Use n8n for orchestration and integrations, then add custom Node.js/Python steps when logic becomes complex, performance-sensitive, or requires reusable domain rules.

Lack of operational design. Teams skip monitoring, retry strategy, and ownership. A durable workflow includes alerts, logs, clear owners, and fallback paths.

Yes. Production workflows often include explicit approval states before financial actions, customer messaging, or data mutation. This is a core design step, not a patch.

A scoped plan can usually begin within days once triggers, tools, data contracts, and success metrics are defined. Clear inputs accelerate delivery significantly.

Include architecture map, node-level documentation, environment variable list, failure runbook, and maintenance recommendations so the client team can operate confidently.