In dealing with supply and distribution stages of the value chain, hub-managed e-commerce links have been found to permit (1) the more effective targeting of suppliers possessing raw materials better designed or configured to production requirements; (2) the exploitation of core competencies associated with traditional sto
refront operations in order to target new market niches; and (3) the reduction of operating expenses through more efficient use of human resources (Preston, 1999; Holt, 1999; McWilliams, 1997).