FAQ
Questions about automation and how we work
Find clear answers about our process, technical setup, pricing, reporting automation, data automation and AI automation.
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What does Flowlabs do? ⌄
Flowlabs builds custom automation systems for businesses that want to reduce manual work, connect tools and improve internal workflows.
Who is Flowlabs for? ⌄
Flowlabs is built for businesses, agencies and teams that still spend too much time on repetitive manual work, reporting, data handling or follow-up tasks.
Where is Flowlabs based? ⌄
Flowlabs is based in Hasselt and works with businesses across Belgium.
Do you only work with companies in Hasselt? ⌄
No. Hasselt is the base, but automations can be built for businesses anywhere in Belgium.
What kind of problems do you solve? ⌄
We solve problems where businesses lose time because of repetitive tasks, disconnected tools, manual reporting, messy data or workflows that depend too much on human follow-up.
How does a typical automation project start? ⌄
We start by mapping your current workflow: tools, data sources, manual steps, bottlenecks and what should happen automatically.
Do you analyse the process before building? ⌄
Yes. Automation only works when the logic is clear. We first define how the process should run before building the actual automation.
Can we start with one small automation? ⌄
Yes. That is often the best approach. A focused first automation proves the value quickly and keeps the project manageable.
Do you build everything at once? ⌄
No. Most automations are better built in phases. First we solve the most repetitive or painful part, then we expand.
Do you explain what is realistic? ⌄
Yes. Not every process should be automated. We look at what makes sense, what is technically possible and what gives the best return for the effort.
Can you improve an existing automation? ⌄
Yes. Existing automations can be reviewed, cleaned up, stabilised or rebuilt if they are unreliable or hard to maintain.
Do you build automations with code or tools like Zapier, Make or n8n? ⌄
Both are possible. Custom code is used when control, stability, logging, security or complex logic matters. Tools like Zapier, Make or n8n can be useful for simpler workflows or fast prototypes.
When is custom code better? ⌄
Custom code is better when the workflow is complex, needs strong error handling, handles sensitive data or has to scale reliably.
When is Zapier, Make or n8n enough? ⌄
Automation platforms are often enough for simple tool connections, notifications, basic data transfers or quick proof-of-concepts.
Can automations run on a schedule? ⌄
Yes. Automations can run hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or at a custom interval.
Can automations be triggered automatically? ⌄
Yes. Automations can start from triggers such as a form submission, new lead, uploaded file, webhook, API event or new database record.
Can automations send emails automatically? ⌄
Yes. Automations can send internal updates, client reports, confirmations, summaries or alerts.
Can automations update a database? ⌄
Yes. Automations can read, create, update or structure data inside databases when the workflow requires it.
Can automations include approval steps? ⌄
Yes. Some workflows can be fully automatic, while others can include a human approval step before something is sent, updated or published.
What is workflow automation? ⌄
Workflow automation means repetitive steps in a business process are handled automatically, so people do not have to manually move data, send updates or repeat the same actions.
Which workflows can be automated? ⌄
Common examples are lead follow-up, internal notifications, recurring reports, data transfers, task creation, file processing and client updates.
Can automation work with our current process? ⌄
Usually yes. The goal is not to replace your entire process, but to remove the repetitive steps inside it.
Does workflow automation replace employees? ⌄
No. The goal is to remove repetitive work so people can spend more time on tasks that need judgement, communication or creativity.
How do I know if a workflow should be automated? ⌄
A workflow is a good candidate when it happens often, follows clear rules and takes time without requiring much creative thinking.
What is reporting automation? ⌄
Reporting automation means data is collected, structured, analysed and delivered automatically without someone manually building the report every time.
Can reports be fully automated? ⌄
Yes. Reports can be generated and delivered automatically through email, dashboards, spreadsheets or custom formats.
Can you automate GA4 reports? ⌄
Yes. GA4 data can be collected automatically and turned into structured reports, dashboards or AI-written summaries.
Can reports include AI-written insights? ⌄
Yes. AI can explain what changed, what performed well, what needs attention and which next steps make sense.
Can reports be customised per client? ⌄
Yes. Reports can use different metrics, formats, explanations and delivery settings per client or team.
Can monthly reports be sent automatically? ⌄
Yes. Reports can be scheduled monthly, weekly or at any recurring interval.
Can reporting automation save time? ⌄
Yes. Businesses often save several hours per week by removing manual exports, formatting and repeated report preparation.
Can reporting automation reduce mistakes? ⌄
Yes. When the same logic runs automatically each time, there is less risk of copy-paste errors, missing data or inconsistent formatting.
