Manual Harvest Create Triggered – Business Process Automation | Complete n8n Triggered Guide (Intermediate)
This article provides a complete, practical walkthrough of the Manual Harvest Create Triggered n8n agent. It connects HTTP Request, Webhook across approximately 1 node(s). Expect a Intermediate setup in 15-45 minutes. One‑time purchase: €29.
What This Agent Does
This agent orchestrates a reliable automation between HTTP Request, Webhook, handling triggers, data enrichment, and delivery with guardrails for errors and rate limits.
It streamlines multi‑step processes that would otherwise require manual exports, spreadsheet cleanup, and repeated API requests. By centralizing logic in n8n, it reduces context switching, lowers error rates, and ensures consistent results across teams.
Typical outcomes include faster lead handoffs, automated notifications, accurate data synchronization, and better visibility via execution logs and optional Slack/Email alerts.
How It Works
The workflow uses standard n8n building blocks like Webhook or Schedule triggers, HTTP Request for API calls, and control nodes (IF, Merge, Set) to validate inputs, branch on conditions, and format outputs. Retries and timeouts improve resilience, while credentials keep secrets safe.
Third‑Party Integrations
- HTTP Request
- Webhook
Import and Use in n8n
- Open n8n and create a new workflow or collection.
- Choose Import from File or Paste JSON.
- Paste the JSON below, then click Import.
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Show n8n JSON
Title: Automating Client Creation in Harvest Using n8n: A Simple Workflow Guide Meta Description: Learn how to automate client creation in Harvest with n8n’s no-code workflow automation tool. This guide walks through a sample workflow that saves time and streamlines project management. Keywords: n8n, Harvest, client creation automation, no-code automation, API integration, workflow automation, project management, Harvest API, n8n tutorial Third-Party APIs Used: - Harvest API Article: Automating Client Creation in Harvest Using n8n: A Simple Workflow Guide In the ever-evolving world of digital business, efficiency is everything. Whether you’re a freelancer managing multiple clients or a team handling collaborative projects, tools like Harvest have been invaluable for time tracking and project management. But what if you could take that efficiency one step further? Enter n8n—a powerful, no-code workflow automation platform that allows you to integrate and automate tasks across hundreds of services. In this article, we’ll walk you through a real-world n8n workflow that automates the creation of clients in Harvest. This simple yet powerful automation saves time and minimizes the risk of manual data errors. What is n8n? n8n (which stands for "nodemation") is an open-source workflow automation tool that enables users to connect apps and automate tasks via a visual interface. Unlike many no-code platforms, n8n gives users full control over logic, conditions, and data manipulation while still offering an easy-to-use UI. What is Harvest? Harvest is a widely-used time tracking and invoicing tool designed primarily for freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses. One of its core features is the ability to manage clients, projects, tasks, and time logs all in one place. When paired with n8n, Harvest becomes even more efficient, eliminating repetitive manual operations like inputting new client information. Overview of the Workflow Let’s dive into the specific n8n workflow that automates client creation in Harvest. This workflow consists of two nodes: 1. Manual Trigger Node ("On clicking 'execute'") 2. Harvest Node (API operation to create a client) The workflow is currently inactive, designed to be triggered manually through the n8n editor interface. Here's how each part works: 1. Manual Trigger Node The first node in the workflow is a Manual Trigger. Its function is straightforward: it activates the workflow when the user clicks “Execute Workflow” in the n8n interface. This is useful for testing the setup or running more situational automations that don’t rely on regular scheduling or webhook-based triggers. 2. Harvest Node The second node actually performs the action—creating a client in Harvest. This node utilizes n8n’s built-in support for the Harvest API. Here are the key parameters defined in the node: - Resource: client - Operation: create - Additional Fields: {} - Name: (not provided yet in this version) Currently, the “Name” field appears empty, which means the workflow is in its early stage of development or testing. In a full deployment, this name parameter would either be hard-coded, retrieved from a prior node, or passed dynamically through user input or an external trigger like a form submission or webhook. Use Case Scenarios Even though this example uses a manual trigger and a basic client creation action, the real power lies in how you can expand this foundation. Here are a few potential enhancements to this workflow: - Integrate a Webhook Trigger: Connect the workflow to a form submission (e.g., a Typeform or Google Form) to automatically create Harvest clients when someone fills out a contact form. - Add an Email Notification Node: Send internal notifications using email or Slack whenever a new client is created. - Validate Data: Use n8n’s logic nodes (like If or Switch) to check incoming data before creating a client. These enhancements can streamline the entire client onboarding process and reduce reliance on manual intervention. Security and API Credentials To use the Harvest node effectively, you need to provide your Harvest API credentials. These are added through n8n’s credential manager and stored securely. This not only simplifies API calls but also avoids the need to hard-code sensitive information within the workflow. Why Automate Client Creation? Repetitive administrative tasks tend to drain both time and mental energy. Automating client creation in Harvest ensures consistency in your records and frees your team to focus on value-generating tasks. Furthermore, automation minimizes human error—no more double entries or typos in client names and contact information. It also helps set the stage for a fully automated client lifecycle, including project onboarding, invoicing, and time tracking. Conclusion This simple n8n workflow provides a great starting point for automating actions between your business tools—in this case, creating clients in Harvest. With just two nodes, you can already begin to see the potential of combining a no-code automation platform with a robust project management tool. As you build out your automation capabilities, consider expanding this foundational workflow with triggers, conditional logic, and supplementary tools to build a comprehensive client onboarding process. In a world where every minute counts, investing in automation with n8n and Harvest can be a game-changer for your productivity. Try setting up this workflow today and experience the benefits of letting your software do the heavy lifting. Ready to automate? The future of business processes is here—and it starts with just a few clicks.
- Set credentials for each API node (keys, OAuth) in Credentials.
- Run a test via Execute Workflow. Inspect Run Data, then adjust parameters.
- Enable the workflow to run on schedule, webhook, or triggers as configured.
Tips: keep secrets in credentials, add retries and timeouts on HTTP nodes, implement error notifications, and paginate large API fetches.
Validation: use IF/Code nodes to sanitize inputs and guard against empty payloads.
Why Automate This with AI Agents
AI‑assisted automations offload repetitive, error‑prone tasks to a predictable workflow. Instead of manual copy‑paste and ad‑hoc scripts, your team gets a governed pipeline with versioned state, auditability, and observable runs.
n8n’s node graph makes data flow transparent while AI‑powered enrichment (classification, extraction, summarization) boosts throughput and consistency. Teams reclaim time, reduce operational costs, and standardize best practices without sacrificing flexibility.
Compared to one‑off integrations, an AI agent is easier to extend: swap APIs, add filters, or bolt on notifications without rewriting everything. You get reliability, control, and a faster path from idea to production.
Best Practices
- Credentials: restrict scopes and rotate tokens regularly.
- Resilience: configure retries, timeouts, and backoff for API nodes.
- Data Quality: validate inputs; normalize fields early to reduce downstream branching.
- Performance: batch records and paginate for large datasets.
- Observability: add failure alerts (Email/Slack) and persistent logs for auditing.
- Security: avoid sensitive data in logs; use environment variables and n8n credentials.
FAQs
Can I swap integrations later? Yes. Replace or add nodes and re‑map fields without rebuilding the whole flow.
How do I monitor failures? Use Execution logs and add notifications on the Error Trigger path.
Does it scale? Use queues, batching, and sub‑workflows to split responsibilities and control load.
Is my data safe? Keep secrets in Credentials, restrict token scopes, and review access logs.