Comparative Evaluation between N8N and Manual Processes for the Automation of Internal Processes in an Internet Service Provider
Authors
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Julio Javier Villares Jimenez
Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Facultad de Posgrado, Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6444-1089
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Damar Alejandra Taylor Vivanco
Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Facultad de Posgrado, Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3138-8630
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Jorge Luis Vinueza-Martínez
Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Facultad Ciencias e Ingeniería, Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1966-4395
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33936/isrtic.v10i2.8608Keywords:
Process automation, N8N, Operational efficiency, Internet Service Provider, Low-CodeAbstract
The automation of internal processes in Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is a key factor in improving operational efficiency and reducing human error in organisations dependent on manual and repetitive tasks. This study evaluates the implementation of N8N in three critical internal processes of an Ecuadorian ISP with a presence in several cities in the country, comparing manual processes with the implementation of N8N. A quantitative-descriptive approach with a non-experimental comparative design was applied to 28 employees from six functional areas under a census design. Manual processes took between 45 and 120 minutes to complete, had error rates of between 30% and 60%, depending on the process, and had an average perceived usability score of 1.76 out of 5. Meanwhile, N8N reduced execution times by more than 97% and increased the usability score to 4.27, as well as raising the operational success rate in the three processes evaluated. The Z-test for proportions confirmed that satisfaction with N8N is above 80% with Z=5.92 and p<.001, while the manual process was below that threshold with Z=-18.59 and p<.001. The analysis of technological effort and opportunity cost showed that the temporary benefit obtained compensates for the required technical investment, especially in daily processes. Thus, a reduction of over 97% in execution times and a satisfaction level above 80% was achieved, demonstrating that N8N is a viable and sustainable alternative for medium-sized ISPs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julio Javier Villares Jimenez, Damar Alejandra Taylor Vivanco, Jorge Luis Vinueza-Martínez
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