CAD - Computer aided design. A computer software system that allows the user to "draw" and design objects "on a screen" as opposed to the traditional method of drafting and prototyping.

Cable reel - An electrically, manually or spring-loaded device used to accumulate power cable on a reel so as to keep the cable from interfering with the piece of equipment to which the cable is bringing power. A cable reel disperses and takes up the cable as needed and retracts the cable as the machine nears the reel.

Cantilever rack - A rack, utilizing "arms" cantilevered from columns, used where there is a need for a full clear shelf that can be loaded from the front without obstruction from rack support uprights.

Cantilevered gantry crane - A single or double legged gantry crane designed so that the bridge girder extends over the leg or legs so as to form a cantilevered configuration. Such a design increases the loading surface of the bridge girder therein increasing the reach capabilities of the gantry crane.

Capacity rating - A maximum recommended uniformly distributed static load capacity.

Captive pallet - A pallet which is designed and dedicated to a given process, system or location/facility. Not intended to be exchanged

Carousel - Carousels are a technology used to store items for eventual picking or retrieval. There are two primary types of carousels and one related technology, all of which operate under some form of computer control. Since the late 1990s, carousels have been placed under the more general category of AS/RS. See also Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules and/or AS/RS.
Carrier - Also known as a trolley. A unit that travels on the bottom flange of a monorail or patented track beam, jib crane or bridge girder to transport a load.
Also refers to a trucking line used to transport materials to and from a distribution center.

Case flow rack - See Pallet flow rack. Utilizes the same configuration as Pallet flow rack except that individual cases/cartons are deposited, stored and picked, usually by manual operator assistance.

Case pick - The selection of merchandise packaged in shippable cartons for orders from a pick location onto a transporting device (conveyor, cart, pallet).

Case pick from pallet - This is a selection activity performed within a specific type of storage area (often pallet rack). Merchandise movement into these locations is in pallet load quantities from receiving or reserve storage locations. Merchandise movement out of these locations is in case quantities.

Chain hoist - Generally, any hoist which utilizes link or roller chain as its lifting medium. Chain hoists can be manually operated (hand or lever), pneumatically driven, or electrically driven.

Chute conveyor - The chute conveyor is the simplest example of gravity operated conveyor. Not unlike a child's sliding board, unit simply slides down a straight or spiraling metal or plastic chute to it ultimate destination.

Closed shelving - Shelving with the sides and back of the unit enclosed with sheet steel side and back panels.

Column mounted jib crane - Also referred to as a "pillar-supported" jib crane. The jib is attached to a self-supporting floor mounted or floor to ceiling mounted mast. A column mounted jib crane may also be supported vertically by a structural column of the building structure itself.

Computer aided design - See CAD.

Conductive container - Container that is permanently static dissipative.

Container load capacity - Maximum content weight a container can safely hold.

Conveyor - A horizontal, inclined, or vertical device for moving or transporting bulk material, packages, or objects in a path predetermined by the design of the device, and having points of loading and discharge, fixed or selective.

Conveyor belt - A belt used to carry materials and transmit power required to move the load being conveyed.

Crane - A machine for lifting and lowering a load, and moving it horizontally. Drives may be manual, power, or a combination of both.

Cross docking - The process of moving merchandise from the receiving dock to shipping for shipping without placing it first into storage locations. Information regarding the merchandise will be entered into the inventory and a transaction for shipping posted within one posting cycle, e.g. one day.

Cycle time - A measurement of time required to order, fulfill, and deliver products and stock items. The two major components of cycle time are order cycle and replenishment cycle.