ROI method
Make value testable before, during and after the project.
ROI is not a formula added at the end. It is a frame for choosing the right scope, exposing assumptions and making the next decision from real evidence.
Frame the expected return3
scenarios
6
project gates
0
invented outcomes
Indicative scenario
Test the break-even point without confusing an estimate with a result.
Return estimator
- Estimated value
- €24,000
- Estimated ROI
- 140%
- Estimated payback
- 5.0 months
- Units needed to break even
- 10.0
Indicative scenario excluding taxes, financing and unmodelled costs. A reliable business case uses contribution margin or verified savings, not turnover alone.
01 — Baseline
Measure current performance before promising improvement.
We define each indicator, source, owner, frequency and window. Without a baseline, a change cannot honestly be attributed to the product.
02 — Scenarios
Prudent, central and high scenarios expose uncertainty.
Revenue uses contribution margin. Savings use volume, loaded cost, adoption and attribution. Additional costs remain included and the prudent scenario must be defensible.
- Created and net value
- ROI and payback
- Break-even threshold
- Adoption and attribution
- Additional operating costs
- Limits and dependencies
03 — Decision
Measurement helps maintain, optimise, expand or stop.
At 30, 60 or 90 days depending on the product, evidence is compared with the baseline. A production launch remains technical evidence; it does not automatically prove usage or business outcome.
FAQ
Useful answers.
Does the calculator guarantee return?
No. It makes assumptions and the decision threshold explicit. Actual return then depends on execution, adoption and business context.
Does every project have direct financial ROI?
No. We can use the best decision proxy: time, errors, quality, adoption, recruitment, satisfaction or reduced risk.
Apply the method
Build a defensible business case.
Bring the current situation and desired outcome. The first output may be a decision to build, reduce scope or not proceed.