Software gone bad? I'm talking about implementations that don't deliver the expected benefits, or have gone astray over time. The result is an unhappy client, frustrated users, and an embarrassed software supplier. I don't sell or recommend systems, so I can say this.

Promotional sales are some of the biggest sources of conflict between retailers and their suppliers in the UK today. But it is an area where better advanced planning and scheduling and the use of IT systems could actually help.

More and more companies are taking advantage of IT systems to match supply to demand - some with better results than others.

Road pricing nationwide might be off the agenda following statements made by transport secretary Ruth Kelly last month, but those in the transport field fear it could still be adopted locally.

The Evolution corrugated board pallet is not the first to use the material, nor even the first from David S Smith Packaging (DSSP), but the company maintains it is a hygienic, cost-effective, environmentally-responsible and reliable alternative to timber.

This is the story of an old but wise pallet. Over the years, it has seen supply chain thinking evolve and lived through many changes.