I primarily work on production systems and databases that can be considered as 'real-time'.

Sub-second data logging of critical production values like temperatures and pressures are very common and regulations might require this data to be stored for 5 years or more.

However, real-time processing is not always required, but scenario's like that sometimes needs 'out-of-the-box' thinking!

The closer the logging of data can be to the source, the better.

Data can always be inserted and aggregated into other databases /data warehouses by means of ETL techniques at a later stage.

Do not underestimate the power of CSV files and BULK INSERT!