Many corporate human resources departments are such technological backwaters that they still rely on Excel spreadsheets or even paper documents for many of their tasks or services. But the vast majority of HR departments expect to make a quantum leap in their IT systems in just the next two years, with many of them embracing artificial intelligence to help with their functions, according to a new study from consulting firm Bain. "HR departments are rapidly adopting new technologies," Michael Heric, a partner with Bain's Performance Improvement practice, said in the report. It warned, though, that "the appetite of HR leaders for more digital tools may outpace their ability to absorb the tools." For its survey, Bain polled human resource executives and managers at 500 large companies in the US, Germany, and the United Kingdom.