UTILIZING SMART TECHNOLOGY AND IOT FOR DECISION MAKING; EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Introduction In today’s evolving world driven by data the process of decision making has grown more intricate. People, businesses and governments continually encounter the task of making informed decisions, with impacts. Fortunately, the rise of technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced possibilities for enhancing decision making. This article delves into how these innovative technologies can be utilized to enhance decision making processes along with the obstacles that should be taken into account. Using technology and IoT technology for decision making is all about relying on data to guide our choices. By tapping into the volumes of data produced by devices and IoT sensors decision makers can uncover insights, into patterns, trends and connections that were previously obscured. This data can then be examined using analytics and predictive modeling methods to foresee scenarios and make more informed decisions. Advantages The fast-moving developments in smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) have to a large extent, reshaped the decision landscape of all businesses around the world. These progressive technologies are rich in opportunities for companies to scale up their decision-taking mechanisms. The looming opportunity, that the article focuses on, is the data-driven insights which the smart devices, as well as the IoT sensors, offer. When the machines are programmed to detect, monitor and collect a large amount of real-time data, business entities can analyze the information which is necessary and important for strategic decision making, process optimization, and operational efficiency. Studies established various fascinating aspects where IoT and smart technology can assist and advance the process of making decisions. One of its most notable merits is the ability to follow insignificant changes, which occur at any moment in time. For instance, IoT sensors can be used to monitor such factors as environmental conditions, equipment performance, and consumer behavior in order to provide continuous data streams. Because of this, decision-makers could readily identify and resolve emerging opportunities based on real-time information instead of outdated information. Also, another important advantage is customization and personalization. These smart systems offer personalized decision support through analyzing individual end user data that meets the unique needs and preferences of each user. Thus, more suitable decisions could be made either at personal or professional levels. IoT systems enhanced by the new technology of their cautious nature are yet another visible advantage. With the capability to visually control and remotely manage processes and assets, decision-makers may act in an accelerated manner with the changes or disarranges it causes, the result of which will be the much faster problem-solving, improved risk management, and the emergence of more agile decision-making. By doing this, a high level of responsiveness is achieved which is crucial for staying competitive in the very dynamic business environment. Moreover, intelligent technology and IoT can be used to introduce better automation and optimization of the processes of decision-making. To achieve this, repeated tasks are automated and the technology is used to make workflows more efficient, so decision-makers have more time, and resources for strategic contemplation. Technological systems that can make the decision automatically on the basis of existing rules will be helpful in solving a big part of operational decisions allowing humans to focus on more complex, more influential decisions that require creativity and judgment. Automated decision-making systems can take over routine operational decisions, thus allowing human decision-makers to devote more of their time to more complicated but also more high-impact decisions that need their expertise and judgment. Disadvantages Integration of IoT with smart technology into decision making does not come without challenges that need careful consideration. Privacy of information is one of the most important topics. Although IoT devices of the time of collecting a lot of information, it is very important that this information is stored and kept secret. In the case of unauthorized access to the most private data, for example, there might be cases of significant privacy breaches which in this regard, may be necessary for the specific data protection measures. The security of the cyber threats is also one of the major topics. IoT devices are one of the foremost chosen data theft and hacking sources of cybercriminals because of their ease of use. Protecting the devices and their networks, as well as preventing hacking and other threats, uses cutting-edge security systems, continuous monitoring, and potential attack demise. Ethical issues also come as a result of the automation of decision-making. Data is collected by the way of algorithms and AI making decisions, in most cases they lead to bias and unfair results, causing data to be mishandled thereby. To make sure these systems are visible and to avoid ethical pitfalls, the transparency of the systems and the iterated reconsideration of their decision-makers’ thought processes should be made a thing of a permanent concern. Moreover, the integration of IoT and smart technology is a very complicated process. Different devices and systems need to be compatible with each other on one hand the system needs to talk to all conferrers like time, by a complex communication and good coordination on the other. Any technical issue or failure can introduce new risks, which should be resolved correctly to sustain the system’s reliability and performance. On the whole, besides the many advantages, the Internet of Things (IoT) along with smart technology also involves such issues as data security, user privacy, moral aspects, and technological problems. These are the challenges that are necessary to be dealt with through the full implementation of a strategy that is not only comprehensive but also robust management Conclusion To sum up, the use of smart technology and IoT in decision-making could offer great future, but it also requires the active thought and application of it. IT experts should enable decision-makers use sophisticated data analytics, realtime monitoring, and personalized solutions to develop better decision-making abilities. Nevertheless, these companies should control the risk and guarantee that they are used in a responsible and ethical manner the same. As the smart technology and IoT continues to grow every passing day, so will the opportunities for improved decisionmaking become more abundant.