## 7 Big Data and Blockchain in Decision-Making
### Enabling Real-Time Data Processing and Decision-Making in Decentralized Systems  
The integration of big data analytics with blockchain technology significantly enhances real-time data processing and decision-making in decentralized systems. By leveraging blockchain's distributed ledger, multiple nodes can securely share and process data simultaneously. This decentralized approach ensures that decisions are based on the most current and accurate information, enabling more efficient and informed outcomes. Furthermore, the use of smart contracts can automate these processes, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness [103]. Big data analytics rely on the ability to effectively manage large volumes of data and draw important insights. In distributed systems, where data are constantly produced from several sources, this capability is absolutely vital. Blockchain technology provides a distributed architecture, allowing immediate data exchange and processing among numerous nodes, hence enabling this feature. Blockchain permits direct peer-to-peer data  
Figure 19: Estonia’s partnership with Guardtime; the EHR System. flow, unlike centralized systems, which depend on data to pass a central authority. The distributed approach makes faster and more efficient decision-making possible by lowering the congestion resulting from centralized data processing systems [104]. Blockchain, combined with big data analytics, has the ability to drastically change financial services real-time decision-making procedures. Blockchain's distributed ledger lets all of the nodes quickly record and verify financial transactions. Big data analytics systems may then quickly review these transactions, closely looking for patterns and anomalies that would indicate prospective dangers or fraudulent activity. By quickly responding to such attacks, financial companies can achieve fewer losses and improve general security [105]. In addition, in decentralized supply chain networks, the utilization of blockchain and big data for real-time data processing is essential for enhancing operational efficiency. Blockchain offers a clear and unchangeable record of all transactions and movements inside the supply chain. Big data analytics can analyze this data in real-time, offering valuable insights into inventory levels, shipping statuses, and any interruptions. The ability to see current information immediately enables supply chain managers to make well-informed choices quickly, such as redirecting shipments or modifying inventory levels [106]. This improves efficiency and lowers expenses. The integration of blockchain and big data in the healthcare industry facilitates the immediate administration of patient data and enhances the process of making informed decisions. Authorized healthcare practitioners across several regions can access patient records stored on a blockchain, guaranteeing access to the most current information. Big data analytics may analyze this data to offer immediate insights into patient health, forecast probable issues, and suggest customized treatment strategies. The capacity to provide information in real-time is especially advantageous in emergency scenarios, as it can potentially save lives by delivering fast and precise data [107]. In addition, in order to achieve a balance between supply and demand, real-time data processing is a crucial component of decentralized models of energy management. The technology known as blockchain has the capability to record data on energy production and consumption in real time from a wide variety of distributed energy resources (DERs). Once this data has been collected, big data analytics may be used to evaluate it in order to estimate demand, improve energy distribution, and uncover potential for energy savings. This feature enables the effective functioning of smart grids, which guarantees a consistent and dependable supply of electricity while simultaneously reducing prices and the number of negative effects on the environment [108].