Measuring the true impact of technology on business performance isn’t just about tracking data points—it’s about understanding how tech-driven innovations reshape everything from daily operations to long-term growth.
But where do you begin?
Are you focusing on the right metrics that tie technology investments directly to business success? To help answer these critical questions, we tapped into the expertise of CEOs and directors from various industries. They share fourteen actionable strategies, from monitoring revenue growth and improving customer retention to gauging operational efficiency and sustainability efforts. Get ready to uncover how top executives are quantifying the tangible—and sometimes unexpected—benefits of technology on their business performance.
- Track Revenue Growth and Customer Retention
- Directly Link Tech to Revenue Growth
- Assess Cost-Efficiency Through Automation
- Evaluate Operational Efficiency and Customer Feedback
- Use Dashboards to Track Key Performance Metrics
- Analyze Employee Productivity and Sales Increases
- Measure Campaign Engagement and Customer Connections
- Set KPIs and Compare Metrics Over Time
- Enhance Decision-Making with Technology
- Monitor Key Metrics for Service Optimization
- Track ROI and Productivity for Impact
- Benchmark Against Industry Standards
- Focus on Qualitative, People-Centered Feedback
- Measure Efficiency and Sustainability in Recycling
Track Revenue Growth and Customer Retention
We measure the impact of technology by focusing on revenue growth and customer lifetime value (CLV). A few years ago, we integrated an advanced AI-powered CRM system to better track client interactions. The goal was to personalize our marketing efforts and improve client retention.
The technology helped us boost CLV by 20% within six months and shorten the sales cycle. We could see that the ROI on the technology investment far outweighed the cost, making it an indispensable part of our operations. The key to measuring technology’s impact is looking beyond initial metrics and focusing on long-term gains like retention and loyalty.
Vaibhav Kakkar, CEO, Digital Web Solutions
Directly Link Tech to Revenue Growth
Revenue growth tied to technology investments is key. Every piece of technology we adopt is measured against how it influences the bottom line—whether it’s enhancing our e-commerce capabilities, improving user experiences, or driving more effective PPC campaigns. After integrating a new email marketing automation tool, we saw a 20% increase in lead conversions, which directly contributed to quarterly revenue growth. That’s a direct line from tech investment to profit.
Marc Bishop, Director, Wytlabs
Assess Cost-Efficiency Through Automation
One key way we measure the impact of technology is through cost-efficiency gained from automation. Automating time-consuming administrative tasks through our digital platform reduces operational expenses.
A big part of running donor programs and fundraising campaigns is entering basic data, keeping records, and doing paperwork, all of which people need to do. By digitizing these processes, we cut down on the costs of labor that come with doing the same things over and over again by hand. For example, our online donor portal automatically gathers and sorts information about supporters’ contact and payment needs. This eliminates the need to enter information into offline donor forms.
Through templates and mailing lists, the platform also makes it easier to send follow-up messages. Standard emails like “thank you” and “tax receipts” are sent out automatically. Compliance tasks are done in the background, such as keeping track of “Do Not Contact” lists and changing addresses. All of this means that we can put staff to work on more interesting activities for supporters instead of boring paperwork.
Another area where automation saves money is in making reporting easier. It used to take days to put together detailed metrics, charts, and customizable reports by hand. Now, it only takes a few clicks to make and share them. This access to insights in real time helps people make better strategic decisions.
Overall, using an integrated technology system to digitize everyday tasks frees up money and people. The money we used to spend on small administrative tasks can now be put toward projects that directly help us reach our mission. By automating processes that cost money to run, we can get the most money to support education programs in local communities.
Darian Shimy, Founder & CEO, FutureFund
Evaluate Operational Efficiency and Customer Feedback
We measure the impact of technology on business performance by focusing on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. One key approach is evaluating operational efficiency—tracking how technology streamlines processes, reduces costs, and improves scalability. For example, when we implemented AI-driven identity verification, we measured its success by analyzing reductions in onboarding time, error rates, and compliance costs.
Additionally, customer satisfaction is a critical metric. We track feedback and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to ensure that technology enhances the customer experience, contributing to growth and retention.
Lastly, we assess revenue growth and ROI, ensuring that any technology investment delivers measurable financial benefits. Combining these metrics gives us a clear picture of how technology drives business performance and long-term success.
