n8n Workflows

Automated GitLab Backup of Workflows with Username Organization

Overview

This solution ensures the secure backup and version control of your self-hosted n8n workflows by storing them in a GitLab repository. It compares current workflows with their GitLab counterparts, updates files when differences are detected, and organizes them in user-specific folders (e.g., repo -> username -> workflow.json). Backups are triggered manually or weekly, with a success notification sent via email.

Good to Know

The workflow improves efficiency by automating CV screening and validation.
Ensures only CVs with essential fields (e.g., name, email, skills) are processed further.
Email notifications alert HR to incomplete or invalid CVs for timely follow-up.
The system pauses until all CV data is fully loaded to avoid processing errors.

Operational Process

Manual Backup Trigger: Initiates the backup process on demand.
Scheduled Weekly Backup: Automatically triggers the backup every week.
Fetch N8N Workflows: Retrieves all workflows from n8n using the API (getAll: workflow).
Prepare Backup Metadata: Generates metadata, including user details for folder organization.
Process Each Workflow: Handles each workflow individually for processing.
Format Workflow for GitLab: Structures workflows with proper versioning for GitLab compatibility.
Rate Limit Control: Manages API rate limits to ensure smooth operation.
Create to GitLab Repository: Saves workflows to GitLab; creates a new file if it doesn’t exist.
Check Backup Status: Verifies if the file exists; if true, proceeds to update; if false, loops back.
Update Backup Summary: Updates the existing file in GitLab with the latest version.
Log Backup Results: Records the outcome of the backup process.
Send Email: Sends a confirmation email: “Hello, The scheduled backup of all n8n workflows has been completed successfully. All workflows have been committed to the GitLab repository without any errors. Regards, n8n Automation Bot”