Feasibility check: Diesel consumption control system via WhatsApp + n8n

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1

Message:

Hi everyone,

I’d like to ask for your feedback on the technical feasibility of a project idea before moving forward with any paid plans or development.

The goal is to build an internal system to monitor diesel consumption and other operational expenses (like chainsaws, brushcutters, etc.), based on data and photos sent by our employees via WhatsApp.

:bullseye: Desired workflow:

  1. Each employee sends a WhatsApp message containing:

    • :camera_with_flash: A photo of the diesel card

    • :camera_with_flash: A photo of the vehicle’s license plate

    • :camera_with_flash: A photo of the odometer

    • :camera_with_flash: A photo of the fuel receipt

    • :writing_hand: Optional text message (e.g., special notes like “fuel for tractors” or other exceptions)

  2. n8n should receive the WhatsApp message and:

    • Store all data (texts and photos) in a database or Excel/Google Sheet

    • Process and calculate kilometers, liters, averages, and consumption anomalies

    • If anomalies are detected, send notifications back via WhatsApp:

      • To the employee (automatic response)

      • To the supervisor/responsible person

  3. In future iterations, the system should also:

    • Handle other types of expenses (chainsaws, brushcutters, etc.)

    • Use average consumption values per tool or vehicle to validate the data

:red_question_mark:Main questions:

  • Is it technically possible to implement this kind of workflow using n8n (combined with WhatsApp API, Google Sheets or a database)?

  • What external services/integrations would be required (e.g. Twilio, Meta Cloud API, Airtable, etc.)?

  • Can n8n handle bidirectional WhatsApp communication (sending and receiving photos and text)?

  • How complex would this be to implement (custom code, nodes, or external hosting required)?

:briefcase: Additionally:

We’d also like to know if there are:

  • People or agencies who could develop this kind of project for a fee, or

  • Anyone offering training or guided development for building real n8n workflows like this.

Thanks a lot for any insights, advice, or references you can share! :folded_hands:

2

Yes, this idea can totally work with n8n.

Here’s how it would go:

1. WhatsApp messages come in — workers send photos and notes.

2. n8n catches those messages using a WhatsApp API like Twilio, 360Dialog, or Meta Cloud API.

3. n8n saves everything — the photos and text — into a Google Sheet, Airtable, or a database.

4. n8n does the math — it checks how much fuel was used, how many kilometers were driven, and if something looks wrong.

5. n8n replies automatically — it can send a WhatsApp message back to the worker and the supervisor if something looks off.

So yes it’s fully possible.

You’d just need:

A WhatsApp API account (Twilio, 360Dialog, or Meta)

A place to store the data (Sheets, Airtable, or a database)

An n8n setup (cloud or self-hosted)

It’s not too hard, but setting it up right takes some experience especially handling the photos and math.

If you want, I can guide you on how to set up the first version or help you build the full workflow from start to finish.

Zeezat

n8n Automation Expert