Integration platform (iPaaS)

What is an integration platform?

An integration platform is an online service in which you put together integrations and automations with ready-made blocks. Programming is usually not needed for this: it is no-code automation. Another word for it is iPaaS, short for integration platform as a service.

Well-known examples are Zapier, Make and n8n. They have blocks for many well-known packages. You use Zapier and Make as an online service. n8n can also run on a server of your own choosing.

How does an integration platform work?

You build a series of steps. It begins with a trigger: a form comes in, a new order is ready, or a webhook comes in. Actions then follow, such as: create a customer in the CRM and send the team a message.

Behind the blocks, the platform uses the API of each package. That makes an integration platform a form of middleware that you take as a subscription.

Example in an SME

Integration platform, standard integration or custom?

• Standard integration. Does your package already have an integration that does what you need? Start there. Then you do not need to build anything.
• Integration platform. Suits simple steps between well-known packages that you want to be able to adjust yourself. Watch the costs: they often depend on how much runs per month. Zapier charges in tasks, Make in credits and n8n Cloud in workflow executions.
• Custom. Suits when the rules are complex, when a lot of data passes through, or when a package is not in the platform. A custom API integration does exactly what you agree.

There is no best choice for everyone. In a business analysis I look with you at which form fits, and I receive no commission from suppliers. Read more about integrations and automation or about what an API integration costs.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Zapier: pricing and tasks, Make: pricing and credits, n8n: pricing, executions and Community Edition and n8n: own server or cloud. Consulted on 7 October 2026.