Measuring the Business Impact of GitHub Copilot via the Software Development Lifecycle

This plan outlines how to measure the return on investment (ROI) of GitHub Copilot by focusing on key business outcomes.

1. Define Business Objectives and Measurable Outcomes

2. Select a Representative Project and Establish a Performance Baseline

  • Project Selection: Choose a project that reflects typical development practices within your organization.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Select a project that has a balanced mix of new feature development, bug fixes, and refactoring. Ensure the project team is representative of your typical development team.

    A project with modern agile practices and CI/CD pipelines in place will provide a solid foundation for measuring the impact of GitHub Copilot as typically these projects can have a better nature of reperenting easier to measure and track metrics. Especially within an evaluation phase with limited time and resources.

  • Baseline Data: Gather historical data on time to market, bug rates, and developer productivity metrics. Utilize tools like GitHub Insights, issue trackers and code quality metrics (i.e. GitHub Advanced Security Dashboard Insights).

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Collect data from your version control system, issue tracker, and CI/CD pipeline. Use this data to establish a baseline for comparison after integrating GitHub Copilot.

    You can use the GitHub API to programmatically access your project data and generate reports.

3. Seamlessly Integrate GitHub Copilot into Your Workflow

  • Training and Onboarding: Provide comprehensive training to ensure developers effectively utilize Copilot's capabilities.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Organize training sessions and workshops to demonstrate the features of GitHub Copilot. Provide documentation and resources for self-paced learning.
    • Contact the GitHub Copilot team to schedule a training session for your team.

  • Security Integration: Leverage Copilot to proactively address security vulnerabilities early in the development process.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Use GitHub Copilot to help remediate security vulnerabilities in the codebase. Integrate Copilot with GitHub Advanced Security to identify and fix security issues early in the development process. This can be done by:

    1. Using Secrect Scanning to identify exposed secrets in the codebase
    2. Using CodeQL to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in the codebase
    3. Fix security issues easily with Copilot's suggestions

  • CI/CD Enhancement: Optimize your CI/CD pipeline.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    1. Workflow Development

      • You can follow this helper Guide - Optimizing Your CI/CD Pipeline with GitHub Actions to identify potential issues and follow best practices
      • Use Copilot Chat to help troubleshooting and debugging failed workflows using the /fix command or /fixTestFailure
      • Use the /explain command to get a detailed explanation of a workflow step
      • Use the Chat feature to generate Mermaid diagrams for visualizing workflows in the README file
      • Levarage the GitHub Copilot Extensions in the GitHub Marketplace to extend the functionality of Copilot for your specific use case

    2. Pipeline Optimization

      • Leverage Copilot to identify missing security checks
        • Use Copilot to suggest and implement CodeQL scans and other security and linting tools
        • Leverage Copilot to check for any possible issue with misusing secrets correctly. For example, Copilot can suggest to use the GITHUB_TOKEN instead of a personal access token when appropriate. Also, Copilot can suggest to use the secrets object in the workflow file instead of hardcoding secrets in the code. This will not replace the need to use a tool like secret scanning, but it can help to prevent some common mistakes.
      • Get suggestions for caching and speed improvements
        • Use Copilot to add caching steps for dependencies
        • Optimize build steps to reduce execution time
        • Implement parallel job execution for faster workflows. GitHub Copilot can help with this use-case by suggesting the appropriate syntax for parallel jobs and save the trial and error of getting the syntax right.
      • Reorganize workflows to improve readability and maintainability
        • Use Copilot to refactor complex workflows into reusable actions. Copilot can suggest the appropriate syntax for creating and using actions, as well as the structure of the action code itself.
        • Implement modular workflow files for better organization
        • Use Copilot to generate documentation for workflows. Copilot can suggest the appropriate syntax for adding comments and descriptions to workflow files, as well as the content of the comments themselves.

    3. Debugging & Maintenance

      • Ask Copilot to explain workflow errors. This can be done by using the GitHub Copilot Chat by pasting the error message and asking Copilot to explain the error or by using the the Explain error button in the GitHub Actions UI on GitHub.com where the specific job failure is shown.
      • Ask Copilot to provide detailed explanations for error messages
      • Use Copilot to suggest potential fixes and improvements
      • Reference specific lines of code or configuration causing issues
      • Get suggestions for workflow syntax fixes
      • Generate test workflows for validation and debugging. For example, Copilot can suggest the appropriate syntax for creating a test workflow that simulates the behavior of a production workflow. This can help you identify and fix issues before they impact your production environment. For better context, you can use the Chat feature and add the production workflow to the conversation for better contexual suggestions.