What is data automation? ⌄
Data automation means data is collected, cleaned, structured and moved between systems automatically.
What kind of data can be automated? ⌄
APIs, spreadsheets, CRM data, analytics data, scraped data, internal databases and other structured or semi-structured data sources.
Can you combine data from different tools? ⌄
Yes. Data from multiple systems can be combined into one structured dataset or workflow.
Can messy data be cleaned automatically? ⌄
Yes. Data can be cleaned, validated, filtered, normalised and prepared for reporting or further processing.
Can data be synced automatically? ⌄
Yes. Data can be synced in real time, on a schedule or when a specific trigger happens.
Can you automate spreadsheet workflows? ⌄
Yes. Spreadsheet data can be imported, cleaned, enriched, exported or connected to other systems.
Can you automate data scraping? ⌄
Yes. Publicly available data can be extracted, structured and used in reports, dashboards or internal systems, depending on the legal and technical context.
Why is structured data important for AI? ⌄
AI works better when the input is clean and consistent. Bad data leads to unreliable output.
What is AI automation? ⌄
AI automation means AI is added inside a workflow to analyse input, generate output, classify information or trigger the next step automatically.
Is AI automation just a chatbot? ⌄
No. A chatbot is only one possible use. AI automation is broader: it can analyse reports, summarise documents, classify leads, process requests and support decisions.
Can AI write report summaries? ⌄
Yes. AI can turn structured reporting data into clear written summaries, insights and recommendations.
Can AI analyse business data? ⌄
Yes. AI can help identify patterns, changes, anomalies and possible next steps based on structured data.
Can AI classify leads or requests? ⌄
Yes. AI can categorise incoming leads, forms, emails or tickets based on their content.
Can AI make decisions automatically? ⌄
AI can support decision-making and trigger actions based on rules and data. For sensitive decisions, human approval can stay part of the workflow.
Do I need clean data before using AI? ⌄
Yes. AI is only as good as the data behind it. Clean and structured data makes AI output more reliable.
Is AI automation a separate service? ⌄
Not always. AI is often a layer on top of data automation, reporting automation or workflow automation.
Can AI be reviewed before output is sent? ⌄
Yes. AI output can be saved as a draft or sent for approval before anything is emailed, published or updated.
Which tools can you connect? ⌄
Most tools with an API, webhook, export function or database access can be connected.
Can you connect Google Analytics? ⌄
Yes. Google Analytics data can be used for reporting, dashboards and AI-generated insights.
Can you connect CRMs? ⌄
Yes. Many CRMs can be connected to automate lead handling, reporting, data enrichment or follow-up workflows.
Can you connect Google Sheets or Excel? ⌄
Yes. Spreadsheet workflows can be automated, cleaned, enriched and connected to other tools.
Can you connect custom software? ⌄
Yes, if the software exposes an API, database, webhook or another technical way to exchange data.
What if a tool has no API? ⌄
Then we look at alternatives such as exports, webhooks, database access, email parsing or other technical workarounds.
Is automation safe for business data? ⌄
It can be, if it is built properly. Access, storage, logging and data handling should be designed carefully from the start.
Do you store client data? ⌄
That depends on the setup. Some automations only process data temporarily, while others need storage for logs, reporting or history.
Can sensitive data be avoided? ⌄
Yes. When possible, workflows can be designed to avoid storing or processing unnecessary sensitive data.
Can access be limited? ⌄
Yes. Access can be limited based on roles, systems, credentials or technical permissions.
Can logs be added? ⌄
Yes. Logs can show when an automation ran, what happened and whether errors occurred.
What happens to credentials and API keys? ⌄
Credentials should be stored securely and never hardcoded in public code. The exact setup depends on the project.
How is automation priced? ⌄
Pricing depends on the complexity, number of integrations, amount of custom logic and whether hosting or maintenance is needed.
Is automation a one-time project or a monthly service? ⌄
Both are possible. Some automations are one-time builds. Others need hosting, monitoring, maintenance or monthly execution.
Is there a monthly cost? ⌄
There can be a monthly cost when the automation needs hosting, monitoring, support, API usage or recurring maintenance.
Can we start with a small budget? ⌄
Yes. A focused first automation is often the best way to start without overbuilding.
Do automations need maintenance? ⌄
Yes, sometimes. APIs change, tools update, data formats shift and business rules evolve.
What happens after the automation is launched? ⌄
After launch, the automation can be monitored, adjusted and expanded when your workflow changes.
Can an automation be expanded later? ⌄
Yes. A good automation setup can start small and grow with extra steps, integrations or AI layers later.