Batch processing vs Real-time Data Streaming

Soumita Pachhal
5 min readJun 21, 2023

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Batch processing and real-time data streaming are two different approaches to processing data. Here are the key differences between the two:

Batch Processing:

  1. Data is collected over a period of time and processed in batches or groups
  2. Processing and analysis happen on a set of data that has already been stored
  3. Suitable for large volumes of data that are not time-sensitive
  4. Typically slower than stream processing since the data is processed in batches, which can take some time
  5. Provides complete control over when to start processing
  6. Well-suited for big data sets that require complex analysis

Real-Time Data Streaming

  1. Data is processed as a continuous stream, with results generated in near real-time
  2. Processing happens as the data flows through a system
  3. Suitable for data that is needed immediately
  4. Provides real-time results with low latency
  5. Enables agility and quick reactions to data
  6. Best employed in situations such as stock trading or alerting on medical conditions

Batch processing is suitable for large volumes of data that are not time-sensitive and require complex analysis, while real-time data streaming is best employed in situations where the ability to be agile is important and data is needed immediately.

What are some common use cases for batch processing?

Batch processing is a useful tool for processing large volumes of data that are not time-sensitive and require complex analysis. Here are some common use cases for batch processing:
Data processing: Batch processing can process large volumes of data in batches. Some examples of data processing are data cleansing, aggregation, and transformation

  1. Financial services: Batch processing is used in areas such as high-performance computing for risk management, end-of-day trade processing, and fraud surveillance
  2. Payroll: Batch processing is used to process payroll data for employees
  3. Billing: Batch processing is used to process billing data for customers
  4. Orders from customers: Batch processing is used to process orders from customers
  5. Supply chain: Batch processing is used to process supply chain data
  6. Line-item invoices: Batch processing is used to process line-item invoices
  7. Integration and interoperability: Batch processing can help with integration and interoperability between different systems and applications through data exchange, synchronization, and integration
  8. Lead management: Leads can be enriched with other data sources and prioritized in batches before the start of the day for sales personnel
  9. Optimization of costs: With batch processing, IT organizations can reduce costs

Batch processing is used in various industries and business functions to automate data processing, including financial services, payroll, billing, orders from customers, supply chain, line-item invoices, integration and interoperability, lead management, and optimization of costs.

What are some examples of tasks that are better suited for real-time processing?

Real-time processing is best suited for tasks that require immediate response and processing of data as it is generated. Here are some examples of tasks that are better suited for real-time processing:
Monitoring systems: Real-time data processing is essential for monitoring systems such as health monitoring systems, fitness trackers, and traffic control systems

  1. Financial transactions: Real-time processing is used in financial transactions such as stock trading, where real-time data is required for decision-making
  2. Fraud detection: Real-time processing is used in fraud detection systems to detect fraudulent activities in real-time
  3. Gaming: Real-time processing is used in gaming applications to provide real-time feedback to players
  4. Social media: Real-time processing is used in social media platforms to provide real-time updates to users
  5. Telecommunications: Real-time processing is used in telecommunications to process real-time data such as voice and video
  6. Traffic control: Real-time processing is used in traffic control systems to provide real-time updates on traffic conditions
  7. Weather forecasting: Real-time processing is used in weather forecasting to provide real-time updates on weather conditions

Real-time processing is best suited for tasks that require immediate response and processing of data as it is generated, such as monitoring systems, financial transactions, fraud detection, gaming, social media, telecommunications, traffic control, and weather forecasting.

What are some challenges associated with batch processing?

Batch processing is an efficient way to process large volumes of data that are not time-sensitive and require complex analysis. However, there are some challenges associated with batch processing, including:
Careful planning and coordination: Batch processing requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that tasks are completed in the correct order

  1. Time-consuming: Batch processing can be time-consuming since data is collected and processed in large quantities
  2. Complexity: Batch processing can be more complex to implement and maintain, as it requires the development and management of batch schedules and processes
  3. Data integrity: Batch processing can present challenges when it comes to maintaining data integrity

Despite these challenges, batch processing is still widely used in various industries and business functions to automate data processing, including data processing, financial services, payroll, billing, orders from customers, supply chain, line-item invoices, integration and interoperability, lead management, and optimization of costs.

Batch processing is an efficient way to process large volumes of data, but it requires careful planning and coordination, can be time-consuming, complex to implement and maintain, and can present challenges when it comes to maintaining data integrity.

What are some challenges associated with real streaming processing?

Real-time data streaming is a powerful tool for processing data in real time, but it also presents some challenges. Here are some challenges associated with streaming processing:
1. High volume and velocity of data: One of the biggest challenges in processing data streams is handling the high volume and velocity of data. With the advent of new technologies, data streams are becoming larger and more complex, which can make it difficult to process them in real-time

2. Processing power and resources: Real-time data streaming requires significant processing power and resources, which can be challenging for businesses to scale as their data grows.

3. Managing data skew and unevenness: Data streams can be uneven and skewed, which can make it difficult to process them in real-time

4. Ensuring data quality and integrity: Real-time data streaming can present challenges when it comes to ensuring data quality and integrity

5. Specialized tools and techniques: Processing streaming data in real-time requires specialized tools and techniques that may not be readily available or easy to implement

Real-time data streaming presents some challenges, including handling the high volume and velocity of data, requiring significant processing power and resources, managing data skew and unevenness, ensuring data quality and integrity, and requiring specialized tools and techniques. However, with the right tools and expertise, these challenges can be overcome, and real-time data streaming can provide businesses with valuable insights and competitive advantage.

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Soumita Pachhal
Soumita Pachhal

Written by Soumita Pachhal

Content Writer || Software Engineer|| MSSQL Consultant||

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