What is workflow automation?
Workflow automation is an approach in which software carries out the repetitive steps of a business process, such as data transfer, approvals, notifications and reporting, according to defined rules. A workflow starts with a trigger, moves data between systems and pauses for a person's approval when needed. n8n, Make, Zapier and Power Automate are common tools.
Definition
Workflow automation is an approach in which software carries out the repetitive steps of a business process, such as data transfer, approvals, notifications and reporting, according to defined rules.
How does workflow automation work?
Every workflow has a trigger: a new email, a form submission, a marketplace order or a schedule. Steps then run in sequence: data is read, transformed, routed on a condition and written to another system. If a step fails, the workflow retries or alerts the person responsible. For steps that rules cannot handle, such as classifying a free-text email, the workflow can call an LLM.
When should you use it?
When your team keys the same data into several systems, approvals get lost in email threads, and reports are compiled by hand every week. If the systems have APIs, use low-code tools such as n8n or Make; screen-only systems without an API need RPA. For tasks where input differs every time and judgement is needed, an AI agent can be added.
Typical examples in Türkiye
Transferring Trendyol or Hepsiburada orders into a Logo, Mikro or Netsis ERP, posting e-invoices (e-Fatura and e-Arşiv) to accounting, logging WhatsApp requests in a CRM and reconciling bank statements. In workflows that carry personal data, document where the data goes at each step under GDPR and KVKK, Türkiye’s data protection law. A digital maturity assessment helps find the right starting point.
Related terms
- n8nn8n is a workflow automation platform that connects applications and APIs through visual nodes and that you can also run on your own servers.
- RPA (Robotic Process Automation)RPA (robotic process automation) is an automation method in which a software robot clicks through screens and enters data like a person to carry out rule-based, repetitive tasks.
- Low-codeLow-code is a software development approach in which applications and workflows are built mainly with visual interfaces, drag-and-drop components and ready-made connectors, extended with small amounts of code where needed.
- AI agentAn AI agent is software that uses a language model to decide which steps to take towards a goal and then carries out those steps with tools such as APIs, databases and email.
- Digital maturityDigital maturity is a measure, usually expressed in levels, of how well a company uses digital tools across its processes, data, technology and team skills.
Frequently asked questions
Which processes suit automation?
Frequent processes with known steps, clear inputs and outputs, and costly errors. Order transfer, invoice entry, weekly reports and routing form submissions are typical first candidates.
Is workflow automation the same as RPA?
RPA is one type of workflow automation. Workflow tools usually connect to systems through APIs; RPA imitates steps on a screen. When an API exists, use the API.
Let’s talk about your transformation
Tell us which work repeats every week. We will tell you honestly whether it is worth automating.
How we start
- A free first callWe pin down the problem and the goal together.
- A 2-week discovery sprintWe look at the data, the process and the tools, and decide where to start.
- A written proposalScope, architecture and timeline, in writing.