Single Sourcing
Single source publishing is the publishing of information from a single source into a variety of different output formats - for example, HTML for the web and PDF for print. Ideally, a single source solution does not require human intervention to customize the formatting or content for the various outputs. All *instinctools products based on our Gateone Framework are in adherence to Single Sourcing principles.
Virtually any kind of document is suitable, though some types of work will benefit from the model more than others. Single sourcing principle is ideally suitable for highly structured documents, such as:
- articles
- essays
- manuals
- documentation for:
- projects
- computer software and hardware
- processes
- operating instructions
- policy documents
- guidelines and recommendations
- rules and regulations
*instinctools has developed a web-based content management solution [go:xDoc] that is completely based on Single sourcing principle. Reed more on [go:xDoc]
Benefits of using single-sourcing principle:
- creating and storing information in one single place
- enforcing editing activities
- eliminating duplications
- allowing reuse of already existing content
- improving quality and consistency of the content
- improving timing of content delivery
- simplifying publishing of the same content in different sources
- saving time and costs needed for creation and maintenance of information
Some frequently encountered issues and their solution using single sourcing:
Problem Description | Why single sourcing can save time |
Information written for paper medium may not be streamlined enough for an online user. | Rules applied to content can modify the level of detail according to output medium, purpose or audience. |
Cross-references in hard copy manuals need to be replaced with hyperlinks online. | Cross-references are automatically replaced with hyperlinks where appropriate |
Formatting designed for high-resolution printing may make the information difficult to read from a screen. | Design issues are automatically dealt with by rules applied to content depending on its output medium or purpose |
Inconsistency in content is likely to creep in if information is duplicated. | Information is created and stored in just one central location. |
As publications begin to diverge the requirements for reviewing each grow. | Accuracy of content is reviewed once in the single source. Review of outputs is mainly needed for look-and-feel, fitness for purpose etc |
![[go:xDoc]](http://www.instinctools.com/media/file/660203081_en/xDoc.gif)
![[go:ECMS]](http://www.instinctools.com/media/file/660203078_en/eCms.gif)
![[go:WebCMS]](http://www.instinctools.com/media/file/660203074_en/CMS.gif)
