Workflow automation ROI calculator
Enter how often a workflow runs, how long it takes and how often it goes wrong, and see the payback of automating it.
Free, runs in your browser, no sign-up. Updated 2026-10-25.
Result
Saves 210 hours and $8,780 net a month. Pays back in 3.4 months; net $286,000 over 3 years. With the saving 25% lower: 4.6 months.
- Hours saved / month
- 210
- Time saving / month
- $7,350
- Net saving / month
- $8,780
- ROI over 3 years
- 701%
- Errors avoided / month
- 28.8
- Error saving / month
- $1,728
| Case | Net / month | Payback | Net over 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saving 25% lower | $6,510 | 4.6 months | $204,300 |
| Expected | $8,780 | 3.4 months | $286,000 |
| Saving 25% higher | $11,050 | 2.7 months | $367,700 |
The defaults are example inputs, not benchmarks. Replace them with your own numbers.
Assumptions
Every number the result depends on, and where it comes from. Change any value and the result updates.
| Assumption | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon | months | OceanLab assumption. Three years, a common planning horizon for internal software.Reviewed 2026-10-25 |
| Sensitivity range | 25 % | OceanLab assumption. The saving is shown 25% lower and higher, because time saved is the least certain input.Reviewed 2026-10-25 |
Send this estimate to OceanLab
Opens an email to OceanLab with this result and a link to your inputs. Nothing is sent until you press send, and there is no sign-up.
How this is calculated
Hours saved per month = runs × minutes per run × share automated ÷ 60.
Error saving per month = runs × error rate × errors removed × cost per error.
Net monthly saving = hours saved × loaded hourly cost + error saving − running cost. Payback = build cost ÷ net monthly saving.
The sensitivity row repeats the result with the saving 25% lower and higher. The defaults are example inputs, not benchmarks.
Questions about this tool
Should I count error savings?
Yes, if errors cost you money: rework, refunds, late fees or penalties. Leave the cost per error at 0 if you cannot put a number on it.
Why not automate 100%?
Most workflows keep exceptions and checks that people handle. Measure the share on a pilot.
How is this different from the AI automation ROI calculator?
That one looks at one task done by AI. This one adds error costs and a sensitivity row for any automated workflow, AI or not.
Is anything I enter sent anywhere?
No. The tool runs in your browser and there is no sign-up. Nothing leaves the page unless you choose to email your result to OceanLab.
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