I've heard it used in a similar context, but more so on faking your seemingly automated features by manually doing them yourself (and only building in automation once you've proven the concept).

More generally, I think "fake it 'till you make it" is better reserved for selling the vision of where you want to go even if it's not completed yet. You don't have to lie, you just have to inspire.

Well, one instance that might partly support my interpretation of the phrase is here: http://www.inc.com/karl-and-bill/best-advice-fake-it-until-y...

Admittedly my interpretation is even more generous, maybe because I tend always to see the good in people ;)