We’re approaching the end of the calendar (and in some cases, fiscal) year, which means it’s high time for budget reviews and planning for the following year. For teams that rely on construction technology, year-end reviews are your chance to prove the tools you’ve invested in actually deliver.
To justify continued or expanded investment in your tools, you need to demonstrate that they’ve created real value, whether in the form of time savings, stronger margins, or team and client satisfaction.
The best way to do just that is to speak the language of corporate leaders and use data and measurable results.
We'll walk through how to do just that, so you can walk into next year’s planning sessions with clear numbers and full confidence in your tech strategy.
What kind of ROI is construction technology already delivering real project teams? We've recently released a new report: the Business Value of Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Before you can calculate ROI, you need to define what success actually looks like. That starts with setting clear benchmarks tied to your business goals.
How you measure success depends on the tools you’re using, but generally speaking, they can be categorized into either objective or subjective benchmarks.
These are quantifiable metrics that show real progress or savings over time. They can include:
Subjective benchmarks are softer indicators tied to people and process improvements. They may not be as quantifiable as their objective counterparts, but you can still measure them through tools like pre- and post-implementation surveys, as well as regular check-ins with your teams.
Technology is an investment. And just like any other business decision, you need to be real about what it actually costs. Here’s what you need to consider:
Let’s start with straightforward costs. The direct costs of implementation cover everything you pay upfront or on a set schedule. They include:
Don’t overlook hidden or secondary expenses that can sneak up on your budget. These are costs like:
Once you’ve outlined every cost, run the numbers using this simple formula:
Single Purchase + Avoidable Costs + Recurring Costs = Total Market Cost
This helps you go beyond what’s on the invoice, so you can see the true financial picture. When you have the full idea of how much something costs, you can make smarter budgeting decisions and better assess your ROI.
Once you’re fully aware of the costs, it’s time to look at the flip side: what you’re getting in return.
Depending on the tech you’re investing in, those benefits can come in the form of higher productivity, faster delivery, fewer delays, and stronger profit margins. Consider the following.
When technology automates repetitive tasks or streamlines workflows, your crews can focus on high-value work instead of admin. That means fewer idle hours and smoother project execution overall.
How to quantify: Compare the number of labor hours required before and after implementation. Track time saved per task or per week and multiply by your average hourly rate to see real dollar savings.
Digital collaboration and real-time updates keep everyone aligned, which can eliminate waiting on information or approvals. As such, teams move faster together and they’re able to finish projects sooner.
How to quantify: Measure the average number of days saved per project since implementing a new solution. Then, calculate the value of that time based on daily overhead or potential new revenue from earlier project starts.
Tech that improves visibility and version control can significantly reduce mistakes.
How to quantify: Compare rework percentages before and after adoption. Multiply the reduction by your average cost of rework to calculate savings over time.
Throughout the process, keep your focus on results that you can tie back to your investments. Some of the questions you should ask are:
The above questions can be answered by analyzing your project data, conducting team and client feedback sessions, and comparing historical metrics. Look at trends over several projects, not just one. The goal is to connect the dots between your tools and measurable outcomes, so you can clearly show how technology drives results.
So you’ve quantified the benefits using your chosen metrics (e.g., hours saved, errors reduced, or days shaved off schedules). The next step is to turn those results into a clear financial picture.
Your approach here will vary based on the tools and workflows you’re evaluating. But the key is to leverage financial models, so you can attach hard data to your ROI story.
When field teams operate more efficiently, construction project managers and supervisors spend less time chasing updates or reviewing paperwork. That extra time can go toward higher-value work, like planning or business development. Calculate the total number of supervisory hours saved, then multiply by the average hourly rate to find your savings.
Cost Savings = (Hours Saved × Average Hourly Rate) × Number of Supervisors
Finishing projects sooner means lower overhead and the ability to take on new work faster. Whether that’s reduced equipment rentals, shorter site management costs, or extra billable days gained, every saved day adds up. Multiply the number of days saved by your average daily operating cost or potential daily revenue to get your dollar figure.
Schedule Savings = Days Saved × (Daily Overhead Cost + Average Daily Profit Opportunity)
Rework eats into profit margins. Costs for materials, labor, and lost time all add up. When technology cuts rework by improving coordination and visibility, those savings are tangible. Calculate the average cost of rework per project, then determine how much that amount has decreased since adopting a software solution. The difference equals your savings.
Rework Savings = (Previous Rework Cost – Current Rework Cost) × Number of Projects
ROI = (Quality Savings + Schedule Savings) – Software and Hardware Costs) / (Software and Hardware Costs) × 100
This formula captures the total return from quality improvements and faster project delivery. It shows how much value your tools create compared to their cost. Use this when you want to highlight broad operational gains like fewer delays or better coordination.
