How to measure the ROI of AI training

Step 1: choose what to measure

Pick three to five processes that the training targets. For each one, record how many hours it takes per month today, how often it is done and the error or rework rate.

Step 2: track adoption

Training only pays back if people use it. Track how many participants use the new workflows each week. Adoption below half after 30 days usually means the use cases or tools need fixing.

Step 3: measure time and quality

• Hours per month for each process after training
• Turnaround time, for example days to close or report
• Error and rework rates

Step 4: calculate the return

Step 5: count the full cost

Include the programme fee, participants' time in training, any tool licences and internal effort. Compare this with the annual value. A good programme often pays back within a few months, but only if adoption is real.