How to Calculate the ROI of Business Automation

23 Jul 2025 • IntelliFlow Team

Automation isn’t an expense — it’s one of the few investments that can pay for itself in months. Here’s how to work out the numbers before you start.

Step 1: Identify Repetitive Tasks

Make a list of tasks you perform every week. Estimate the time they take.

Step 2: Put a Price on Time

Use the hourly rate of the person doing the work (including overheads).

Step 3: Annualise the Saving

Multiply hours saved per week × hourly rate × 52 weeks.

Step 4: Compare to Automation Cost

If the automation costs less than the first-year saving — and many do — you have positive ROI.

Example

If a £3,000 project saves a £25/hour staff member 5 hours per week, that’s £6,500 saved in year one — a payback period of under six months.

At IntelliFlow, every project we deliver includes a clear ROI calculation up front, so you know exactly what you’ll get back before you spend a penny.