4. Monitor Key Metrics and Gather Continuous Feedback

  • Data Collection: Continuously track metrics using GitHub Insights, issue trackers, and CI/CD pipelines.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Set up automated reports in GitHub Insights to track key metrics such as commit frequency, pull request merge times, and issue resolution times.
    • Use the GitHub Actions Usage Metrics and Performance Metrics to track the usage of GitHub Copilot and identify areas for improvement.

  • Customer Feedback: Implement mechanisms to collect regular feedback from users to assess the impact on software quality and user satisfaction.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Establish a feedback loop by regularly surveying your development team and end-users. Utilize tools such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or in-app surveys to collect insights on how GitHub Copilot impacts their workflow and software quality.
    • Analyze the feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall experience.

5. Analyze Results and Compare Against Baseline

  • Data Analysis: Compare collected data with the established baseline to quantify improvements in time to market, bug rates, and developer productivity. Present findings using clear visualizations.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Use data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to create dashboards that compare current metrics with baseline data. Highlight key improvements in time to market, bug rates, and developer productivity.
    • Share these dashboards with stakeholders to demonstrate the impact of GitHub Copilot.

  • Qualitative Feedback: Gather feedback from development teams and customers to understand the overall impact of Copilot on the development process.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Conduct focus group sessions or one-on-one interviews with developers and customers to gather qualitative feedback.
    • Document their experiences and insights on how GitHub Copilot has influenced their development process. Use this feedback to complement your quantitative data analysis.

6. Report Findings and Calculate ROI

  • Comprehensive Report: Create a visually appealing report that clearly communicates the findings and demonstrates the positive impact of GitHub Copilot on business outcomes. Include case studies or testimonials where applicable.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃
    • Compile your data analysis and qualitative feedback into a comprehensive report.
      • Use tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create a professional-looking document.
      • Include charts, graphs, and case studies to illustrate the benefits of GitHub Copilot.
      • Add testimonials from developers and customers to provide real-world validation.
      • Present the report to key stakeholders to secure buy-in for further adoption of GitHub Copilot.

  • ROI Calculation: Calculate the ROI by comparing the cost of GitHub Copilot with the quantifiable benefits achieved, such as reduced development costs, faster time to market, and improved software quality.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    • Calculate the ROI by summing up the quantifiable benefits (e.g., cost savings from reduced development time, increased revenue from faster time to market) and comparing them with the cost of GitHub Copilot.

      • Cost of Investment:
        • GitHub Copilot business seat per developer: $20 per month
        • Annual cost per developer: $20 * 12 = $240
      • Quantifiable Benefits:
        • Reduced Development Costs:
          • Example: 10% increase in developer productivity
          • If a developer's annual salary is $100,000, a 10% productivity increase equates to $10,000 in savings per developer per year.
      • Faster Time to Market:
        • Example: 20% reduction in time to market
        • Faster delivery of features can lead to increased revenue and competitive advantage.
      • Improved Software Quality:
        • Example: 15% reduction in bug reports
        • Reduced bug fixing time and improved user satisfaction can lead to cost savings and higher customer retention.
      • Reduced Technical Debt:
        • Example: 10% reduction in technical debt
        • Lower maintenance costs and improved codebase health.
      • ROI Metrics:

        • Return on Investment (ROI) - Conservative estimate with only 5% of salary as benefit:

          • ROI = (Total Benefits - Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment * 100%
          • Example: If total benefits per developer are $5,000 (only 5% of $100,000 salary) and the cost of investment is $240, then for 50 developers:
            • Total Benefits = $5,000 * 50 = $250,000
            • Cost of Investment = $240 * 50 = $12,000
            • ROI = (($250,000 - $12,000) / $12,000) * 100% = 1983%

        • Payback Period:

          • The time it takes for the benefits to equal the costs.
          • Payback Period = Cost of Investment / Annual Cash Inflows
          • Example: If annual cash inflows are $250,000 for 50 developers, then:
            • Payback Period = $12,000 / $250,000 = 0.048 years (~17.5 days)

        • Net Present Value (NPV):

          • The difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows over a period of time.
          • NPV = ∑(Cash Inflows / (1 + r)^t) - Cost of Investment
          • Example: If cash inflows are $250,000 per year for 5 years and the discount rate is 5%, then:
            • NPV = ∑($250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^t) - $12,000
            • NPV for each year:
              • Year 1: $250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^1 = $238,095.24
              • Year 2: $250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^2 = $226,757.37
              • Year 3: $250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^3 = $215,913.14
              • Year 4: $250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^4 = $205,631.56
              • Year 5: $250,000 / (1 + 0.05)^5 = $195,839.54
            • Total NPV = $238,095.24 + $226,757.37 + $215,913.14 + $205,631.56 + $195,839.54 - $12,000 = $1,070,236.85

      Present this calculation in your report to clearly show the financial impact and justify the investment in GitHub Copilot.

