The power of automation

The power of automation and how to control it.

Christoph Dyllick-Brenzinger
March 19th, 2025, LMU München

The power of automation
Introduction to n8n, the workflow automation tool
The power of automation

Why do we need automation?

Introduction to n8n, the workflow automation tool
Why do we need automation?

Manual vs Automation



Manual tasks

  • Wasted time
  • Human error
  • High human resource requirements
  • Low employee happiness and retention

Automation

  • Predictability
  • Better data availability
  • Increased employee efficiency
  • Focused efforts on higher-value taks
  • Much higher ROI
Introduction to n8n, the workflow automation tool
Why do we need automation?

Automation is key for data-driven decisions



Feeling (intuition)

  • Subject to interpretation
  • Difficult to estimate and justify ROI
  • Wasted resources (Budget + Time)

Data-Driven

  • Logic-driven and objectivity
  • Improved reporting + visibility on ROI
  • Requires fewer resources (Human, Budget, Time)
Introduction to n8n, the workflow automation tool
Why do we need automation?

What is automation?

A predictable set of predetermined actions that transfers data from one point to another

Why do we need automation?

Typical structure of an automation

Why do we need automation?

Core elements of automation

Core elements of automation

Trigger


A trigger is what starts an automation.

  • Manual
  • Scheduled
  • Applications
    • Webhook
    • Property update
    • Form submission
Core elements of automation

Filter


Filtering is used to allow or block certain types of data from following a path based on certain conditions.
Core elements of automation

Actions (Apps)


Actions allow you to interact with applications


Seafile:
  • Upload file
  • Get file
  • Create folder
Slack:
  • Get user
  • Send message
  • Get message
SeaTable
  • Update rows
  • Create new row

Salesforce

  • Get contact
  • Get Company
  • Create lead
Workflow example

Send Daily Birtday Reminders from Google Contacts to Slack

Core elements of automation

What is n8n?

What is n8n?"

"n8n is a no-code workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps and automate tasks."

What is n8n?"

Key Features

What makes n8n so special?

  • Open Source (Fair Source)
  • Visual Interface
  • Flexibility (support for complex automation scenarios)
  • Self-Hosting
  • Community Nodes
  • Coder Friendly
  • AI integration
    (Don't miss my presentation on friday!)
If enough time

Live-Demo:
Building n8n workflow

The power of automation

Who should use n8n?



"... a lazy person will find an easy way to do it"

― Bill Gates

The power of automation

Who should use n8n?



"If you do a task more than one time, then automate it."

― Christoph Dyllick-Brenzinger

The power of automation

Interested in this presentation?

Mgmt Summary: This presentation highlights the transformative power of workflow automation, particularly with n8n, a no-code platform that enables efficient, precise, and innovative processes. By automating repetitive tasks, organizations can reduce errors, enhance employee satisfaction, and make data-driven decisions. n8n's unique features include a visual interface, flexibility, and self-hosting options, making it ideal for anyone seeking to streamline workflows. By leveraging n8n, businesses can focus on higher-value activities and unlock their full potential.

speaker notes Imagine walking into a supermarket, grabbing an apple and a chocolate bar, and simply walking out of the store without paying. Sounds like theft, right? Well, that's exactly what I did yesterday in Munich. (Karlstraße 36). Luckly I wasn't arrested! Two minutes later, I received a notification on my smartphone with a detailed list of my purchases and the charged amount. Welcome to the world of automation, where even the shopping process is revolutionized.

speaker notes But this supermarket example is just the tip of the iceberg. Automation is reshaping industries across the board. So, why exactly do we need automation? Let's explore the compelling reasons."

speaker notes Obviously automation is diffent to manual tasks. I think it is not difficult to explain this audience, why automations have some advantages in comparision to manual tasks. Your daily job is to create research setups where you can reproduce a result.

speaker notes So from my point of view, automation is key for data-driven decisions. It allows us to leave intuition behind and to generate data-driven, solid and reliable decisions and workflows.

speaker notes Typicall structure of an automation: - form submission - filter - one or many action

Speaker Notes: visual interface to create workflow automations "nodes" are predefined API connectors

Speaker Notes: Live-Demonstration to build a workflow in n8n. - Search for files with a specific tag in Seafile - Create Download Link - Send a slack message with this download link - Remove tag from file

speaker notes: This was a short introduction to n8n. Let us quickly talk about the question, who should use n8n? I think, we could follow the advise of bill gates who stated ... a lazy person will find an easy way to do it...

speaker notes: But I would rather change this recommendation to If you do a task more than one time, then automate it. And n8n is the perfect tool to do that.

speaker notes Ladies and Gentlemen, Workflow automation is the key to a more efficient, precise, and innovative future. It enables data-driven decisions, reduces errors, saves time, and makes processes reproducible. Imagine a world where we can focus on what truly matters: creativity, innovation, and human interaction. Automation frees us from monotony and gives us the freedom to unlock our full potential. It is not our adversary but our ally. Are you ready to shape this future? Let’s create a world together where technology empowers us. Perhaps with n8n. Thank you very much.

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