AI got him 80% of the way – then it stopped
Discover why AI coding tools may fall short of business needs and how experienced developers can help turn an early-stage application into a dependable solution.
A prospective client approached Netgen after spending four months building a policy-management platform using Cursor, Copilot, and Claude. The platform looked complete during demonstrations, but problems emerged when real users tried it.
This illustrates an important distinction in AI software development in South Africa: building a working prototype is not the same as delivering reliable software.
What AI actually does well right now
AI coding tools can speed up development by generating boilerplate code, setting up projects, and producing initial versions of features. They reduce repetitive work and help developers test ideas more quickly. A recent industry survey found 93% of developers using AI tools report productivity gains, and two-thirds have adopted them. Our own developers use these tools daily, for similar reasons.
For business owners without technical teams, these tools make it easier to develop prototypes and explore ideas that might otherwise require significant investment.
Where it stalls for a real business
The challenges emerge when software needs to operate reliably in a business environment:
Integration
New software must work with existing systems, such as accounting platforms, CRMs and other applications. Connecting these systems requires understanding their data, workflows, and limitations.
Data integrity
Software must validate information, handle errors and prevent inconsistencies. A form that appears to work does not necessarily guarantee accurate data processing.
Security and POPIA
Applications handling personal information need appropriate access controls, audit trails, and data protection measures. These must be considered from the start.
Edge cases
Software must handle unexpected inputs, failed uploads, conflicting updates and other situations that may not appear during a demonstration.
Who owns it when it breaks
Businesses need software they can understand, maintain and update. Without clear documentation and technical ownership, resolving problems can become difficult and expensive.
The real cost of “almost working”
Software that appears nearly complete can still require substantial work before everyday use. Delaying integration, testing, and security considerations doesn’t eliminate these requirements. It moves the work further into the project, where problems may be more expensive to resolve.
The same principle applies when adapting off-the-shelf software to complex business requirements. The initial approach may appear cheaper, but the total cost depends on how well the solution meets the business’s needs over time.
Where Netgen fits in
Netgen uses AI coding tools to support development, but experienced developers remain essential. They assess business requirements, design integrations, test functionality and address security and maintenance needs.
As a custom software development company in South Africa, Netgen combines AI-assisted development with the technical expertise needed to deliver reliable, maintainable software.
If you’re 80% there
An AI-built application does not necessarily need rebuilding from scratch. A technical review can identify gaps and determine the best way forward.
If your prototype works in a demonstration but is not ready for real users, Netgen can assess the existing software and turn it into a solution your business can depend on.
