How to calculate the ROI of AI automation
A simple ROI formula for AI projects, common mistakes and a worked example for a 5-person sales team.
The formula
Monthly savings = routine hours × hourly cost × automation share.
Payback period = implementation cost ÷ (monthly savings − monthly running costs).
Example
A 5-person sales team spends 12 hours a week each answering routine questions and updating the CRM — about 260 hours a month. At €22 an hour and 60% automation, that is roughly €3,400 saved monthly. A €2,300 agent with a €320 care plan pays back in under a month.
What people forget
- Extra revenue: the agent answers at night and on weekends — new deals, not just savings.
- Model usage costs belong in the monthly budget.
- Team training time and knowledge base upkeep.
Try your own numbers in the calculator on the pricing page.
