1. Making the Business Case for Automation and Orchestration

2. The accompanying Excel file is designed for simplicity
It befits a feasibility-level study; more complex analyses would require a more robust model
It is based on cash flow, not P&L
It has no macros
All data and assumptions are to be entered on one tab, the other tabs are for display only

3. 1. Input current state data
Simply enter in values in the green boxes

4. 1A: “What if I don’t have all that data?”
You probably don’t, so the model will calculate the data you do have and, if you know the figure is wrong, you can correct it by entering an “override” value

5. 2. Enter in project costs and discount rate
Estimate based on prior experience, market scan, or vendors’ indicative pricing
Usually given by CFO group

6. 3. Enter in target state deltas by year
Consider reductions in staff and hardware
Understand that some costs are likely to rise
Best to start with the last year, then back into how much of that benefit you’re likely to achieve by the end of each intervening year

7. 4. Review, cut and paste exhibits

8. 5. If you don’t like the answer, just change the assumptions
You can always go back and change …
Current-state growth projections
Target-state reduction projections and the forecast speed to attainment
Discount rate
By William Freedman
Tom’s IT Pro
TheCaseMaker.wordpress.com
@ITCaseMaker