Skip to content

n8n (workflow automation)

Self-hosted workflow tool — chain services, schedule tasks, and glue systems together without writing glue code.

What it does

n8n is a self-hosted workflow automation tool. You build "flows" by connecting nodes (HTTP requests, MQTT, Home Assistant, Discord, etc.) and n8n runs them on a schedule or in response to a webhook. It's the middle layer between your van's sensors and the outside world.

How to install

  1. Install n8n on the same machine as Home Assistant, or on a separate small box in the van.
  2. The official n8n Docker image is the simplest path. A single docker run is enough.
  3. Make n8n reachable on the van's LAN (port 5678 by default) and you can edit flows from any device.

How it works

n8n runs as a long-lived service. When a flow fires (on a schedule, a webhook, or an MQTT event), it executes the nodes in order and passes data between them.