Driving digital transformation: An interview with Olatunji Onaseso on supply chain and financial automation

Amidst the rapid advancements in technology, the integration of supply chain systems and financial automation has become a cornerstone of modern enterprise management. In this interview, Mr. Olatunji Onaseso, an accomplished enterprise management professional and technology leader, shares his insights on driving digital transformation. With an impressive background in the energy, financial services, and information technology industries, Mr. Onaseso discusses the pivotal role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic growth. Join us as we delve into his journey and explore how supply chain digitization and financial automation are shaping the future of business.

Could you tell us about your professional background and how it relates to Enterprise Management?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. I began my career as a Systems Administrator at Allied Computers, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience delivering technology services. Shortly after, I joined American Express Global Travel Nigeria as an Enterprise Systems Administrator, further broadening my expertise in managing enterprise systems.

My career took a significant leap at Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, where I held several leadership roles and worked on impactful projects that enhanced financial technology solutions. I currently serve as an Advisor in Global Supply Chain Systems for a major energy corporation in the United States. My professional journey has always revolved around Enterprise Management—aligning technology with business strategy to streamline and optimize processes. I see enterprise management as the perfect intersection of technology and process improvement, creating systems that are adaptable, efficient, and capable of driving sustained business success. In my current role, I focus on digitizing procurement and payment systems by leveraging innovative tools like SAP ERP system and robotic process automation.

These technologies have been instrumental in improving accuracy, reducing processing times, and building resilience within our operations. My expertise lies in integrating supply chain operations with financial processes, a critical component of enterprise management that enhances organizational performance and enables data-driven decision-making. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or designing strategic solutions, my goal has always been to empower businesses to achieve greater efficiency and agility.

You mentioned Enterprise Management in the financial services industry. How did this experience prepare you for your current work in supply chain systems?
Technology often has the same challenges no matter what industry you find yourself working in, and it’s fair to say that having consistent standards and measurable skills helps to support all industries as well as an individual’s personal development. My experience in financial services provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how interconnected systems drive operational success, which is directly applicable to supply chain systems. At Stanbic IBTC, for instance, I led the integration of Enterprise Resource Planning systems ERP for both local and global multinationals. This work demonstrated the importance of ERP system integrations, as the entire supply chain lifecycle operates within the ERP framework and directly links to financial processes.

This approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also enabled real-time data exchange, significantly improving client experiences. In my current role, I’ve expanded on these principles, applying them to SAP implementations to integrate supply chain and financial processes effectively.

What’s fascinating is how similar the challenges and solutions are across industries when it comes to digitization and process optimization. Supply chain digitization and financial automation are interdependent aspects of enterprise management. While supply chain digitization encompasses everything from operations and procurement to invoicing and payment, modernized payment systems and financial automation are essential to its overall success.

Speaking of supply chain digitization, what role does it play in modern Enterprise Management?
Supply chain digitization is central to modern enterprise management. It integrates procurement, inventory, and financial processes to create seamless workflows.

This approach ensures real-time visibility, reduces errors, and optimizes resource allocation. Supply chain digitization is a cornerstone of modern enterprise management. This integration ensures real-time visibility across the supply chain, enabling faster decision-making and improved efficiency. Supply chain digitization also reduces errors, optimizes resource allocation, and enhances supplier collaboration. In my experience, integrating supply chain systems with financial automation tools creates a robust framework for streamlining payments, invoicing, and financial reporting. These innovations not only improve operational performance but also drive strategic growth.

Can you elaborate on the connection between supply chain systems and financial automation as a driver of growth?
Supply chain systems and financial automation are deeply interconnected. A well-digitized supply chain generates accurate data that feeds into financial systems, enabling real-time tracking of costs, revenue, and cash flow. For instance, automated invoice processing can be directly linked to supply chain transactions, ensuring that payments are processed promptly and accurately. In my current role, I’ve worked on projects that integrated SAP supply chain modules with financial automation tools, which improved efficiency and reduced payment cycle times.

This synergy creates a comprehensive enterprise management ecosystem that supports informed decision-making and enhances overall business agility. In my experience, integrating supply chain systems with financial automation tools enhances payments and reporting, which drives operational efficiency and strategic growth.

What challenges do organizations face in implementing supply chain digitization, and how can they overcome them?
One of the primary challenges is the integration of legacy systems with modern digital platforms. Many organizations still rely on outdated infrastructure that doesn’t support seamless connectivity.

Additionally, the high cost of implementing advanced technologies and the need for specialized expertise can be barriers. To overcome these challenges, organizations should adopt a phased approach to digitization, starting with high-impact areas such as procurement or payments. They should also invest in training their workforce and collaborate with technology partners to ensure successful implementation. In my work, we’ve often tackled these challenges by leveraging scalable solutions like SAP and cloud-based tools to modernize supply chain operations incrementally.

How do you see emerging technologies shaping the future of Enterprise Management?
Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain are transforming enterprise management. These technologies, when combined with financial automation, allow enterprises to create supply chains that are not only efficient but also resilient.
These innovations are enabling breakthroughs in predictive analytics, real-time decision-making, and the automation of complex processes. The future will focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Organizations will adopt smarter, more resilient supply chains and tools that facilitate seamless cross-border collaboration. Sustainability will also be a key driver, as businesses leverage digital transformation to reduce carbon footprints and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Enterprise management is evolving rapidly, and those who embrace innovation and adaptability will shape its future.

Do you have any suggestions for the younger, upcoming generation?
Absolutely. Stay curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning. Enterprise management is dynamic, and technology is its backbone. Take full advantage of available resources—online courses, certifications, and mentorship programs.

Build both technical and soft skills intentionally, as they are equally vital.

Hard work, discipline, and a drive for continuous improvement are key. Always think innovatively, question the status quo, and aim to create solutions that deliver meaningful value to organizations and society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to embrace change and work diligently to make a difference.