Resources / Tool

AI ROI Calculator

Build the business case for your AI investment

Pre-built models for 12 common AI use cases
Industry-specific benchmarks for ROI assumptions
3-year total cost of ownership modeling
Sensitivity analysis on key variables
Board-ready output summary
Payback period and IRR calculations

Building an Honest AI Business Case

Most AI ROI estimates are either too optimistic (vendor projections) or too conservative (early skepticism). The AI ROI Calculator uses realistic input assumptions based on observed outcomes from middle market deployments — giving you a model your CFO and board will take seriously.

What the Calculator Measures

The calculator models three categories of financial impact: labor cost reduction (hours eliminated or redeployed from operational tasks), revenue impact (faster sales cycles, higher win rates, improved retention), and error cost reduction (AP errors, compliance fines, customer service escalations). Each category uses industry-specific benchmarks with adjustable inputs.

Implementation Cost Modeling

The business case includes full implementation and ongoing costs: platform fees, implementation services, internal IT and operations time, and ongoing management. Total cost of ownership over a 3-year horizon is compared to projected benefits to calculate payback period and ROI.

How to Present This to Your Board

The calculator outputs a structured summary designed for board and investor presentation: projected benefits by category, implementation timeline and costs, sensitivity analysis on key assumptions, and phased ROI as deployments mature. Start with conservative assumptions and show upside scenarios separately.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The calculator uses conservative benchmarks from actual middle market deployments. Actual results vary based on your baseline process maturity, technology stack, and adoption quality.

Get started

Ready to start your AI transformation?

Talk to an Operating AI™ specialist about your business.