The Role of Big Data in Enhancing Operational Efficiency

This review article examines the role of big data in enhancing operational efficiency by enabling real-time decision-making, predictive insights, and strategic optimization. The study aims to analyze how organizations leverage big data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. Exploding in volume, velocity, variety, and veracity, big data improves decision making processes through accurate prediction, fast action, and efficient resource usage across some industries like supply chain, healthcare, and finance. Using a structured review methodology, relevant literature, case studies, and empirical findings were synthesized to evaluate the impact of big data across industries such as supply chain management, healthcare, and finance. Findings reveal that predictive analytics enhances forecasting accuracy, while real-time analytics improves operational responsiveness. However, adoption challenges include high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and integration complexities. The study highlights emerging solutions such as AI-driven automation, edge computing, and federated learning as critical enablers for overcoming these barriers. The insights presented offer practical implications for businesses seeking to optimize their data strategies and for researchers exploring advancements in big data applications. This paper also lays down the importance of integrating AI, IoT and Robotics to break constraints and work in synergy. The study provides directions for managers and scholars to fully capture the benefits of big data in improving organisational performance.