How Automation Can Reduce Royalty Admin Time

Royalty automation can reduce repetitive administration. This illustrative example compares a manual period with a prepared software workflow; it is not a customer benchmark or a guaranteed result. Actual time depends on file quality, deal complexity, exceptions and review.

Where the time goes: manual process

For an illustrative 10-artist label, assume the following time ranges for one accounting period:

• DSP data import and normalisation: 2-3 hours. Downloading statements from multiple sources, reformatting into a single structure, matching to catalogue.
• Split calculation: 2-3 hours. Applying contract terms to each release, checking formulas, handling edge cases.
• Recoupment tracking: 1-2 hours. Updating balances, checking which releases apply, verifying history.
• Statement generation: 2-3 hours. Creating PDFs, formatting, proofreading.
• Sending and follow-up: 1-2 hours. Emailing artists, answering questions, handling disputes.

Illustrative total: 8–13 hours per period, or 96–156 hours over 12 monthly periods.

Where the time goes: with Roster

For this prepared royalty accounting workflow, assume supported files, configured splits and recoupment, and no unresolved exceptions:

• DSP data import: An illustrative 5 minutes. Upload supported CSVs and check the recognised fields.
• Split calculation: Use configured, reviewed terms for supported calculations; resolve exceptions before approval.
• Recoupment tracking: Review advances, costs and balances in the supported accounting workflow.
• Statement generation: An illustrative 5 minutes. Prepare statements for the supported records and period.
• Review and approve: An illustrative 30–45 minutes. Human review of prepared statements; exceptions can take longer.
• Artist access: Share approved records through the supported portal workflow after review.

The timed steps in this example total 40–55 minutes. A separate comparison of 10 hours with 1 hour would represent a 90% reduction; it is a worked example, not a measured Roster customer result.

The goal isn't to remove humans from the process. It's to remove the repetitive work so humans can focus on review and relationships.

What you do with the time

Any time saved can go back into artist development and running your business:

• Artist development and A&R
• Marketing and promotion
• Signing new artists
• Building relationships with existing roster
• Strategic planning