Hire, outsource or automate?
One task, three ways to get it done. Compare the real cost of each in year one and every year after.
costs least from year two
- Hire, year one
- –
- Outsource, year one
- –
- Automate, year one
- –
- Hire, each year after
- –
- Outsource, each year after
- –
- Automate, each year after
- –
Estimate only. Works in any currency.
Want a second opinion on these numbers?
Send us the task and your numbers. We’ll tell you honestly whether automating it is realistic.
How the numbers are worked out
Hire = max(task hours, minimum hours) × 52 × wage × (1 + on-costs) (+ recruiting in year one)
Outsource = task hours × 52 × rate
Automate = software × 12 + remaining hours × 52 × cost per hour (+ set-up in year one)
Questions
Which tasks are good to automate?
Repetitive ones with clear rules: answering the same questions, booking, reminders, quote follow-ups, data entry. Anything that needs judgement or a relationship stays with a person.
What does money not show?
Control and quality (best when you hire), flexibility (best when you outsource) and scale (best when you automate). Use the numbers to narrow the choice, not to make it alone.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent unless you use the form at the bottom of the page.
Want a second look at the numbers?
Strategy and pricing, operations, digital tools: our three consulting practices. A free call first.