n8n Automated Email Processing and Command Execution

This n8n workflow automates the processing of incoming emails, extracts content from attachments, executes a command based on the email, and sends a follow-up email. It's designed to create a loop where email interactions can trigger system actions and provide feedback.

What it does

This workflow streamlines a process that involves email communication, file extraction, conditional logic, command execution, and email responses. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Monitors Incoming Emails: The workflow starts by continuously checking an IMAP inbox for new emails.
2. Extracts Content from Attachments: If an email contains a file attachment, it attempts to extract content from that file. This could be useful for processing resumes, reports, or other documents.
3. Executes a Command: It then executes a shell command on the n8n server. The specific command is determined by the workflow's logic, likely based on the extracted email content or attachment data.
4. Waits for a Duration: After executing the command, the workflow pauses for a specified amount of time. This could be to allow the command to complete, or to introduce a delay before the next step.
5. Applies Conditional Logic: An "If" node evaluates a condition, likely based on the outcome of the command execution or the extracted email data.
6. Sends Follow-up Email:
   • If the condition is TRUE: It sends an email, potentially confirming the action, providing results, or requesting further information.
   • If the condition is FALSE: It also sends an email, likely indicating that the condition was not met or that an alternative path was taken.
7. Processes Data with Code: A "Code" node allows for custom JavaScript logic to further process data at some point in the workflow, offering flexibility for complex transformations or decision-making.

Prerequisites/Requirements

To use this workflow, you will need:

• IMAP Email Account: Access to an IMAP email server for the "Email Trigger (IMAP)" node to monitor incoming emails. You'll need the host, port, username, and password.
• SMTP Email Account: Access to an SMTP server for the "Send Email" node to send outgoing emails. You'll need the host, port, username, and password.
• n8n Instance with Execute Command Access: The "Execute Command" node runs commands directly on the server where n8n is hosted. Ensure your n8n instance has the necessary permissions and environment to run the desired commands.
• Understanding of JavaScript (Optional but Recommended): For customizing the "Code" node's logic.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Download the provided JSON file.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows" and click "New".
   • Click the "Import from JSON" button and paste the workflow JSON or upload the file.
2. Configure Credentials:
   • Email Trigger (IMAP): Click on the "Email Trigger (IMAP)" node. Configure your IMAP credentials (Host, Port, User, Password) to connect to the inbox you want to monitor.
   • Send Email (SMTP): Click on the "Send Email" node. Configure your SMTP credentials (Host, Port, User, Password) to connect to the email server you'll use for sending responses.
3. Customize Nodes:
   • Email Trigger (IMAP): Adjust the "Folder" and "Check Interval" settings as needed.
   • Extract from File: Configure this node based on the expected file types and content you anticipate in email attachments.
   • Execute Command: Crucially, configure the specific command you want to run. Be mindful of security implications when running commands on your server.
   • Wait: Adjust the "Delay" duration as required.
   • If: Define the conditions for the "If" node based on your specific logic (e.g., check for keywords in the email body, results of the executed command, or extracted file content).
   • Send Email: Customize the recipient, subject, and body of the emails sent on both the TRUE and FALSE branches of the "If" node.
   • Code: Modify the JavaScript code within this node to perform any custom data manipulation or logic.
4. Activate the Workflow: Once all configurations are complete, save the workflow and activate it by toggling the "Active" switch in the top right corner.

The workflow will now automatically process emails according to your defined logic.