Module 3 • 22 min
The Four ROI Categories
Evaluate time, cost, revenue, and risk value together.Core Concept
AI automation ROI can appear as time saved, cost reduced, revenue enabled, or risk lowered. A strong case considers each category without counting the same benefit twice or turning a weak assumption into a financial certainty.
This decision affects the value, delivery effort, operating ownership, and risk profile of the initiative long after the first release.
How to Apply This in Your Organization
Identify which category is primary for the workflow and which secondary effects can be supported by evidence.
Use one real workflow, its current systems and data, and the people accountable for the outcome. The purpose is a decision-ready recommendation, not a theoretical evaluation.
Decision Checklist
- Separate the four value categories.
- Avoid double counting benefits.
- State evidence for each projection.
Worked Decision Scenario
A team is evaluating the four roi categories for a current automation initiative. It uses the framework to identify the narrowest viable next step, the dependency that could change the decision, and the owner responsible for resolving it.
A customer-service automation shows modest labor savings but a stronger risk-reduction case because it improves escalation consistency for sensitive requests.
Apply it
Working Exercise
Map the four ROI categories for your initiative.
Saved locally for this review prototype. Your response will become private account data when the approved course backend is connected.