Open Tools / Process Blueprint
Calculate Process Costs and Map Your Workflow
Process cost calculator and linear workflow mapping tool
Model the steps in a recurring workflow, estimate monthly labor costs and compare an automation scenario. Explore the potential time savings, operating costs and payback using your own assumptions.
Process Blueprint runs as a separate application at blueprint.afr-it.com. The workflow data you enter is processed in your browser by that application and is not passed to this AFR-IT page. The application does not store your process data on our servers; you can export a JSON file to retain your inputs.
This AFR-IT page may use Plausible Analytics for page-view measurement and, depending on site settings, outbound-link measurement. It cannot read your inputs inside the separate application. For a wider workspace or to print a report, open Process Blueprint in a new tab.
Calculate the cost of your current workflow
Start with your process volume per month and a fully loaded hourly labor rate. Add the time required for each step. Process Blueprint uses those inputs to estimate the current labor time and recurring labor cost of the workflow. Amounts are estimates based on your entries, not observed accounting data.
Map a linear process, step by step
Give each activity a name, put the steps in sequence and enter its current and proposed duration. The tool supports one linear workflow with 1–30 steps. It does not model parallel branches, probabilities, waiting time or BPMN diagrams.
Compare an automation scenario and estimate payback
Enter a proposed duration for each step, the one-time implementation cost and recurring monthly automation cost. The calculator compares the two scenarios and shows released working hours, gross labor value, net monthly potential and theoretical payback where the monthly net potential is positive. Released hours are not necessarily payroll savings.
Worked example: customer inquiry to quotation
The built-in example follows 100 customer inquiries per month at an assumed fully loaded labor rate of €35 per hour. Its four sequential steps take 40 minutes before and 28 minutes after the proposed change. That releases a modeled 20 working hours per month, equivalent to €700 of gross monthly labor value. After €100 in monthly automation operating costs, the estimated net monthly potential is €600. With €3,000 of one-time implementation cost, theoretical payback is five months. These are illustrative inputs, not a claim about achievable outcomes in another business.
| Customer inquiries per month | 100 |
|---|---|
| Fully loaded labor rate | €35 per hour |
| Released working hours per month | 20 |
| Gross monthly labor value | €700 |
| Monthly automation operating costs | €100 |
| Net monthly potential | €600 |
| One-time implementation cost | €3,000 |
| Theoretical payback | 5 months |
How the calculation works
The tool adds the minutes entered for each step, multiplies the total by monthly case volume and the labor rate, then compares current and proposed monthly labor cost. Gross labor value is the difference in monthly labor cost; net monthly potential deducts ongoing automation cost. If net monthly potential is positive, theoretical payback divides implementation cost by that monthly value. Negative results remain visible, and amounts are rounded only for display.
Export and revisit your assumptions
Use JSON export to save the model and import it later. You can also print the report or save it as PDF through your browser. The prototype has no account or server-side project history, so saving a file is how you retain a model between sessions.
Questions and answers
How does a process cost calculator work?
Enter monthly case volume, hourly labor cost and the current time spent on each step. The calculator multiplies these inputs to estimate the workflow's monthly labor cost.
Can I calculate the savings from automating a workflow?
You can compare current and proposed step durations and add estimated implementation and operating costs. The output is a scenario estimate, not guaranteed cash savings.
Does Process Blueprint support BPMN or parallel workflows?
No. The current prototype maps one linear workflow of 1–30 sequential steps. It does not represent parallel branches or probabilities.
Is my process data uploaded to AFR-IT?
No. Your inputs are handled inside the separately hosted application in your browser and are not passed to the AFR-IT page. Save a JSON export if you want to keep a model.
Can I export the results?
Yes. Export a JSON model, or use your browser's print dialog to save a report as PDF.