AI boosts software development throughput 170% with fewer staff

An engineering organization achieved a 170% increase in throughput while reducing headcount by 20% by adopting an AI-first development approach. This transformation involved integrating AI tools for tasks ranging from writing code and unit tests to generating product requirements and technical specifications. The shift significantly accelerated experimentation, allowing ideas to move from concept to working prototype within a day. Quality assurance processes were also enhanced, with AI agents now generating and maintaining acceptance tests, leading to improved code coverage and reduced bugs. This evolution redefines the software development lifecycle, moving from a traditional assembly line to a control tower model where humans focus on intent and validation, while AI handles execution.