How Business Analysts can turn small changes into massive Impact – Ademola Ahmed Adeniji

When I stepped into the world of digital transformation and business analysis, one truth stood out. The success of any product or solution hinges not only on its technical capabilities but also on how well its processes align with the realities of its users.

Working as a Business Analyst with great passion for innovation, I’ve discovered that bridging the gap between business needs and technical teams requires more than tools and frameworks. It demands empathy, insight, and an unrelenting focus on outcomes.

My journey in the digital technology space has been a fascinating one. From managing requirements for stakeholders to mapping out workflows and optimising processes, I’ve had the privilege of observing how small, deliberate changes can ripple out into transformative impacts. Today, I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned—lessons that have proven especially valuable in emerging markets where challenges are unique, resources may be constrained, and opportunities for growth abound.

Start with the end user, not the tech

One of the most overlooked aspects of digital transformation is the tendency to focus too much on technology and not enough on the people who will use it. Early in my career at Tritek Consulting, I worked with a logistics firm struggling with inefficiencies in its delivery network. The firm had invested in state-of-the-art tracking tools, but customer complaints about delayed shipments persisted.

Through stakeholder workshops and user interviews, I discovered the real issue wasn’t the technology itself—it was the lack of alignment between the system’s capabilities and the operational realities of the delivery team. Drivers struggled to update delivery statuses in real-time due to limited mobile network coverage in rural areas.

The solution wasn’t more tech; it was designing a simpler workflow that allowed offline data entry, which could be synced once the driver was back in range. That small adjustment led to a 25% reduction in late deliveries and improved customer satisfaction.

The lesson? Always start by understanding the day-to-day struggles of the end users. Technology is only as good as the human problems it solves.

The power of visualising processes

When I transitioned into more complex projects, I quickly realised that one of the most effective tools in a Business Analyst’s arsenal is the ability to visualise processes clearly. Diagrams like BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and UML (Unified Modelling Language) aren’t just documentation tools; they’re problem-solving tools.

At Tiege Consult, I worked with a fintech company trying to streamline its loan approval process. Multiple departments were involved, and inefficiencies meant that applications often took weeks to approve, leading to customer frustration. Using process flow diagrams, I mapped out the as-is state, identifying bottlenecks at every step.

What stood out was that 30% of the delays came from back-and-forth communication between credit analysts and customer service teams over missing documents. By introducing a document upload portal for customers and automated reminders for incomplete submissions, we cut approval times by half.

Visualising processes isn’t just about identifying bottlenecks; it’s about creating clarity and alignment among stakeholders. When everyone can see the bigger picture, it becomes easier to agree on what needs to change.

Don’t underestimate the power of data

Data is the lifeblood of any digital transformation initiative, yet many organisations fail to use it effectively. In one project, I worked with an e-commerce startup struggling to reduce cart abandonment rates. Initial assumptions blamed the checkout flow, and there was pressure to redesign the entire process.

Instead of rushing into changes, I recommended we dive into the data. Using analytics tools, we discovered that 40% of users abandoned their carts at the payment stage. Further analysis revealed a common issue: most of the users preferred local payment methods that weren’t supported on the platform.

By integrating a local payment gateway, we saw a 60% increase in successful transactions within two months. The takeaway? Don’t rely solely on assumptions. Let data guide your decisions.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a Business Analyst is navigating the diverse perspectives of stakeholders, developers, and end users. Each group comes with its priorities, and aligning those can often feel like herding cats.

In a project involving the redesign of a customer relationship management (CRM) system, I learned the value of collaborative workshops. Bringing everyone into the same room, virtually or physically, and encouraging open dialogue helped uncover pain points that wouldn’t have been obvious otherwise. Developers highlighted technical constraints, while sales teams shed light on operational inefficiencies.

The result was a CRM system that wasn’t just functional but also user-friendly, driving a 20% increase in adoption rates within three months. Collaboration doesn’t just create better solutions; it builds buy-in, ensuring everyone feels invested in the outcome.

Emerging markets require creative problem-solving

One of the unique aspects of working in emerging markets is the need to think creatively about solutions. Resources are often limited, and users may face challenges like unreliable internet connectivity or limited digital literacy.

In one project, a healthcare startup aimed to digitise patient records for rural clinics. The initial plan relied on cloud-based storage, but many clinics lacked consistent internet access. Instead of scrapping the project, we proposed a hybrid solution: patient records were stored locally on low-cost devices and synced to the cloud whenever a connection was available.

This approach not only addressed the connectivity issue but also made the solution more cost-effective, enabling the startup to scale to 50 clinics within a year. The lesson here is that success in emerging markets often requires a willingness to adapt and innovate within constraints.

Continuous learning is non-negotiable

The digital technology landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying relevant means embracing lifelong learning. Over the years, I’ve taken courses in Agile methodologies, process modelling, and data analytics to keep my skills sharp. But learning isn’t just about technical skills; it’s also about understanding new industries, user behaviours, and market trends.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring junior analysts and sharing these lessons. By helping others grow, I’ve deepened my own understanding and stayed connected to the challenges and opportunities in the field.

As I reflect on my journey as a Business Analyst, one thing is clear: the work we do isn’t just about processes and systems; it’s about people. Whether it’s simplifying a workflow, enabling better collaboration, or empowering users through thoughtful design, the impact of our work extends far beyond the technical realm.

For organisations in emerging markets, the opportunities for digital transformation are immense. By focusing on user needs, leveraging data, fostering collaboration, and embracing creative problem-solving, we can build solutions that are not only effective but also meaningful.

As I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities for innovation and growth in the digital technology space. And I remain committed to sharing these lessons, learning from others, and continuing to make a difference—one process at a time.

This article would position Ademola as a thought leader in digital transformation, showcasing his ability to combine technical expertise with practical solutions tailored to real-world challenges. It also highlights his impact and aligns with Tech Nation’s criteria for innovation and contribution to the field.
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Ademola Ahmed Adeniji is a seasoned Business Analyst who has contributed to impactful projects in global settings, delivering measurable results. Passionate about using data-driven insights and human-centred design, he aims to empower organisations to achieve their digital goals efficiently.