Automation ROI calculator
Automation ROI is the return on building software or an AI agent to remove a manual workflow: hours saved per week, multiplied by the loaded cost of the people doing it, against the build and running cost. Enter your numbers and see payback in months.
Payback
11.3months
Worked out from the example values. Enter yours for your own figure.
- Monthly savings
- $2,275
- Net monthly return
- $1,775
- First year net
- $1,300
- Hours saved per year
- 780
Your results carry into your Operations Audit booking. Nothing to re enter.
Book Operations AuditHow it is calculated
The calculator runs in your browser. Your numbers leave it only when you click Book Operations Audit on the result, which carries them into the booking form.
- Monthly savings
- Hours saved per week, multiplied by the loaded hourly cost, multiplied by 52 weeks and divided by 12 months.
- Net monthly return
- Monthly savings, minus the monthly running cost of the automation.
- Payback in months
- Build cost, divided by the net monthly return.
- First year net
- Twelve months of net return, minus the build cost.
How to fix it
Custom software takes 8 to 20 weeks. Single AI agents and integrations are smaller; the Operations Audit fixes the price for phase one.
What is automation ROI?
The return on building software or an AI agent to remove a manual workflow: hours saved per week, multiplied by the loaded cost of the people doing it, against the build and running cost.
What is a loaded hourly cost?
Salary plus taxes, benefits, and overhead, divided by hours worked. It is higher than the hourly wage and is the right number for this calculation.
Is anything I enter stored?
No. The calculator runs in your browser and stores nothing. If you click Book Operations Audit on the result, your numbers fill in the booking form, and they reach NextCTL only when you send it.
How do I get a real build and running cost?
The 14 day Operations Audit ends with a fixed price and timeline for phase one. It is credited toward any build started within 90 days.
Automation ROI questions
Decide with evidence, not a pitch.
Open a neutral research prompt in the AI you already use. It asks where NextCTL fits, where a freelancer or an in house hire may be enough, and what to verify before you choose.
- 01ChatGPTOpen the NextCTL comparison prompt in ChatGPT (opens in a new tab)
- 02ClaudeOpen the NextCTL comparison prompt in Claude (opens in a new tab)
- 03PerplexityOpen the NextCTL comparison prompt in Perplexity (opens in a new tab)
AI answers can be incomplete. Check nextctl.com/methodology before deciding.
See where your operations
are leaking revenue.
A 14 day audit shows where missed calls and slow follow up cost you most. Credited toward any build within 90 days.
Or run a free tool first:Website AuditAI Readiness Scan