The practical future of AI: Insights from Claus Dahl, Director of Machine Learning at Visma

4min Read

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, but according to Claus Dahl, Head of AI at Visma, the companies that will succeed aren’t those chasing hype, they’re the ones focusing on practical applications and careful execution. 

From automating software development to managing risks, Claus offers a grounded perspective on how AI is transforming the way we work and what businesses need to do to make the most of it.

AI is changing software development first – not just routine tasks  

When AI first gained traction, its primary role was automating repetitive tasks. But the landscape has shifted. Claus highlights an unexpected development: AI is now revolutionising software development itself.

“The leading thing that people are using AI for now is writing software. Almost every business that employs software developers is turning to AI to lower the cost of producing software,” says Claus. This shift has turned the software industry into an AI leader, with automation driving faster, cheaper development cycles.

The AI battle for search and reliable information  

AI is also poised to disrupt search engines like Google. As AI tools produce more and more online content, the balance of power in search could shift to those who can curate trustworthy information.

“There’s going to be some warfare between the AIs that interpret the information and the AIs that produce it,” Claus explains. He sees a future where curated sources of information may become more valuable as the broader Internet becomes less reliable. “Google could very well be in trouble.”

The real AI risk: Overconfidence and bad decisions  

While media hype often focuses on fears of superhuman AI, Claus believes the bigger threat is much more practical: bad AI making bad decisions.  

“The core concern is to ensure the fidelity of the AIs we produce. We need to carefully evaluate the risks and limit them,” says Claus. AI’s failures don’t have to be catastrophic to be harmful – they could be as simple as giving incorrect tax advice or a bad treatment recommendation.

Claus also warns of overconfidence in AI. Referring to self-driving cars, he points out that major players like Elon Musk have overpromised progress for a decade. “There’s this overconfidence that the future will get here, and that’s a key risk, even when it comes to superhuman intelligences.”

AI will create new jobs, not just replace old ones  

Rather than replacing humans, AI will create new opportunities by automating repetitive tasks and opening the door to new roles. Claus predicts a future where AI coexistence becomes the norm.

“They need to be built, managed, and steered in a beneficial direction. There’s going to be a lot of jobs like that, even jobs we haven’t thought about yet,” Claus explains. One emerging category he envisions is AI evaluation specialists, who will monitor and guide AI performance to ensure quality outcomes.

He also highlights how AI will democratise access to tools previously reserved for larger companies. “Now we can give automated finance departments to everybody, which will improve outcomes for many small businesses.”

Claus’s advice for businesses? Let people experiment  

For companies adopting AI, Claus’s advice is simple yet powerful: create a culture of experimentation. “Let your people experiment. Make sure you have a culture where they can try interesting ways to do their job,” he says.

At the same time, he stresses the importance of measuring quality and outcomes. Companies should focus on AI’s practical impact – whether it’s reducing costs, improving workflows or unlocking new business opportunities.

Final thoughts  

AI isn’t about chasing futuristic visions of fully autonomous systems. As Claus Dahl puts it, success lies in practical applications, rigorous evaluation and careful risk management. Companies that strike this balance will be the ones to thrive in an AI-driven world.

For more expert insights from AI leaders, stay tuned to our ongoing podcast series.

Subscribe to the Silver Linings podcast today

Discover the power of enhanced accounting with Silverfin.

More Posts

We took the Camel to the future @PKF

From May 14th to 16th, Silverfin had the pleasure of attending the PKF EMEI Conference, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Marrakech. As strategic ...
Read More

AI in accountancy – making sense of implementation

Discover how AI is transforming accounting, with tips on tools, data structure, and enhancing client communication for firms. Watch the full webinar for actionable insights.
Read More

Practical applications of machine learning in accounting

Discover how machine learning enhances accuracy and efficiency in accounting with practical use cases. Learn more at Silverfin UK.
Read More

Navigating AI adoption: insights from Dan Boyles

Discover expert insights from Dan Boyles on successful AI adoption, common mistakes businesses make, and how AI can enhance productivity.
Read More
The future of AI in accounting

The AI Advantage: Why AI and Accountancy Goes Hand in Hand

Accounting firms face the dual challenge of managing burgeoning data while maintaining precision and compliance. As regulatory landscapes become more complex and client demands for ...
Read More

Caseware vs Silverfin: which offers better value for accounting firms

Accounting firms continually seek ways to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and add value to their client experience.  However, the challenge lies in selecting the right ...
Read More
Dear Excel, it’s not you, it’s me. Knowing when it’s the right time to date other software

Dear Excel, it’s not you, it’s me. Knowing when it’s the right time to date other software

Many accounting firms still use Excel for managing client accounts, but a steady relationship with Excel may be holding them back. Here's why.
Read More
accounting compliance - Silverfin UK

How accounting compliance software helps reduce risk

UK accounting companies are subject to increasing pressure to meet growing regulatory expectations from bodies like HMRC and Companies House. As regulations continue to evolve ...
Read More

The advantages of using technology in accounting: why the cloud is crucial to your growth

Accounting firms face many challenges, from handling vast amounts of data to ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.  These daily pressures can make it hard to ...
Read More

Moving from legacy software to Silverfin

We were joined at a recent webinar by Mark Thurston Director at East Anglian accounting firm Gascoynes to discuss the firm’s move from legacy accounting ...
Read More
overworked accountant

Accountancy’s long hours: Is a work-life balance possible?

A recent survey by Silverfin has uncovered a concerning trend in the UK accountancy sector: nearly two-thirds of accountants, 63%, say that they regularly work ...
Read More

UK accountancy sector prepares for growth in 2025

A joint Accountancy Age and HSBC report highlights the UK accountancy sector’s resilience and optimism. Learn more here.
Read More

Let’s Chat

Scroll to Top