Short answer
Zapier, Make and n8n are good for quick, simple connections between popular cloud tools. A custom solution is better when the process is critical to the business, there are many exceptions, it has to work with local systems (such as Latvian accounting software) or subscriptions become expensive at high volumes.
Comparison
| Zapier / Make / n8n | Custom solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first result | Hours or days | Weeks |
| Complex logic and exceptions | Hard to maintain | No limits |
| Latvian systems (Horizon, Jumis, state registers) | Often no ready connectors | Integrated as needed |
| Cost at high volumes | Grows with the number of operations | Mainly development and maintenance |
| Control over data | Data passes through a third-party service | Can stay in your infrastructure |
The advantage of n8n is that it can be installed on your own server, so data doesn’t have to be sent to a third party.
When to choose a ready-made tool
- You need to connect popular cloud tools (Google, Microsoft 365, Slack, e-mail marketing).
- The process is simple: “when A happens, do B”.
- You want to test an idea quickly.
When you need a custom solution
- The process is critical to the business, and errors cost money.
- There are many rules, checks and exceptions.
- You have to work with systems that have no ready connectors.
- Employees need a user interface, not just a background flow.
Often the best route is a combination: a ready-made tool for the simple parts, a custom integration for the critical ones.