Core Principles
Automation is not a feature; it is a system decision. These 4 laws govern every workflow we build to ensure it survives in production.
Structure Before Automation
If a process cannot be explained on paper, it cannot be automated. We define inputs, outputs, and failure conditions before opening n8n.
Determinism Over Intelligence
Predictable systems outperform 'smart' systems. AI is a layer we add only after the logic is stable. We don't use AI to guess; we use it to classify.
Fail Loud, Not Silent
A workflow that fails silently is a liability. Every automation must log its failure, alert a human, and stop execution to prevent data corruption.
Human-in-the-Loop
Automation exists to remove friction, not accountability. Critical decisions (refunds, deletions, publishing) must route to a human for approval.
Why we are strict about this
The misconception is that automation fixes broken processes. It does not. It amplifies them.
When unclear workflows are automated, ambiguity becomes permanent. When ownership is not defined, failures go unnoticed. These principles are the filter we use to decide what not to build.