Establish the baseline
Choose a measurable outcome such as planning time, travel distance, or order completion time. Record the current value, sample size, measurement period, and relevant operating conditions. Identify a comparison group where feasible.
Include the full cost
Ask for a scoped commercial proposal. Include software, data preparation, integration, training, internal review time, and ongoing maintenance in your estimate. Calculate net benefit as measured benefit minus total cost; use contribution margin rather than revenue alone when valuing sales changes.
Separate estimates from measured results
Label projected savings as estimates and show the assumptions behind them. Model conservative and optimistic cases. After a controlled trial, compare observed results with the estimate and account for seasonality, demand, and other changes. This guide contains no verified customer performance benchmarks.