The forestry industry holds vast amounts of data, but real value is unlocked only when this information is connected and refined. Kristian Niklasson, Regional Manager at Trimble Forestry, aims to use the Connected Forest platform to create seamless data flows that strengthen decision-making across the entire value chain.
Since early 2025, Kristian Niklasson has served as Account Executive and Regional Manager for Trimble Forestry in Scandinavia. His role also includes close collaboration with ForestX, Trimble Forestry’s partner in the Scandinavian market.
After a long career in senior positions at international software companies, Kristian Niklasson has in recent years focused on the forestry and wood industry.
His interest in forestry runs deep, both professionally and personally. In his brother-in-law’s forest in Ångermanland, Sweden, it’s all about practical work and hands-on knowledge, while on the job it’s advanced decision-support systems for Scandinavia’s leading forestry companies.
"The forestry industry is far more high-tech than people think"
– The forestry sector is much more digital, automated, and high-tech than I think most people realize. People outside the industry picture some old guy with a chainsaw, but it’s actually a highly advanced sector, especially in Scandinavia and Europe.
But today, the industry faces many challenges. The construction sector remains weak, currency fluctuations have an impact, and future climate change brings uncertainty.
– In the long term, it’s all about the many demands placed on the forest. It must replace fossil products, absorb carbon dioxide, and support biodiversity. Those who can best balance these aspects will be the ones who succeed in the transformation that is already underway, says Kristian Niklasson.
Data and AI – the key to making smarter decisions
The keys to moving forward in this new landscape already exist within the industry. One of forestry’s greatest strengths is the volume of data, but for it to be useful, it must flow seamlessly and be refined.
– There is an endless amount of information. Few industries have such detailed operational data, but the information isn’t always usable. We are working to create uninterrupted data flows, where information is linked to geographic locations and becomes true decision support, says Kristian Niklasson.
Connected Forest from Trimble Forestry is a digital platform that connects the entire forestry value chain, from planning and harvesting to transport and industrial processing. The platform collects, analyzes, and shares data in real time to improve efficiency, traceability, and decision-making. Its purpose is to create a more integrated, sustainable, and data-driven forestry sector by reducing manual work and optimizing resource use.
With the help of AI, the industry can take its next leap.
– AI can support decisions at every level, from strategic species selection to operational decisions out in the forest. The vision is to create systems where every user is supported in making better decisions, based on data, says Kristian Niklasson.
The data—and the insights drawn from it—must then be managed in a reality that is constantly changing. This requires great organizational flexibility, Kristian Niklasson explains:
– We need two speeds. We must be agile and ready for rapid change, while also thinking long-term, because forests grow in cycles of up to 100 years.
Future skills – from harvester operators to AI trainers
Kristian Niklasson emphasizes that the industry will require broad competencies in the future to meet the high expectations placed on the forest.
– We will need new kinds of expertise, everything from skilled machine operators to people who train AI models. To attract the right talent, the forest industry must show how exciting it really is, both technologically and environmentally.
He also highlights the importance of open, respectful, and curious dialogue about forestry, both within the industry and in society at large.
– The debate about forestry is sometimes polarized. That benefits no one. We need to collaborate and remain open to new ways of thinking.
Partnership that brings knowledge and networks
Trimble collaborates with ForestX on projects in the Scandinavian market.
– Through ForestX we gain access to a network and knowledge that are invaluable. They are a partner with both technical experts and forestry specialists who understand Swedish conditions. This allows us to offer Trimble’s global products uniquely adapted for Sweden, says Kristian Niklasson.
Throughout the autumn, Trimble Forestry and ForestX have met with both new and existing customers. Connected Forest is already used by several well-known Swedish forestry companies.
– Now that VIOL3 is in place and we have customers who have gone live, we’re seeing strong interest, and I’m convinced that we will soon have even more Connected Forest users in Sweden, says Kristian Niklasson.
