM, email, ERP and spreadsheets
- Companies whose Zapier or Make bill grows with every new workflow
- Companies with customer data they would rather keep out of a third-party cloud
- Teams that want to add AI to existing processes
When it is not a fit
- You only need simple automations with non-sensitive data
- Your process still changes every week
- You need an application with its own interface: that is custom software
- You want to resell n8n as a service to your clients
Real case · Education
Training academy: 3 SaaS tools → 1 internal system
That project did not use n8n: a custom internal system replaced three SaaS subscriptions, with estimated savings of around €24,000 a year. The same applies to automation: data and workflows in one place you control remove manual reconciliation and costs that grow with every tool.
−€24,000/yrsaved
See the full case studiesSelf-hosted n8n vs Zapier and Make
| n8n (self-hosted) | Zapier / Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | No per-task fee. You pay for the server and its upkeep. | Zapier charges per task; Make, per operation or credit. |
| Where the data lives | On your server, in the region you choose. | In the vendor's cloud, depending on tool and plan. |
| Custom code | JavaScript or Python, plus HTTP to any API. | Code steps with limits depending on tool and plan. |
| AI and agents | Agents with models via API or running locally. | AI steps and agents inside their platform. |
| Limits and learning curve | Set by your server. More technical. | Set by your plan. Easier to start. |
| Vendor lock-in | Workflows export as JSON; the server is yours. | Workflows do not move directly to another tool. |
Frequently asked questions
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform. It combines a visual editor with code nodes in JavaScript or Python, offers hundreds of integrations, and can call language models and run AI agents. It runs in n8n's cloud or self-hosted on your own server.
Is n8n free?
The n8n community edition is free when you self-host it for your company's internal use: you pay for the server and its upkeep. It is fair-code, under the Sustainable Use License, which does not allow reselling it as a hosted service. n8n Cloud and some enterprise features are paid.
n8n or Make?
Make is easier to start with, runs in its own cloud and charges per operation or credit. n8n needs more technical knowledge, but it runs on your server, does not charge per execution in the community edition and gives more room for code. With volume or sensitive data, n8n usually fits better.
n8n or Zapier?
Zapier is the simplest way to connect apps without technical skills, and it charges per task. Self-hosted n8n does not charge per task, keeps the data on your server and supports branches, loops, code and AI agents. For one trigger and one action, Zapier may be enough.
Where is n8n installed?
We install n8n on your server or on a VPS in your company's name, with an EU provider if you prefer, using Docker, PostgreSQL and a reverse proxy with HTTPS. Server, data and credentials stay under your control. If you do not need self-hosting, we work on n8n Cloud.
What happens if an n8n workflow fails?
Every instance we deploy includes an error workflow that alerts you by email or chat, naming the workflow and the step that failed. The n8n execution history shows what data came in and lets you retry. We design workflows so a failure does not leave data half-written.
Can I use AI inside n8n?
Yes. n8n calls language models via API or local models on your server, and lets you build agents with tools and memory. We use it to classify emails, extract data from documents or prepare drafts, with human approval for sensitive actions.
How much does an n8n automation project cost?
The price of an n8n project depends on the number of workflows, the integrations and whether AI is involved. We do not publish rates: after a diagnosis call we give a fixed price with the scope in writing. Focused workflows take from a few weeks; larger projects, 4-8 weeks.
Who maintains n8n after delivery?
You decide. We hand over documentation for each workflow, update and restore procedures, and a handover session so your team can maintain n8n. If you prefer, we agree a support plan covering updates and alert reviews. The server and the workflows remain yours.
Written and reviewed by Cayetano López, engineer and founder of InnoAIConsulting · Updated 1 November 2026