ROI = (Personnel Cost Savings – Software and Hardware Costs) / (Software and Hardware Costs) × 100
Here, we focus on efficiency gains, such as how much labor cost you’ve saved relative to your investment in technology. It’s beneficial when evaluating tools that automate repetitive tasks or reduce supervision hours, essentially showing how your team gets more done with the same (or fewer) resources.
Return on investment is a hard, quantifiable measure, but in some ways, it’s also subjective because the actual value of technology depends on how your team uses it. The samples discussed above should serve as inspiration, but at the end of the day, your ROI calculations should align with your business goals.
Here’s a look at a few scenarios to illustrate how a firm’s tech ROI can come to life in different ways.
When technology reduces repetitive admin work, the hours saved can be reinvested in activities that move projects forward. Teams might use the extra time to take on additional projects. Over time, this leads to higher throughput and revenue potential without increasing headcount.
ROI formula in this scenario:
ROI = (Value of Additional Work Completed – Technology Costs) / (Technology Costs) × 100
Some firms use their time and efficiency gains to focus on quality rather than quantity. When teams have more breathing room, they can spend time reviewing designs and coordinating better with stakeholders. This leads to fewer rework cycles, smoother construction closeouts, and stronger client relationships—all of which contribute to higher profit margins and repeat business.
ROI formula in this scenario:
ROI = (Rework Savings + Quality Improvements – Technology Costs) / (Technology Costs) × 100
Evaluated costs and benefits? Check. Customized and calculated the ROI formula? You’ve done that too. Now it’s time to make your case and obtain buy-in from your decision-makers. Here are some best practices that can help you present your ROI in a way that wins their support and budget.
Numbers tell one part of the story, but your business case ties it all together. Use your ROI metrics to back up requests for renewals, upgrades, or new tech investments. Show how the technology pays for itself by saving time, reducing risk, or driving more work with the same resources.
Frame it as a productivity multiplier, not just another cost center. When leaders see how tech creates measurable gains in efficiency and profitability, your proposal becomes a strategic investment.
Once you have a solid case, present it to key stakeholders, including your executive team and members of your finance and operations departments.
Recognize that a one-size-fits-all presentation won’t cut it. You need to tailor your message to what matters most to each audience.
If you’re talking to execs, then focus on how technology supports long-term strategy, competitiveness, and growth.
Meanwhile, those in your finance team would appreciate seeing actual numbers—total cost of ownership, payback period, and ROI percentage.
As for operations? Highlight how tech makes day-to-day work smoother, safer, and more predictable.
No matter who you’re presenting to, you can beef up your case by showing proof from the broader industry. You should demonstrate how other construction firms are driving measurable returns from their tech investments. Doing so helps build credibility and secure the support of your leaders.
Our recent report, The Business Value of Autodesk Construction Cloud, helps you do just that by quantifying the tangible impact of technology across firms worldwide.
The report discusses findings from 200+ GCs, owners, and specialty contractors, and sheds light on how construction tech can help drive measurable business outcomes.
Beyond the survey findings, Autodesk also includes ROI metrics from customer case studies to illustrate real-world improvements in efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability.
Together, these insights paint a clear picture of the measurable value construction technology delivers, giving you a trusted benchmark to reference in your own ROI story.
Even with the right data, it’s easy to overlook a few key factors that can throw off your ROI results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
Tech adoption isn’t just plug-and-play. It takes time for teams to learn new systems and adjust their workflows. If you don’t factor in training hours or the short-term productivity dip that often comes with change, your ROI numbers may look inflated. Include these transition costs to get a more accurate picture.
It’s tempting to treat ROI as a cost-cutting exercise, but that only tells half the story. The real power of construction tech lies in what it enables—faster delivery, stronger collaboration, and better decisions. When you measure value creation, you show leadership how technology drives growth, not just savings.
Not every return shows up in a spreadsheet. Smoother communication, fewer misunderstandings, and happier clients all create long-term value. These qualitative benefits can lead to repeat business, stronger partnerships, and a more motivated team. Use surveys, feedback loops, and project reviews to capture these gains alongside your hard metrics.
Your ROI insights shouldn’t live in a spreadsheet; they should power your next big decision. When you can clearly show how technology drives savings, productivity, and growth, you turn your year-end review into a springboard for smarter investments.
The Business Value of Autodesk Construction Cloud report gives you the data to back it all up, with:
Download the report to strengthen your business case and make ROI your competitive edge in 2026.
