ERP2 min read
How to Calculate ERP ROI (With a Simple Worked Example)
A practical method for calculating ERP return on investment: which benefits to count, which to leave out, how to estimate costs honestly, and a worked example you can adapt.
Solution · Platform
Workflow automation with rules people can see and change
Workflow automation removes the routine coordination work — approvals, reminders, status changes, notifications — that slows down every department.
Overview
Why this area matters
The best automations are visible: you can see the rule, change the threshold and review exceptions without calling a developer.
01Typical problems
Signs the current setup has run out of road
01
Approval bottlenecks
Requests waiting in inboxes.
02
Repetitive status updates
Staff updating records manually.
03
Missed deadlines
No reminders for renewals or expiries.
04
Hidden scripts
Automations nobody understands.
02Capabilities
What a well-built setup includes
01
Approval chains
Multi-level approvals by rule.
02
Event triggers
Actions when records change.
03
Scheduled actions
Time-based tasks and reminders.
04
Notifications
Email, chat and SMS alerts.
05
Cross-system workflows
Steps spanning ERP and other apps.
06
Exception queues
Cases needing human review.
03Workflow
How the process runs end to end
- 01
Identify
Find repetitive steps.
- 02
Define
Write the rule and exceptions.
- 03
Build
Configure in ERP or integration layer.
- 04
Monitor
Review exceptions and outcomes.
04 — Technical notes
Design decisions worth getting right
Automations should be idempotent and logged so they can re-run safely and be audited.
We document each automation with its owner and purpose, avoiding the 'mystery script' problem.
Where it applies
Industries, integrations and services
Insights
Related reading
ERP2 min read
ERP for Small Business: Where to Start
ERP for small business: what to implement first, realistic budgets and timelines, free and low-cost options, and how to avoid buying too much system.
ERP2 min read
Cloud ERP vs On-Premise ERP: How to Decide
Cloud ERP vs on-premise ERP compared on cost, control, security, performance, customisation and compliance, with the hybrid and private-cloud options most comparisons ignore.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can business users change rules?
Yes, for configurable thresholds and simple automations within agreed guardrails.
Do we need Zapier or Make?
Sometimes for lightweight cross-app tasks; critical integrations deserve proper engineering.
How do we avoid automation errors?
Testing, logging and exception queues.
Next step
Too much manual coordination?
We will identify workflows to automate.