Liudas Kanapienis, CEO, Ondato
Use Dashboards to Track Key Performance Metrics
We leverage advanced performance dashboards to assess the impact of technology on our wealth management strategies. By tracking key metrics like portfolio growth, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency, we’ve seen a 15% increase in overall performance since implementing our latest tech solutions. Our CISA and CITP certifications have been invaluable in optimizing client communication and reporting, leading to a 98% client retention rate and improved financial outcomes for our $1.2 billion in managed assets.
Jonathan Gerber, President, RVW Wealth
Analyze Employee Productivity and Sales Increases
I measure the impact of technology on business performance by looking at employee productivity levels. I analyze metrics like output per hour or project completion rates to see if the technology is actually helping employees work more efficiently. When we started using AI, we saw a significant boost in productivity, which directly translated into increased sales. If these numbers improve after implementing new tools or systems, it’s a clear sign that the technology is boosting performance and making a positive difference.
Bryce Welker, CEO, Accounting Institute of CPAs
Measure Campaign Engagement and Customer Connections
After integrating a digital marketing automation tool, I carefully measured our campaign engagement rates over time. I was delighted to see that open rates and click-through rates had increased by 45%. This significant improvement highlighted not just the power of automation but also its ability to foster more meaningful connections with our audience. I learned that while tracking quantitative metrics is essential, it’s equally important to evaluate how these tools enhance customer engagement and relationships.
For anyone looking to measure the impact of technology, I recommend segmenting your audience and personalizing your messages based on their behavior and preferences. Regularly reviewing your analytics will help you adapt your strategies, ensuring that technology not only drives metrics but also deepens customer connections and loyalty.
Matt Gehring, Chief Marketing Officer, Dutch
Set KPIs and Compare Metrics Over Time
I believe the best way to measure technology’s impact on business is by setting up KPIs and comparing the metrics over time.
Initially, my core business processes relied heavily on manual data gathering and extensive work on Microsoft Excel. Even for my software, i.e., Bryt Software, I started using HubSpot after reviewing the sales cycle length, which was too long. The time it took to convert a lead into a customer was close to three months. However, after using HubSpot’s marketing automation and other features, we were able to reduce the time to 45 days, which is a 50% reduction. This meant 50% higher productivity for my organization and a boost in revenue.
We also track our revenue growth compared to what we spend on technology, ensuring the tools contribute to top-line growth without being expensive. Additionally, our KPIs include metrics that measure how customers engage with our new features and whether they are satisfied. For this, we use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to determine how our customers perceive our overall service deliverability. Also, we track customer retention rates after adopting new technology. Increases in client satisfaction or lower churn rates signal that the technology integration has been successful.
Bob Schulte, Founder, Bryt Software LLC
Enhance Decision-Making with Technology
Technology has one main use apart from workflow optimization, and that is enhancing our decision-making capabilities across the business. How efficiently are we utilizing the data we collect, how detailed is the data we are collecting, how does it help us inform our strategy? As we introduce new tools, we always look at the various departments to see how their decision process adapts. We want to see it becoming more refined, depending less on macro trends and more on hard data. The way technology impacts decision-making is the way it will also affect innovation, agility and long-term competitiveness.
Martin Wild, Managing Director, Kinnovis
Monitor Key Metrics for Service Optimization
We rely heavily on technology to enhance both our service offerings and internal operations. Measuring its impact on business performance comes down to looking at a few key metrics that show how effectively we’re using tech to streamline processes, improve customer satisfaction, and drive growth.
First and foremost, we focus on operational efficiency. With the help of property management software, we can track how quickly we respond to maintenance requests, tenant inquiries, and other service-related issues. By comparing current response times with pre-technology benchmarks, we’re able to see how much time we’ve saved, which directly translates to better service for our clients. The fewer delays, the happier the tenants and property owners are, and that leads to higher retention rates.
Another key metric is occupancy rate. Technology has allowed us to optimize our marketing strategies through targeted digital campaigns and data analysis, resulting in faster tenant placements. We track how quickly our properties are leased after going on the market, and we’ve seen a noticeable decrease in vacancy periods since implementing more sophisticated marketing tools and platforms.
We also monitor client satisfaction through feedback surveys and online reviews. Technology enables us to gather real-time insights from our clients, giving us the opportunity to address issues more proactively. When we see higher satisfaction rates, we know that our investment in technology is paying off, as it directly correlates with client retention and referrals.
