Real-time data processing is enabled by technologies such as streaming data platforms and data processing frameworks. Technologies like Apache Kafka and Apache Flink allow organizations to ingest and process large volumes of data as it is generated, providing the ability to respond instantaneously to events. This capability is crucial for applications like fraud detection, financial trading, and real-time analytics, where timely information is essential for decision-making. By processing data in real-time, companies can enhance their responsiveness and operational efficiency.