By now you have probably read many of the reviews for the iPad (just in case, you and read one here and here), Apple's new mobile tablet. While many have focused on the consumer capabilities of the device -- music, photos, e-reader, games, etc -- the enterprise potential cannot be overlooked. 

Yes...there will likely be someone walking around the office tomorrow showcasing his new toy to colleagues and proving he is the coolest guy in the office.  He won't be in HR though (he can also be a she in this case).

I see the iPad as a game-changing device for HR.  But, how could a single computing device change HR, you ask?  For a department that is most notable for process and forms, the iPad could streamline many mundane and repetitive tasks.  Just the ability to capture e-signature on employee documents could save time and money and drive sustainability, or more green initiatives.

The iPad can also be used as a transformational learning platform.  Have you ever sat through a learning course, taken the test and then forgot everything you had learned just a few days later?  Me too.  How about blending online and classroom courses with interactivity that can only be delivered in a touch-pad tablet?

The real value in the iPad for HR, though, is mobilizing HR.  In other words, getting HR in the "field" -- out from being the desk working directly with managers and even employees.  I recently met with a client that is doing just this, minus the iPad.  They have created a new role called "Talent Development Coordinators" who are primarily assigned to work with key managers and executives to help fill out the depth and breadth of their talent bench.  They basically do the talent work for the managers who are often too busy working and managing to focus on building and maturing talent.  Think about the power of this single device to quickly and efficiently walk through an organizations talent and make changes in real-time.

One could argue that many companies already spend lots of money on computing (notably PCs) and easy-to-use enterprise applications to drive talent decisions.  What most companies have been missing through the deployment of all of this technology is the blend of talent experts with interactive technology to quickly review, simulate, change decision criteria, and effectively work with the business leaders to make real-time talent decisions. 

Will you be buying an iPad?  I've got two that are due to arrive today!