Because SingleSource creates documents as users perform tasks, the system can impart its own structure to the documents. SingleSource takes a different approach from most information systems. The knowledge exchange needed for business is a critical component, but is often overlooked in the frenzy over electronic commerce. To date, the emphasis in electronic commerce has been on the transactional infrastructure needed to support online business . Although answers to these questions are necessary, they are not sufficient to fulfill the promise of electronic commerce.
Commerce requires knowledge.
Today, people exchange the knowledge needed for business over the phone or in person, rather than by computer. For example, a distributor might discuss projected retail demand with a store buyer. Often people do not share the needed knowledge. For example, manufacturers often see huge variability in orders from distributors. The distributors place these large orders because they in turn see great variability in the orders they receive, and so they include a cushion by ordering even more from the manufacturer.