# 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.

URL: https://corrplus.net/glossary/workflow-automation/
Updated: 2026-10-22
Corrplus Team

**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](/glossary/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](/glossary/low-code/) tools such as [n8n](/glossary/n8n/) or Make; screen-only systems without an API need [RPA](/glossary/rpa/). For tasks where input differs every time and judgement is needed, an [AI agent](/glossary/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](/glossary/kvkk/), Türkiye's data protection law. A [digital maturity](/glossary/digital-maturity/) assessment helps find the right starting point.

## 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.