Reading · 8 min · Lesson 7 of 7
Measuring an agent's value
A baseline, three layers of return and a simple formula.
An agent that saves no measurable time is a cost, however impressive the demo. Before launch, record a baseline for the workflow: how long it takes today, how often it goes wrong and how many cases arrive each week.
Then track three layers. Adoption: how many cases the agent actually handles and how often people accept its work at checkpoints. Productivity: time saved per case and rework avoided. Outcome: faster responses, fewer errors and costs avoided.
A simple estimate is enough to decide: hours saved per week, multiplied by the loaded hourly cost and the number of weeks, minus build, run and supervision costs. It will not be precise, but a defensible estimate beats a vague feeling and tells you which workflow to automate next.
Key takeaways
- Record a baseline before launch.
- Track adoption, productivity and outcome.
- A defensible estimate is enough to decide what to automate next.