AI reduces the marginal cost of producing software. It does not automatically reduce the cost of choosing poorly, changing an operation or sustaining a critical capability.
Valuable work shifts toward framing the problem, designing boundaries, governing evidence, assuring quality and supporting adoption. Code is one component; the operating capability is the product.
That is why an engineering firm should be problem-led, AI-first and outcome-accountable: begin with the challenge, use AI broadly and remain accountable for change that reaches operations.