"AI will transform everything." Maybe, but by how much exactly? If you don't measure, you don't know if it paid off.
An ROI roadmap for AI
1. Measure today's cost
Before implementing AI, write down how long the task takes and how many people it ties up. Also write down what errors cost.
2. Pick the metrics
Good metrics here are hours saved per week and error reduction as a percentage. Conversion increase and cost reduction in reais per month count too.
3. Add up the investment
That includes development, APIs and infrastructure. Also add team training and monthly maintenance.
4. Compare
The math is this:
`ROI = (Gain - Investment) / Investment × 100`
Typical return ranges
A customer service chatbot usually returns 3 to 5 times in the first year. Process automation lands between 2 and 4 times.
AI for marketing ranges from 3 to 8 times, depending on the industry. Predictive maintenance reaches 5 to 10 times.
The most common mistake
It's measuring only the direct cost and forgetting the indirect gains, like the time the team gets back and customer satisfaction. What became possible, and wasn't before, counts too.
To wrap up
An AI project without a defined ROI is an experiment. Define the metrics before you start and follow them closely.
