What does process automation deliver for an SME — and what does it cost?
Short answer: automating 5 hours of manual work per week saves around CHF 19'500 a year at an internal cost of CHF 75 per hour. A typical automation costs from CHF 4'800 one-off — and thus pays for itself within months. The maths in detail.
The maths that matter
Automation pays for itself through saved working time. The formula is simple: hours per week × internal hourly rate × 52 weeks. Three examples at an internal cost of CHF 75 per hour:
| Manual work today | Time needed | Cost per year | Automation (one-off) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retyping receipts and transferring them into the accounting system | 3 hrs/week | approx. CHF 11'700 | from CHF 4'800 |
| Assembling quotes from enquiries | 5 hrs/week | approx. CHF 19'500 | from CHF 4'800 |
| Copying data between two systems | 2 hrs/week | approx. CHF 7'800 | from CHF 4'800 |
Worked examples; the internal hourly rate includes salary plus overheads. On top comes the harder-to-quantify gain: fewer transfer errors, faster responses, less frustration.
Which processes are the best fit
Ideal are workflows that happen regularly, follow clear rules and move data from A to B: receipts into the accounting system (e.g. bexio), appointment confirmations and reminders, quotes from templates, transfers between your industry solution and accounting, recurring reports. Poor fits are one-off cases and judgement calls — those stay with you.
What an automation costs
With us: from CHF 4'800 per process, at a fixed price after a short analysis. We also recommend a care plan (from CHF 140 per month) so the automation runs monitored and gets adapted when your tools change. Starting with the digitalisation check (CHF 890, fully credited) shows beforehand which process pays off most.
Automation — quick answers
How do I know whether a process is suitable for automation?
Three questions: does it happen at least weekly? Does it follow clear rules ("if X, then Y")? Does data flow between systems or formats? Three yeses — then it is worth assessing. A single edge case per quarter is not worth it.
What happens if I switch software later?
The automation gets adapted to the new tool — that is part of a care plan. We deliberately build with open interfaces and document everything, so no workflow depends on a single vendor.
Is that compatible with data protection?
Yes, when built properly: data minimisation, clear terms in the privacy policy, data processing agreements, hosting in Switzerland if desired. Automation even reduces risk — fewer manual copies mean fewer sources of error.
How long does implementation take?
Typically 2–4 weeks per process: short analysis, implementation, testing with real data, training. In everyday work you notice it because an annoying task simply disappears.
Which process eats most of your time?
Tell us in a free initial consultation — together we will work out whether automation pays off.