Researchers built an SQL-and-n8n workflow to retrieve overdue loans, classify urgency, send email alerts and update status. Overdue returns decreased from 196 to 164 records.
Key findings
- Overdue returns fell from 196 to 164, a 16.33% reduction. Returns delayed 4–14 days decreased from 29 to 25, and mean user satisfaction was 4.30.
Why this matters globally
The case suggests low-code automation can structure repetitive reminder and asset-tracking work, particularly for libraries lending diverse objects rather than books alone.
Thai researcher contribution
Yala Rajabhat University researchers developed and evaluated the workflow in Thammasat University Library's Library of Things service.
Limitations to consider
There was no randomization, control group or denominator of total loans. Season, borrower mix and policy changes may confound the comparison, and staff time saved or email delivery success was not reported.