Modernizing at scale with AI-assisted delivery
INSURANCE
Modernizing at scale with AI-assisted delivery
At a glance
One of Canada’s top 10 life insurers had begun migrating its legacy benefits platform to .NET architecture. With more than 1500 API endpoints in scope, delivery capacity quickly became a critical constraint. Existing approaches could not meet the speed or scale required.
Engaged on a long-term, ongoing contract, FDM assigned a team of 17 custom-trained consultants with the aim of accelerating the transition to a new tech stack, and embedding AI-assisted practices with governance, documentation, and quality controls built in.
FDM Practices
- Software Engineering
Industry
Insurance
Tech stack
C# running on .NET
SQL
GitHub Copilot
Azure DevOps
Impact
12% – 20%
uplift against roadmap
20%
cut in code validation and review cycles
30%
reduction in manual effort through automated scripts
In just three months and in four consecutive sprints, FDM Consultants have delivered remarkable speed-to-value.
Only part way through their on-site project, the team’s output has utilized their training in C# API and GitHub Copilot, optimizing the client’s processes by cutting manual tasks with AI automation. As our FDM Consultants continue to build their AI capability, we expect to see continual improvements in their outputs.
Embedding a human-in-the-loop approach
The client required immediate access to experienced .NET expertise and effective use of emerging tools such as GitHub Copilot to accelerate delivery and improve productivity. Consistent and effective adoption across teams was critical to maintaining momentum within the project timeline.
Simultaneously, due to the strict regulation and governance procedures in the client’s sector, all AI integration had to be tightly managed to ensure accuracy and safety, eliminating the risk of noncompliance and reputational damage.
As such, FDM collaborated with the client to create a custom delivery program that combined targeted talent development with a structured, scalable team model.
Aligned to the client’s technology stack and modernization goals, FDM Consultants were taught C# API development, whilst receiving continuous upskilling through sprints focused on SQL, version control, and API patterns. AI fluency became inherent, paired with governance and explainability, data handling, and risk awareness.
A workforce for the AI age
For this assignment, our FDM Consultants have used their AI fluency to transform the client’s processes for greater productivity. From day one, the team have embedded technical oversight to protect quality, consistency, and sustained velocity at scale. Senior Developers track progress and code quality through smoke tests, shared best practices, and provide timely coaching to maintain standards without slowing delivery.
FDM maintains delivery oversight through performance tracking, progress reporting, and proactive blocker resolution. The Technical Delivery Lead continues to set standards, maintain documentation, and track lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
“Generative AI has changed how work gets done. Businesses need people who can use AI tools confidently, view outputs with a critical eye, and apply them securely in real delivery environments. That’s why we train our consultants to work with speed, judgement, and governance from day one.”
James Tuttiett, Global Transformation Director, FDM Group
Modernization goals already surpassed with AI
Currently operating in two dedicated squads, FDM Consultants have accelerated API development and testing, so far achieving delivery output at up to 20% above plan.
Similarly, their work on automated scripts reduced manual efforts by 30%, whilst AI-assisted practices using GitHub Copilot reduced code validation and review cycles by 20%.
Our consultants have successfully adapted to changes in work scope, transitioning effectively between API endpoint development, UI implementation, and batch analysis.
Every three weeks, aligned to the client’s sprint review cycle, key stakeholders from FDM and the client review expectations, value delivered, and progress against objectives. The team uses these checkpoints to share lessons learned and agree on improvements for the next sprint.
With senior oversight and coaching embedded in the workflow, the Delivery Team maintains quality whilst increasing throughput, helping the client deliver new business functionality faster.
“The team has improved delivery speed by using shared coding standards, code reviews, reusable components, and automation for builds and testing. Tools like GitHub Copilot have also helped developers work faster by reducing time spent on repetitive coding tasks. I manually review all generated suggestions and only use the parts that are relevant and correct for the task.”
Sai Valpadasu, API and Batch Developer
Conclusion
Through structured delivery oversight, rapid delivery, AI-embedded tooling, and built-in quality assurance, FDM Consultants continue to resolve critical capacity constraints and establish a scalable model for ongoing modernization for the client.
The quick assignment of AI-enabled, custom-trained FDM Consultants highlights FDM’s ability to support our clients in turning their AI ambition into practical, governed delivery.
