Small IT Teams, Big Impact: How to scale app delivery

Navigating the AI maze

According to a recent KPMG report, 93% of IT executives plan to ramp up investment in AI development tools in the next two years. Yet, despite this enthusiasm, many organisations are still struggling to find a cohesive AI strategy. “AI is driving a paradigm shift in software development,” says OutSystems founder Paulo Rosado, “but digital transformation leaders often don’t know where to get started.”

This hesitation is understandable—AI sprawl is real. Teams juggling siloed AI tools across documentation, coding, prototyping, testing and security often end up with fragmented work practices. The productivity increases, butso too does the complexity and governance challenges. What IT teams need is not more tools, but a smarter, integrated approach to AI-powered software development that doesn’t require large development teams and complex management to implement.

One platform, multiple impacts

Recognising the need for a cohesive approach to AI in software development, OutSystems has purposefully engineered an all-in-one development platform where AI and low-code converge to help small teams punch far above their weight. Here’s how:

1. Multiply developer productivity

AI and low-code are a force multiplier for productivity. With OutSystems, a few developers can build front-ends, back-ends, and automated workflows—all within a single codebase. Reusable architecture, automation, and access to Forge components accelerate time to value.

See the impact:

“On an earlier project, we had 10 people working on a pricing and UX initiative. It took six months to do the bare minimum. We recently delivered a similar requirement to a higher standard using one OutSystems developer—in just 15 days.”

Tom Mazzaferro, Chief Data Officer, Western Union

“Development is around five times faster on OutSystems. Previously, we’d need 9 to 12 developers to match what we’ve done with just three.”

Ruben Olivier, Senior Manager of Information Systems, BCX

2. End AI tools’ steep learning curve + fragmentation

Internal development teams don’t want the hassle of learning and managing a mish-mash of disconnected AI tools. Instead of patching together five or more AI tools across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), OutSystems Mentor provides developers with end-to-end AI support. It’s super easy to adopt because the user-friendly AI toolkit is seamlessly integrated within a single platform. Mentor automates app creation, code reviews, and security checks while offering architecture recommendations and reusable components. Think: one assistant to guide a small team from idea to maintenance and beyond. This makes it simple for developers to apply and leverage AI consistently across their company’s entire application portfolio.

OutSystems customer, NTT Data implemented an AI-powered sanctions compliance solution using OutSystems, enabling automation checks that are 270 times faster and three times more accurate than previous methods. This solution showcases how OutSystems can be used to integrate AI capabilities effectively, reducing the complexity associated with fragmented AI tools.

3. Add GenAI without the complexity

With OutSystems AI Agent Builder, IT teams can integrate GenAI into their apps in minutes—no AI expertise required. The AI tool gives small teams the ability to quickly build and deploy AI agents for smarter, human-like digital experiences, using secure LLMs and internal data. Use cases abound – think call centre optimisation, virtual assistants, e-commerce translation, employee experience, process automation, revenue intelligence, content generation and more.

OutSystems customer VKI used the AI Agent Builder to overhaul its claims process, letting users submit, track, and manage claims through an intuitive interface powered by GenAI. A task that used to take months now takes days.

4. Take the headache out of governance

Rather than tacking on an AI-driven governance tool as an afterthought to your software development, OutSystems makes it an integral part of the process. The AI-powered platform incorporates robust security standards and streamlined development practices. The platform ensures secure, efficient, and compliant software development throughout the full application lifecycle using AI-driven tools, comprehensive testing methodologies, and a seamless deployment pipeline.

5. Modernise legacy systems—without the pain

OutSystems modernisation accelerator, FactOryAI is a game-changer for migrating code from legacy systems like InfoPath, Delphi, or Lotus Notes. Developers no longer have to start from scratch. The AI tool automatically migrates legacy code to create the foundations of a new app in weeks, not months.

OutSystems customer Victoria Police used FactOryAI to prototype replacing over 200 InfoPath forms, reducing their migration effort by an incredible 90% compared to manual processes. In just hours, the AI tool generated forms, configurations, and a UI theme from legacy samples, giving a small team the firepower of a much larger one.

6. One small team delivering at scale

Imagine an approach to AI that enables every member of a small IT team to have the tools, skills, knowledge, and capability to leverage AI throughout all steps of the SDLC? With OutSystems fast learning curve, you no longer need an expensive army of traditional developers who specialise in different aspects of software development. Within 4 weeks, any developer new to the platform can learn how to employ the platform’s integrated tools across the entire lifecycle, so you never become dependent on any single developer. Each member of your team can do it all!

The bottom line for IT Leaders

AI, low-code, and automation are rewriting what teams can achieve. With OutSystems, lean IT teams easily adopt and cohesively leverage AI to deliver enterprise-scale innovation without compromising quality. IT leaders can deliver more and use fewer resources by reducing complexity, costs, and time-to-value and increasing team productivity.

Whether you’re facing legacy migration, integrating GenAI, or simply need to fast-track your digital transformation, OutSystems gives your team the tools to turn ambition into execution.

Want to explore what’s possible? Let’s talk.