How to calculate the ROI of an automation before you build it

A simple formula and a worked example you can use in your next planning meeting.

Why this matters

Automation projects fail when they start with the tool instead of the problem. We always begin by mapping the work: who does it, how often, and what it costs when it goes wrong. That map tells you where automation pays back fastest.

Our approach

• Pick one workflow with clear inputs and outputs

• Measure the hours and errors it causes today

• Build the smallest version that removes the busywork

• Add guardrails, then expand to the next workflow

The takeaway

Start small, measure honestly and keep a human in the loop for edge cases. The compounding effect of a few well-built automations is bigger than one ambitious project that never ships.