n8n Vector Database Anomaly Detection Workflow

This n8n workflow demonstrates a basic pattern for processing data, potentially for anomaly detection, by fetching data, transforming it, and then splitting it for further processing. While the current workflow does not include specific anomaly detection logic, it lays the groundwork for such an implementation.

What it does

This workflow performs the following steps:

1. Manual Trigger: Starts the workflow manually for testing or on-demand execution.
2. HTTP Request: Makes an HTTP request to an external API or service to fetch data.
3. Edit Fields (Set): Transforms the received data by setting or modifying fields. In this case, it converts the data field from a string to a JSON object.
4. Split Out: Splits the incoming items into multiple individual items based on a specified field (in this case, data). This is useful for processing each element of an array separately.
5. Code: Executes custom JavaScript code. This node is currently a placeholder, returning the input items as-is, but can be extended to implement custom logic like anomaly detection algorithms.
6. Merge: Combines the output from the Code node back into a single item.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: A running instance of n8n.
• External API/Service: An endpoint for the HTTP Request node to fetch data from. The current configuration expects a JSON response containing a data field that is a JSON string.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, click "New Workflow".
   • Go to the "Workflows" menu (top left), then "Import from JSON".
   • Paste the JSON code and click "Import".
2. Configure the HTTP Request Node:
   • Open the "HTTP Request" node.
   • Update the "URL" field to point to your desired API endpoint.
   • Configure any necessary authentication headers or query parameters for your API.
3. Configure the Edit Fields (Set) Node:
   • The "Edit Fields (Set)" node is configured to convert the data field from a string to a JSON object using an expression. Ensure your HTTP request returns data in a format compatible with this transformation.
4. Extend the Code Node:
   • The "Code" node is currently a passthrough. To implement anomaly detection or other custom logic:
     • Open the "Code" node.
     • Modify the JavaScript code within the items array to process the incoming data. For example, you could add logic to analyze data points, compare them against thresholds, or use statistical methods to identify anomalies.
5. Activate the workflow:
   • Click the "Activate" toggle in the top right corner of the n8n editor.
6. Execute the workflow:
   • Click "Execute Workflow" in the n8n editor to run it manually and test its functionality.

This workflow provides a flexible foundation for building more complex data analysis and anomaly detection systems within n8n.