What Is Automation?
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with little or no human intervention. It ranges from simple rules, such as scheduled bank transfers, to AI-driven systems that sort documents or answer routine questions. Businesses often evaluate automation by the time and cost it saves.
Rule-Based vs. AI Automation
Rule-based automation follows fixed steps and suits predictable, repetitive tasks. AI automation can handle more variable inputs, such as free-form text, but needs monitoring for errors.
Measuring the Benefit
A common way to assess automation is return on investment: time saved × cost of that time, compared with the cost of the tool and its setup.
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Put Automation into practice with these free calculators — no sign-up, nothing stored.
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ROI Calculator
Return on investment, net gain, and annualized ROI — any currency.
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Time Card Calculator
Enter your week's clock times to get total hours and estimated pay.
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Break-Even Point Calculator
How many units do you need to sell before your side business profits?
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🔗 Related Terms
More AI & Technology Terms
- AI Alignment
- AI Bias
- AI Hallucination
- Algorithm
- API (Application Programming Interface)
- Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.