The same advances that power our latest apps or analytics packages are putting HR professionals in a better position than ever to lead the discussion—and the selection—of the technology they use to do their jobs. "The best path begins with HR describing its talent strategy and how technology can help that," said Dan Schwartz, a partner in Bain & Company's Organization practice in Washington, D.C. "Companies that realize HR's [strategic] role start the process with a clear view of how technology can enable better decision-making and follow-through." In such cases, he said, IT's job is to translate technology into a business solution, to identify the system that meets HR's requirements.