How is sustainment cost treated?

Five streams × $60,000 × 65% realization gives $195,000 gross benefit. Subtract $18,000 sustainment cost for $177,000 net benefit, or $35,400 per targeted stream.

What period should the inputs cover?

Each benefit stream is independent; do not count the same saving in more than one stream. The value per stream and sustainment cost cover the same review period. The realization share scales the benefit once, and sustainment cost is subtracted from that benefit.

What does a negative net result mean?

The stated cost is larger than the realized benefit for this period. Keep that negative result visible; it is not a positive saving.

Are these measured operating results?

The defaults are an illustrative worked example. Replace them with the relevant cost, quantity and realization records for the actual review.

Manufacturing Project Portfolio & Capex calculator

Project Benefit Realization Calculator

Estimate realized manufacturing-project benefit after the realization share and sustainment cost for the same review period. Enter quantities and monetary amounts on the stated common period and scope.

What this calculator does

Estimate realized manufacturing-project benefit after the realization share and sustainment cost for the same review period.
A continuous-improvement lead reconciling promised project savings against what is genuinely banked.

Formula used

Gross realized benefit = targeted benefit streams × value per benefit stream × (realization rate ÷ 100)
Net realized project benefit = gross realized benefit − sustainment cost
Net benefit per targeted stream = net realized project benefit ÷ targeted benefit streams

Inputs explained

Targeted benefit streams:
Value per benefit stream:
Realization rate:
Sustainment cost:

How to use the result

Use it during stage-gate reviews and post-implementation audits to convert a business case into a credibility-checked number.
Each benefit stream is independent; do not count the same saving in more than one stream. The value per stream and sustainment cost cover the same review period. The realization share scales the benefit once, and sustainment cost is subtracted from that benefit.

Common questions

How is sustainment cost treated? Five streams × $60,000 × 65% realization gives $195,000 gross benefit. Subtract $18,000 sustainment cost for $177,000 net benefit, or $35,400 per targeted stream.
What period should the inputs cover? Each benefit stream is independent; do not count the same saving in more than one stream. The value per stream and sustainment cost cover the same review period. The realization share scales the benefit once, and sustainment cost is subtracted from that benefit.
What does a negative net result mean? The stated cost is larger than the realized benefit for this period. Keep that negative result visible; it is not a positive saving.
Are these measured operating results? The defaults are an illustrative worked example. Replace them with the relevant cost, quantity and realization records for the actual review.

Last reviewed 2026-09-09.