AI & Automation decision tool
Estimate the economic value of time saved by a workflow using assumptions you control: run volume, minutes saved, loaded hourly labor value, recurring tool cost and one-time implementation cost.
Hours saved / month
50.0 h
Modeled labor value / month
$1,250.00
Net benefit / month
$1,100.00
Modeled payback
1.4 months
12-month net benefit
$11,700.00
12-month ROI
354.5%
Monthly labor value = runs × minutes saved ÷ 60 × loaded hourly value. Net monthly benefit subtracts recurring tool cost. 12-month ROI compares 12-month net benefit with implementation + 12 months of tool cost.
Citation-ready methodology
This contract is the source of truth for the tool semantics: formulas/rules, inputs, outputs, limitations and a worked example. When calculation logic changes, the methodology version must move with the code.
Worked example
Input
Enter monthly run volume, minutes saved, labor value, recurring tool cost and one-time implementation cost.
Output
The tool returns monthly released-capacity value, net benefit, payback and a 12-month ROI model.
Interpretation
Treat the result as an assumption model until time savings and adoption are measured in production.
How to cite this tool
D2 Group. “Automation ROI Calculator — methodology and calculation contract.” Version 2026.09, reviewed 2026-09-03. https://d2group.co/tools/automation-roi-calculator#methodology
FAQ
No. This calculator values released labor capacity using the hourly assumption you enter. Real cash savings depend on staffing, utilization, opportunity cost and whether the released capacity is actually redeployed or removed.
No. It intentionally models only time-value economics plus tool and implementation cost. Add other benefits only when you can evidence them separately.