Finally, revenue growth is a straightforward but critical indicator. By utilizing technology to improve efficiency and marketing, we can manage more properties with the same resources, which boosts overall revenue. Additionally, offering services like real-time property information and free home analysis through our online platforms has attracted more investors, which is another clear sign of how technology positively impacts our business performance.
Samantha Easton, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Diamond Sales & Rentals, Inc
Track ROI and Productivity for Impact
Measuring the impact of technology on our business performance is a multifaceted process that we’ve refined over years of trial and error. We’ve learned that it’s not just about looking at raw numbers but understanding how technology integrates with and enhances our overall business strategy.
First and foremost, we focus on ROI for each piece of technology we implement. This isn’t always straightforward in the digital marketing world, but we’ve developed a tracking system of direct and indirect returns. For instance, when we invested in advanced analytics software, we measured not just the increase in client retention (a direct return) but also the time saved in reporting and the improved strategic insights we could offer clients (indirect returns).
We also closely monitor productivity metrics. When we implement new project management tools or automation software, we track changes in task completion times, resource allocation, and overall project turnaround. This has been eye-opening in many cases, showing us where technology is truly making a difference and where it might be overcomplicated in our processes.
Another crucial aspect is client satisfaction and results. We regularly survey our clients about their experience with our tech-driven services and analyze their campaigns’ performance metrics. If a new technology isn’t translating to better results or happier clients, we reevaluate its place in our toolkit.
Employee adoption and satisfaction are other key indicators we watch. The best technology in the world is useless if your team isn’t using it effectively. We track usage rates of new tools and gather feedback from our team on how technology is impacting their day-to-day work. This has helped us identify when we need additional training or when a tool isn’t the right fit for our workflow.
We’ve also found value in benchmarking against industry standards. By comparing our technology utilization and performance against similar agencies, we can identify areas where we’re leading or lagging in tech adoption and its impact.
Daniel Lynch, Digital Agency Owner, Empathy First Media | Digital Marketing & PR
Benchmark Against Industry Standards
When assessing the impact of technology on your business performance, benchmarking against industry standards is crucial. Start by identifying key metrics such as cost per lead, customer acquisition time, or conversion rates. Collect data on these metrics from credible sources like industry reports, competitor analysis, or market research studies. Once you have these benchmarks, use them to compare your business’s performance. This helps you pinpoint areas where your technology investments are either paying off or falling short.
A practical tip is to utilize a balanced scorecard framework. This approach allows you to track both financial and non-financial metrics, providing a well-rounded view of your technology’s effectiveness. Incorporate metrics that align with your strategic goals and compare them regularly with industry standards. This not only helps you gauge your competitive stance but also identifies areas for improvement, ensuring that your technology investments are genuinely driving business growth.
Chris Roy, Product and Marketing Director, Reclaim247
Focus on Qualitative, People-Centered Feedback
Whereas most businesses would start with quantitative measurements of productivity gains resulting from new technology adoption, our approach has always been more qualitative and people-centered. Whenever we add something to our tech stack, we evaluate its effectiveness in the workplace from the lens of those who use it. What’s important to us is to find out whether the new technological tool really abets productivity or just adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.
Paul Koenigsberg, Personal Injury Lawyer, Koenigsberg & Associates
Measure Efficiency and Sustainability in Recycling
In the world of recycling, speed and precision are everything. Technology isn’t just a tool for us—it’s the engine that drives our entire operation.
I learned firsthand how technology can make or break a business. When I think about impact, I start by looking at improvement. Prior to the implementation of custom software, recycling non-traditional materials such as household appliances was slow and laborious. Now, thanks to automation, you can move faster, do more, and use less. This is a big win for us.
Customer satisfaction is another important factor. With the technology we have developed, our customers receive reports on the amount of waste that is diverted from the sites. This openness has really strengthened our relationships, especially with national accounts that care about sustainability. Providing this level of detail not only makes customers happy but also helps us stand out from the competition.
I’m also very interested in the impact of technology on our life goals. One of our main goals is to reduce landfill waste, and the equipment we use to recycle difficult materials is essential. Seeing these results on the ground is a concrete way we know this technology is working.
Of course, we cannot ignore the economic side. By using technology to streamline operations, our costs are lower, and we are able to offer better prices without hitting bottom. It also helps us stay agile and ready to embrace increased demand, which is important for an ambitious company like ours.
So, how do I measure the impact of technology? I look at how it increases efficiency, customer satisfaction, sustainability, and profitability. When all these elements are in place, I know we are on the right track.
Mark Whitley, CEO, Whits Corporation
