Asynchronous systems are designed to operate independently of a global clock, allowing different components to function at their own pace. This means that tasks can be executed without waiting for others to complete, which can improve efficiency and responsiveness. Examples of asynchronous systems include web servers that handle multiple requests simultaneously and event-driven programming where actions occur in response to events. In these systems, communication often relies on messages or signals rather than direct calls, enabling flexibility and scalability. Asynchronous operations are commonly used in distributed computing and real-time applications, where timely processing is crucial, and delays can be detrimental to performance.