Generate AI Inventory Reorder Recommendations from Airtable with GPT-4o, Slack, and Email

This n8n workflow automates the process of generating smart inventory reorder recommendations using AI, based on data from Airtable. It then notifies relevant teams via Slack and sends a detailed email summary. This streamlines inventory management, reduces manual effort, and leverages AI for better decision-making.

What it does

1. Triggers Manually: The workflow is initiated by a manual trigger, allowing you to run it on demand.
2. Fetches Inventory Data from Airtable: It connects to an Airtable base to retrieve inventory records.
3. Generates AI Recommendations: The workflow utilizes an AI Agent (likely GPT-4o via Azure OpenAI Chat Model) to analyze the inventory data and generate reorder recommendations. This could include suggestions on quantities, timing, or specific items.
4. Processes AI Output: A Code node is used to parse and format the AI-generated recommendations for further use.
5. Checks for Recommendations: An If node checks if any recommendations were successfully generated by the AI.
6. Sends Slack Notification (if recommendations exist): If recommendations are available, it posts a summary to a specified Slack channel, alerting the team.
7. Sends Detailed Email (if recommendations exist): Concurrently, if recommendations exist, it sends a comprehensive email via Gmail to a designated recipient with all the AI-generated reorder suggestions.
8. Handles No Recommendations: If the AI Agent does not generate any recommendations, the workflow can be extended (though not explicitly shown in the provided JSON) to handle this scenario, e.g., by sending a "no recommendations" notification.
9. Error Handling: An Error Trigger node is included, allowing for a separate workflow to be initiated in case of execution failure, ensuring robust operation.
10. Documentation/Notes: Sticky Notes are used to provide in-workflow documentation or comments.
11. Placeholder Nodes: Asana, Google Sheets, and Notion nodes are present but not connected in the provided JSON, indicating potential future integrations or alternative data sources/destinations.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: A running n8n instance.
• Airtable Account & Base: An Airtable account with an inventory base containing relevant data.
• Azure OpenAI Service: Access to Azure OpenAI, configured for a chat model (e.g., GPT-4o).
• OpenAI API Key: An API key for the Azure OpenAI service.
• Slack Account: A Slack workspace and a channel to post notifications.
• Gmail Account: A Gmail account (or Google Workspace account) for sending emails.
• n8n Credentials: Configured credentials in n8n for:
  • Airtable
  • Azure OpenAI Chat Model (or generic OpenAI if configured differently)
  • Slack
  • Gmail

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow: Download the JSON and import it into your n8n instance.
2. Configure Credentials:
   • Set up your Airtable credential to connect to your inventory base.
   • Configure your Azure OpenAI Chat Model credential with your API key and deployment details.
   • Set up your Slack credential for the desired workspace and channel.
   • Configure your Gmail credential for sending emails.
3. Customize Nodes:
   • Airtable Node: Specify your Base ID and Table Name for your inventory data.
   • AI Agent Node: Review the prompt to ensure it effectively guides the AI in generating relevant reorder recommendations based on your Airtable data structure.
   • Code Node: Adjust the JavaScript code if your AI output or desired formatting differs.
   • Slack Node: Update the Channel ID and customize the message content as needed.
   • Gmail Node: Set the recipient email address(es), subject, and customize the email body.
4. Activate the Workflow: Once configured, activate the workflow.
5. Execute Manually: Click "Execute Workflow" on the "When clicking ‘Execute workflow’" node to run it.

This workflow provides a robust foundation for automating AI-powered inventory reorder recommendations, significantly enhancing efficiency and intelligence in your supply chain management.