Is Transformation ROI Getting Better or Worse?

A 2025 Reality Check

As we close out the financial year, many transformation leaders are asking a tough but essential question:

“What did we actually get for our transformation spend?”

It’s a fair question. The short answer?

Transformation ROI is getting better—but only for organisations that manage for it. For the rest, the value remains elusive.

📈 The Trend: ROI Is Maturing—but Unevenly

Transformation ROI isn’t flatlining—but it’s not automatic either. While some organisations are reporting clear gains, most still struggle to measure or realise the full benefit.

• A 2025 review by Octaria Consulting found that companies using tailored ERP or CX tools saw productivity gains of 20–30%.
• Transcom’s 2025 ROI Trends shows a rise in AI-powered real-time ROI tracking, helping leaders make midstream adjustments.
• Yet according to Backlinko, only 35% of digital transformations are deemed fully successful.

✅ What’s Working: Positive Shifts in ROI

1. Smarter ROI Measurement

The rise of AI and analytics enables real-time visibility of transformation value—moving from static dashboards to predictive models. 👉 Octaria, 2025

2. Customer-Centric Transformation

Transformations tied to CX metrics (NPS, retention, satisfaction) consistently outperform tech-led initiatives. 👉 Transcom, 2025

3. Strategic Investment Despite Uncertainty

Leading firms are investing selectively but confidently in digital, focusing on long-term impact—not just short-term fixes. 👉 Sprinklr, 2025

⚠️ What’s Still Holding Us Back

1. Misaligned Expectations

Too often, digital enhancements (e.g. launching new tools) are mistaken for true transformation. 👉 PharmaPhorum, 2025

2. Poor ROI Visibility

15% of organisations still can’t measure digital ROI due to fragmented systems and unclear success metrics. 👉 Keevee Research, 2025

3. Overlooking the Human Factor

Without shifts in mindset, capability, and culture, even the best-delivered programs struggle to realise their full value.

🧠 Three Takeaways You Can Apply Now

🔹 Ask “What changed?” not just “What was delivered?” Delivery ≠ value. Focus on outcomes, not output.

🔹 Track value over time, not just at the end. Real-time insights create room for course correction—and smarter decisions.

🔹 Run an ROI review—not a project audit. You’re not just closing a project. You’re making sense of the year’s bets.

📣 Now Is the Right Time for an ROI Review

EOFY is the perfect moment to reflect, recalibrate, and reframe your transformation investments.

At Rainman Advisory, we help executive teams:

• Identify realised vs latent value
• Run independent ROI reviews
• Align investment decisions with outcomes

If you’re ready to turn transformation into insight—and insight into action—let’s talk.