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Automation guide

How to Automate Data Entry with n8n

Extract structured data from unstructured sources (emails, PDFs, forms) and populate CRM, ERP, or spreadsheet targets.

The problem

Data entry is the most common manual task in every back-office team. It is error-prone, soul-destroying, and infinitely scalable with automation.

The outcome

Zero manual keying. Structured data in the right place within seconds of source document arrival. Error rate drops to near zero.

The tool

n8n — Open-source workflow automation with a visual builder.

How it works — step by step

  1. 1

    Source document arrives (email, PDF, web form, image)

  2. 2

    AI extracts fields using document understanding

  3. 3

    Extracted data is validated against schema / business rules

  4. 4

    Pushed to target system (CRM, ERP, spreadsheet) via API

About n8n

Open-source workflow automation with a visual builder. Self-hostable, 400+ integrations, and AI-native with LLM nodes.

Strengths

  • Self-hostable
  • 400+ integrations
  • AI nodes built-in
  • Code when needed

Pricing

Free self-hosted. Cloud from $20/month.

Documentation ↗

Ready-made n8n templates

Related guides

Want this in production?

Altor builds data entry automation for US B2B companies.

We don't hand off code and disappear. We connect to your live systems, ship to production in 3 weeks, and stay until the system delivers measurable impact. Zero manual keying. Structured data in the right place within seconds of source document arrival. Error rate drops to near zero.

Email us your workflow →