      Imagine the estimate is with 10% of salary as benefit, the ROI would be 3966%. 🚀

      This is a very high number, but it is important to remember that the benefits are not only in the form of reduced development time, but also in improved software quality, which can lead to reduced maintenance costs and higher customer satisfaction.

Example Metrics and Tools

  • Time to Market: Track cycle time using GitHub Actions and project management tools.
  • Bug Rates: Monitor bug reports using GitHub Issues or Jira.
  • Developer Productivity: Measure features delivered per sprint using project management tools.
  • GitHub Copilot Usage Metrics: Utilize the GitHub Copilot Usage Metrics API to track and analyze the usage of GitHub Copilot within your development team.

Next Steps: Unlock the Potential of GitHub Copilot at Scale

Ready to transform your development workflow on a larger scale? Here are the next steps to roll out GitHub Copilot across your organization:

  1. Scale Up Deployment: Expand the use of GitHub Copilot to more teams and projects. Ensure that all developers have access to the tool and understand its benefits.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Identify key projects and teams that can benefit from GitHub Copilot. Gradually roll out the tool to these teams, starting with pilot groups and expanding based on feedback and success metrics.

  2. Continuous Training and Support: Provide ongoing training and support to ensure that developers are using GitHub Copilot effectively. Offer resources and workshops to help them get the most out of the tool.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Organize regular training sessions, webinars, and Q&A sessions. Create a knowledge base with tutorials, best practices, and troubleshooting guides. Encourage developers to share their experiences and tips.

  3. Monitor and Optimize: Continuously monitor the impact of GitHub Copilot on your development processes. Collect feedback from developers and make adjustments to optimize its use.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Set up metrics and dashboards to track the performance and impact of GitHub Copilot. Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions with developers to gather insights and identify areas for improvement.

  4. Foster a Collaborative Culture: Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers. Use GitHub Copilot to facilitate code reviews, pair programming, and other collaborative practices.

    🏃 Tactics Example 🏃

    Promote the use of GitHub Copilot in code reviews and pair programming sessions. Create forums or channels for developers to discuss their experiences and share tips on using the tool effectively.

Process Chart

graph TD
    A[Define Objectives and Metrics] --> B[Select a Project and Set a Baseline]
    B --> C[Implement GitHub Copilot]
    C --> D[Monitor and Collect Data]
    D --> E[Analyze and Compare]
    E --> F[Report Findings and ROI]
    
    style A fill:#d3d3d3,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
    style B fill:#add8e6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
    style C fill:#90ee90,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
    style D fill:#ffd700,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
    style E fill:#dda0dd,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
    style F fill:#87ceeb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000

Decision Tree Chart

graph TD
   A[Start] --> B{Is the project suitable?}
   B -->|Yes| C[Collect Baseline Data]
   B -->|No| D[Select a Different Project]
   C --> E{Integrate GitHub Copilot?}
   E -->|Yes| F[Train the Team]
   E -->|No| G[Reevaluate Integration]
   F --> H{Monitor and Collect Data?}
   H -->|Yes| I[Establish Feedback Loops]
   H -->|No| J[Adjust Monitoring Process]
   I --> K{Analyze Data?}
   K -->|Yes| L[Compare with Baseline]
   K -->|No| M[Adjust Analysis Process]
   L --> N{Report Findings?}
   N -->|Yes| O[Calculate ROI]
   N -->|No| P[Adjust Reporting Process]
   
   style A fill:#d3d3d3,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style B fill:#add8e6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style C fill:#90ee90,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style D fill:#ffd700,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style E fill:#dda0dd,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style F fill:#87ceeb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style G fill:#f08080,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style H fill:#b0e0e6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style I fill:#98fb98,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style J fill:#fafad2,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style K fill:#ffdab9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style L fill:#e0ffff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style M fill:#ffcccb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style N fill:#afeeee,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style O fill:#f5fffa,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000
   style P fill:#ffe4e1,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,color:#000