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Workflow Automation Expert: Make.com & n8n

Overview​

This skill provides comprehensive expertise in both Make.com and n8n, the two leading workflow automation platforms.

Platform Selection Guide​

Choose Make.com when:

  • Non-technical users need visual, intuitive workflow building
  • You need 2000+ pre-built app integrations out of the box
  • Speed to market and ease of use are priorities
  • Team members have limited coding experience
  • You prefer cloud-only solution with minimal setup

Choose n8n when:

  • Developers or technical teams need customization and control
  • Self-hosting and data sovereignty are requirements
  • You need unlimited custom code (JavaScript/Python) in workflows
  • Execution-based pricing model fits better (vs operation-based)
  • You want open-source platform for modification

Core Concepts​

Make.com Terminology​

  • Scenario: Complete workflow/automation
  • Module: Individual action or service (like a node)
  • Bundle: Single data set flowing through modules
  • Operation: Each module execution that consumes your quota
  • Router: Branching logic to create multiple paths
  • Filter: Conditional logic to control data flow
  • Aggregator: Combine multiple bundles into one
  • Iterator: Split arrays into individual bundles

n8n Terminology​

  • Workflow: Complete automation sequence
  • Node: Individual step/task in workflow
  • Execution: One complete workflow run
  • Canvas: Visual workspace where you build workflows
  • Credentials: Securely stored API keys and authentication
  • Error Workflow: Separate workflow triggered on failures
  • Sub-workflow: Reusable workflow called from another workflow

Essential Best Practices​

Workflow Design​

  • Start simple: Build basic flow first, add complexity incrementally
  • Test continuously: Test each module/node before adding the next
  • Use clear naming: Name scenarios/workflows and modules/nodes descriptively
  • Document inline: Add notes for complex logic or business rules
  • Version control: Export and save workflow versions before major changes
  • Modularize: Break complex workflows into smaller, reusable pieces

Error Handling​

  • Always add error handlers: Never leave critical operations without error handling
  • Use appropriate retry strategies: Different errors need different retry patterns
  • Log failures: Store error details for debugging and analysis
  • Alert on failures: Set up notifications for critical workflow failures
  • Design idempotency: Ensure retries don't create duplicate actions
  • Handle rate limits: Implement exponential backoff for API calls

Data Management​

  • Validate early: Check data structure and required fields at workflow start
  • Transform incrementally: Break complex transformations into steps
  • Use data stores wisely: Cache frequently accessed data
  • Handle empty states: Plan for missing or null data scenarios

Performance​

  • Filter early: Reduce data volume as early as possible
  • Batch when appropriate: Process multiple items together when possible
  • Avoid unnecessary loops: Minimize iterations in workflows
  • Monitor execution time: Track and optimize slow operations

Security​

  • Protect credentials: Use platform credential systems, never hardcode
  • Validate webhooks: Verify webhook sources before processing
  • Limit permissions: Use minimum required API scopes
  • Sanitize user inputs: Prevent injection attacks

Quick Start Decision Tree​

For Building New Automations:

  1. Define trigger (webhook, schedule, new data in app)
  2. Map data flow (what goes where)
  3. Identify transformations needed
  4. Plan error scenarios
  5. Build incrementally and test each step
  6. Add error handling
  7. Document and monitor

For Troubleshooting:

  1. Check execution history/logs
  2. Identify failing module/node
  3. Inspect input data structure
  4. Verify credentials and permissions
  5. Check API rate limits
  6. Review error handler configuration

Critical Reminders​

  • Test in isolation: Test each component before integrating
  • Never skip error handling: Production workflows must handle failures
  • Monitor continuously: Set up alerts for critical workflows
  • Document your work: Future you will thank present you
  • Start simple: Add complexity only when needed
  • Consider costs: Understand pricing model implications
  • Plan for scale: Design workflows that can handle growth