The document discusses warehouses and their functions. It defines a warehouse as a specially structured place to store, protect, and control company merchandise before it is used for production, sales, or administration. Warehouses have existed for a long time to store food and supplies. Their main functions are receiving, registering, storing, maintaining, and dispatching materials while coordinating with other departments. Warehouses are classified by their structure (sheltered or outdoor), the materials they store (raw materials or finished products), and their purpose. Effective warehousing allows companies to have the right materials in the right place at the right time for competitive advantages.