How to make an ROI calculator and impress finance (an engineer’s guide to ROI)

When proposing the purchase of software, it's crucial to present a compelling ROI calculation to finance teams by quantifying both the business benefits, such as increased revenue or reduced costs, and the investment costs, including implementation and professional services. This involves projecting the benefits over a set period, typically three to five years, and breaking down every assumption into measurable components backed by historical data or third-party validation. For example, the ROI for Gremlin's software is demonstrated through decreased downtime and improved productivity, which are calculated by estimating lost revenue, lost productivity, and troubleshooting costs, then factoring in the company's hurdle rate or cost of capital to ensure the investment surpasses expected returns. The process involves a detailed analysis of potential revenue growth and cost savings aligned with the software's benefits, ensuring finance teams see the investment's value beyond just its technical merits.