How to measure whether an automation is worth it
Time saved is only part of the picture. A simple before-and-after record shows whether an automation is really paying off.
Shameem Ahmmed5 min read
It is easy to build an automation and assume it helps. Without a simple measure, though, you cannot tell whether it saves time, reduces errors or just moves the work somewhere else. A little measurement keeps automation decisions honest.
Record the before
Before automating, note how long the task takes, how often it happens and how often mistakes occur. Rough estimates are fine, as long as you record them in the same way after the change.
Count the full cost
Include tool subscriptions, setup time and the time someone spends checking or fixing the automation. An automation that saves an hour a week but needs constant attention may not be worth keeping.
- Time saved per week
- Errors avoided or introduced
- Monthly tool and maintenance cost
- Effect on customer response time
Review after a month
Set a date to compare the before and after. Keep what clearly helps, fix what nearly works and switch off what does not. Regular reviews stop a business from collecting automations nobody understands.
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