A data warehouse is a large-scale system used to store and manage data from multiple sources, such as transactional databases, operational systems, and external data feeds. It consolidates data into a single repository designed for querying, reporting, and business intelligence (BI) purposes. In manufacturing, a data warehouse might store information such as production schedules, inventory levels, supply chain data, and quality metrics. The data is usually structured for fast querying and analysis, helping businesses make informed decisions. For example, a manufacturer might use a data warehouse to analyze production trends, identify bottlenecks, and forecast demand. By centralizing data, it improves data integrity, simplifies reporting, and enhances decision-making by providing a comprehensive, historical view of business operations.