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GUIDEGUIDE · 10 MIN READ
Building the business case for automation
How to present hours-saved numbers that a CFO and a board will accept — including costs most proposals leave out.
THE SHORT ANSWER
- Count only clerical hours, at a loaded rate, from timed observation.
- Deduct build cost, annual support and licences before you state a saving.
- Show payback in months.
WORKED CASE · 20 TRAINERS, 8 VALIDATIONS/MONTH
Recoverable hours per year: 996 hrs — Clerical hours only.
Gross value at A$58/hr: A$57,768 — No revenue multipliers.
Less support and licences: − A$7,680 — Annual running cost.
Net annual saving: A$50,088 — The only number worth putting on a slide.
One-off build: A$29,200 — Payback in about seven months.
Frequently asked questions
Around A$58 per hour loaded for compliance and trainer staff.
Get the numbers for your RTO
The audit produces a board-ready business case you keep either way.