Start with cost, not capability
The most common mistake in evaluating automation is starting with what the technology can do rather than what it costs you today not to have it. Before comparing tools, quantify the current cost of the manual process: hours spent, error rate, and opportunity cost of delayed response.
Model three numbers
Every credible ROI model for automation comes down to three inputs: current cost of the manual process, expected cost of the automated system, and the conversion or efficiency lift once it's live. Everything else is commentary.
Discount your own optimism
Vendors — including us — will show best-case outcomes. Build your model on the conservative end of any range you're quoted, and treat anything beyond that as upside.
Payback period, not just percentage lift
A 30% efficiency gain sounds impressive until you calculate how long it takes to offset the implementation cost. Payback period, typically expressed in months, is the number that should drive your decision.
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