Is your AI actually saving money? Measure it in hours, then euros

Most businesses feel AI helps but can't prove it. Here's the minimal measurement that settles it:

1. Pick 3 metrics before automating: time per task (e.g., minutes to answer a support email), volume handled, and error/redo rate.
2. Measure one normal week manually. Boring, essential. This is your baseline.
3. Automate, run four weeks, measure again.
4. Convert to money conservatively: hours saved × loaded hourly cost, minus subscription and setup. Count only hours redirected to real work.

Typical honest result for a first automation: 6–15 hours/week back for €50–200/month of tooling. That's a strong trade — and now you have the number that justifies the second automation, which is usually better than the first.