Ten years ago, when the majority of the world had yet to learn about the Internet, DPR was established to challenge traditional construction practices. We adopted a collaborative approach that changed the construction process, and we used the latest technology available at the time-25-pound “portable” computers and big, boxy mobile phones-to streamline communication with our project teams and customers.

Focused on innovation, we continuously search for new ways to build smarter, faster, better and to raise standards in the profession. More than five years ago, we incorporated the use of Lotus Notes company-wide and provided training to ensure that each person utilized the program to its full capacity. In early 1997, we began using the Internet to collaborate on projects with DPR Jobs, a Web-based project delivery system that allowed us to take a project from preconstruction through closeout on a comprehensive electronic platform.

Today, we are leading the effort that will shape the way the construction industry enters into the B2B Internet economy. As a founding member of Twentypounds (http://www.twentypounds.com), a consortium of more than 20 of the nation’s top commercial contractors, we have the ability to influence the development of a common industry platform for conducting business on the Web, including project management, bid solicitation and procurement.

The strength behind Twentypounds is not the technology that will be used but the allegiance to use the technology. Every member of Twentypounds, which represents total buying power in excess of $25 billion, is making a commitment to redefine internal processes and adopt e-commerce. We recognize that to successfully adopt and implement an industry-wide, Web-based standard, we need to address the human element first through education, training and hands-on experience.

The construction industry has the opportunity to lead change in technology by demonstrating its best practices through Twentypounds. We are committed to significantly enhancing effectiveness and efficiencies to digitally create buildings and truly change how buildings are built in the new economy.