A solid ROI estimate is what separates AI projects that get funded and deliver from those that stall. Here’s how to calculate it honestly for an Indian business. (dgm implements osFoundry, a separate company’s platform — dgm is an independent integration partner, not osFoundry. General information, not financial advice.)

The ROI formula

ROI = (annual value of improvement − annual cost) ÷ annual cost

The discipline is in filling it honestly:

  • Value — measure a real baseline (hours on a task, error rate, turnaround), estimate the improvement, value it in ₹.
  • Cost — include the full cost: platform, integration, change management, maintenance — not just the licence (see implementation cost).

What delivers measurable ROI

  • Time saved on high-volume repetitive work (document processing, data entry, routine queries);
  • Error reduction in compliance-critical processes;
  • Faster turnaround improving service or sales.

These are directly measurable. Softer benefits (better decisions, morale) are real but harder to quantify — anchor on the measurable wins first.

Don’t trust vendor headlines

Vendor “X% productivity gain” figures are averages from selected cases, often excluding your integration and maintenance costs. Using them as your expected ROI inflates the case. Build from your own baselines and full costs.

Prove it on one use case first

Start with one measurable use case, prove the ROI, then scale — rather than a broad rollout you can’t attribute. (See how to adopt AI and running a PoC.)

How dgm helps

In the $399 assessment, dgm scopes a specific, measurable use case with your real baselines, so you can estimate ROI before committing to the $3,999/month implementation (INR approximate; 18% GST domestic). We anchor on measurable savings, not inflated claims.

General information, not financial advice. ROI depends on your specific baselines and costs.