n8n¶

n8n is a fair-code workflow automation platform that allows you to connect services, automate tasks, and build complex integrations.

Features¶

• Visual workflow builder
• 400+ built-in integrations
• Custom code nodes (JavaScript/Python)
• Webhook triggers
• AI/LLM integration
• Self-hosted and private

Architecture¶

Prerequisites¶

• Foundation complete
• DNS record configured
• Reverse proxy ready

System Requirements¶

Installation¶

Deploy VM¶

cd ~/TAPPaaS/src/apps/n8n
./install.sh

DNS Configuration¶

Add DNS record:

Reverse Proxy¶

Configure Caddy:

n8n.yourdomain.com {
    reverse_proxy n8n.mgmt.internal:5678
}

Configuration¶

Initial Setup¶

Access n8n at https://n8n.yourdomain.com

1. Create owner account
2. Set instance name
3. Configure basic settings

Environment Variables¶

Key configuration options:

Authentication¶

Configure SSO with Authentik (recommended):

# Environment variables for OAuth
N8N_AUTH_OAUTH2_CLIENT_ID="your-client-id"
N8N_AUTH_OAUTH2_CLIENT_SECRET="your-client-secret"
N8N_AUTH_OAUTH2_AUTHORIZE_URL="https://authentik.yourdomain.com/application/o/authorize/"
N8N_AUTH_OAUTH2_ACCESS_TOKEN_URL="https://authentik.yourdomain.com/application/o/token/"

Building Workflows¶

Create a Workflow¶

1. Click Add Workflow
2. Add trigger node (Schedule, Webhook, etc.)
3. Add action nodes
4. Connect nodes
5. Activate workflow

Example: Daily Report¶

Schedule Trigger (9 AM)
    ↓
HTTP Request (Fetch data)
    ↓
Code Node (Process data)
    ↓
Email Node (Send report)

AI Integration¶

Connect to your AI stack:

1. Add HTTP Request node
2. Configure LiteLLM endpoint:
3. URL: http://litellm.mgmt.internal:4000/v1/chat/completions
4. Method: POST
5. Headers: Authorization: Bearer <your-key>
6. Use AI response in workflow

Common Integrations¶

Webhooks¶

Expose webhooks for external triggers:

https://n8n.yourdomain.com/webhook/<webhook-id>

Database Connections¶

Connect to databases for data operations:

• PostgreSQL
• MySQL
• MongoDB
• SQLite

API Integrations¶

Built-in nodes for popular services:

• Slack, Discord, Telegram
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• GitHub, GitLab
• AWS, Azure, GCP

Monitoring¶

Check Status¶

# Service status
systemctl status n8n

# Container logs
podman logs n8n

# Execution history
# View in n8n web interface

Execution Logs¶

Review workflow executions in the n8n interface:

1. Navigate to Executions
2. Filter by status, workflow, or date
3. Debug failed executions

Backup¶

Automated Backup¶

PostgreSQL data is included in VM backups via PBS.

Export Workflows¶

Export workflows for version control:

1. Select workflow
2. Click ... → Download
3. Save JSON file

Restore Workflows¶

# Import via CLI
n8n import:workflow --input=workflow.json

Troubleshooting¶

Workflow Fails¶

• Check execution logs for errors
• Verify credentials are valid
• Test nodes individually
• Check external service status

Webhook Not Triggering¶

• Verify webhook URL is accessible
• Check firewall rules
• Confirm reverse proxy configuration

Performance Issues¶

• Increase VM resources
• Optimize workflow design
• Use sub-workflows for complex logic

Security Best Practices¶

• Use Authentik SSO for access control
• Store credentials in n8n credential manager
• Limit webhook exposure
• Regular workflow audits
• Keep n8n updated

Next Steps¶

• Explore built-in workflow templates
• Connect to AI Stack for AI workflows
• Integrate with Home Assistant for home automation