TL;DR: Success is measured by time saved, fewer errors, faster processing, and return on investment. Set your baseline numbers before you start, so you have something to compare against later.
A feeling isn't a measure
After adopting automation it's easy to say it's better, but without numbers that's just an impression. To know whether it pays off and where to invest next, you need to track concrete indicators. And to track them, you have to know where you started.
What isn't measured can't be improved or justified.
What's worth measuring
- Time saved. The hours the process no longer demands from people.
- Fewer errors. Fewer slips, complaints, and corrections.
- Processing speed. How much faster a task goes from start to finish.
- Return on investment. Savings and revenue against the cost of the solution.
Measurable results
- A clear picture of whether the project paid off
- A basis for deciding where to automate next
- An argument in numbers, not an impression
FAQ
What if we didn't measure before?
The starting state can be estimated and you can begin from now; better late than never.
How quickly do we see a result?
For simple processes, often within the first weeks of operation.