AI coding tools double speed but cut lead time 4%

The author argues that doubling individual coding speed through AI tools fails to produce equivalent gains in end-to-end delivery speed because coding typically represents only a small fraction of total lead time. According to the analysis, accelerating coding without addressing downstream bottlenecks in reviews, dependencies, or governance simply shifts constraints elsewhere without improving business throughput. To measure actual delivery, the author advises tracking wait times, active work, and rework alongside adoption metrics. Open article →