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Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable

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Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable preview
Open on n8n.io

Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

Simplify expense tracking with AI powered automation that extracts receipt data and organizes it instantly. What this workflow does 1. Watches Google Drive for new receipt uploads (images/PDFs) 2. ...

Best for

  • Invoice Processing automation workflows
  • AI Summarization automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.googledrivetrigger, n8n-nodes-base.googledrive, @vlm-run/n8n-nodes-vlmrun.vlmrun, n8n-nodes-base.set, n8n-nodes-base.airtable, n8n-nodes-base.webhook

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Atik.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable
Workflow name
Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable

Simplify expense tracking with AI-powered automation that extracts receipt data and organizes it instantly.

What this workflow does

  1. Watches Google Drive for new receipt uploads (images/PDFs)
  2. Automatically downloads and prepares files for processing
  3. Parses key details using the trusted VLM Run node (merchant, customer, amount, currency, date)
  4. Stores structured records in Airtable for real-time tracking

Setup

Prerequisites: Google Drive & Airtable accounts, VLM Run API credentials, n8n instance.

Install the verified VLM Run node by searching for VLM Run in the node list, then click Install. Once installed, you can start using it in your workflows.

Quick Setup:

  1. Configure Google Drive OAuth2 and create a receipt upload folder
  2. Add VLM Run API credentials
  3. Create an Airtable base with fields: Customer, Merchant, Amount, Currency, Date
  4. Update folder/base IDs in workflow nodes
  5. Test and activate

How to customize this workflow to your needs

Extend functionality by:

  • Adding categories, budgets, or approval steps
  • Syncing with accounting tools (QuickBooks, Xero)
  • Sending Slack or email alerts for processed receipts
  • Enabling error handling and duplicate checks

This workflow eliminates manual data entry and creates a seamless, automated system that saves time and improves accuracy.

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - 🧾 Workflow Overview

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - 📁 Input Processing Documentation

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - 🤖 AI Extraction Documentation

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 4 - 📊 Storage Documentation

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 5 - Monitor Receipt Uploads

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDriveTrigger - googleDriveTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 6 - Download Receipt File

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

Block 7 - VLM Run Receipt Parser

Type / Role
@vlm-run/n8n-nodes-vlmrun.vlmRun - vlmRun
Config choices
Version 1

Block 8 - Format Receipt Data

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Create a record

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.airtable - airtable
Config choices
Version 2.1

Block 10 - Receive Data

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.webhook - webhook
Config choices
Version 2.1

3. Summary Table

Workflow Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 10
Categories Invoice Processing, AI Summarization
Author Atik
Published 11 Sept 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/8477/8477.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Extract and track receipt data with VLM Run and Google Drive + Airtable do?

Simplify expense tracking with AI powered automation that extracts receipt data and organizes it instantly. What this workflow does 1. Watches Google Drive for new receipt uploads (images/PDFs) 2. ...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Invoice Processing, AI Summarization use case.