Smartsheet, the AI-powered enterprise-grade work management platform, has released its 2025 Pulse of Marketing Report. Drawing insights from over 1,200 marketing and creative professionals across the U.S., the report highlights the growing need for marketers to prove measurable business impact and the pivotal role of technology in achieving this goal.

Key Insights from the Report:

1. Rising Pressure to Demonstrate Business Impact

• Increased Pressure: Over 80% of respondents feel heightened pressure to prove the business impact of their work, with 60% reporting this pressure has grown over the past year.
• Visibility Gap: While 51% believe marketing teams are viewed as strategic partners, the need for better reporting and visibility remains evident.
• Comparative Struggles: 78% of professionals feel they must demonstrate their value more than peers in other departments.

2. Challenges in Demonstrating Individual Impact

• Lack of Data: Nearly all (94%) professionals face difficulties demonstrating the business impact of their work.
• Information Gaps: 95% struggle with decision-making due to insufficient data, while 53% lack visibility into essential information.
• Correlation with Success: Teams with reliable access to data (57%) are more likely to be viewed as strategic partners.

3. The Demand for Better Tools

• Technology Enhancements: 87% of respondents believe advanced tools would improve efficiency and their ability to demonstrate impact.
• Lost Time: Switching between tools leads to an average loss of 7.3 hours per week.
• AI Efficiency: AI boosts productivity, with 84% saving over five hours weekly, and 30% saving more than 10 hours.

Expert Perspectives:

John Newall, SVP, Marketing, Smartsheet:
"Today’s marketing and creative teams often struggle to provide tangible evidence of their strategic value. Leveraging AI and collaborative platforms like Smartsheet enables teams to stay aligned, regardless of complexity, and showcase their influence on business outcomes."

Courtney Finger, Principal, Product Marketing Operations, Conga:
"Smartsheet has been a game-changer for our marketing team. Its work management tools empower us to demonstrate ROI with real-time data and analytics, streamlining project processes and enhancing collaboration."

Harnessing Challenges with Technology:

The report provides actionable strategies for marketers and creatives:

1. Streamlining Workflows: Use AI and project management tools to enhance efficiency and demonstrate strategic value.
2. Improving Processes: Standardize workflows to increase visibility and improve decision-making.
3. Enhancing Collaboration: Leverage tools that offer real-time data and analytics to measure ROI effectively.

The 2025 Pulse of Marketing Report emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced tools and processes to stay competitive. Marketers and creatives must prioritize:

• AI Adoption: Save time and optimize efficiency.
• Data Accessibility: Ensure teams have access to the right information to make informed decisions.
• Standardization: Create consistent processes to demonstrate measurable outcomes and improve strategic alignment.

In today’s digitalized retail landscape, technology has evolved from being a simple tool for data collection and inventory management to a comprehensive solution that enhances customer experience and boosts operational efficiency. Mobile computers and handheld devices, now equipped with customizable features, are becoming indispensable personal assistants for retailers. DENSO WAVE, part of the Toyota Group, has been at the forefront of this revolution, offering cutting-edge technology tailored for retail applications.

Transforming Retail with Advanced Technology:

Expanding Functions Beyond Stock Management

Initially limited to inventory tracking and goods receipt, mobile handheld devices have undergone significant transformation. With modern operating systems like Android, these devices can now:

• Install custom apps for retailer-specific tasks.
• Control in-store ambience, such as lighting and music, via Wi-Fi for a centralized and seamless customer experience.

This evolution enables retailers to not only enhance operational efficiency but also deliver an unmatched in-store shopping atmosphere with minimal effort.

Enhancing Customer Service with Real-Time Assistance:

Mobile computers empower sales staff to provide superior customer service by:

1. Instant Product Information: Quickly access product details, availability, and variants in real time.
2. Personalized Recommendations: Leverage customer purchase histories to offer tailored advice and recommendations, strengthening loyalty.
3. Cross-Selling Opportunities: Create individual shopping lists or suggest complementary items, boosting sales.

By integrating these tools, retailers can reduce waiting times, increase customer satisfaction, and foster long-term relationships.

DENSO WAVE’s Robust BHT-M Series:

DENSO WAVE’s BHT-M series handheld devices, including the BHT-M60, BHT-M70, and BHT-M80, deliver unmatched reliability and functionality:

• Powerful Android 13 Operating System: For seamless operation and app integration.
• Flexibility in Use: Options for touch display or keyboard input with ergonomic designs for one-hand use.
• Superior Durability: With drop resistance up to 2.5 meters, these devices can withstand demanding retail environments.

These features ensure retailers can customize their devices while maintaining consistent performance.

Revolutionizing Retail Operations with DENSO WAVE:

As industry leaders, DENSO WAVE’s innovative handheld solutions redefine how retailers approach customer service, data management, and operational efficiency. Their products not only cater to modern retail needs but also enable brick-and-mortar stores to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Mobly, Inc., a rising star in event marketing technology, has successfully closed its $4.3 million seed funding round. Co-led by Jump Capital and Eniac Ventures, with participation from Peterson Ventures and notable existing investors, the oversubscribed round positions Mobly to lead the next wave of innovation in event marketing.

Funding Highlights:

• Seed Round Amount: $4.3 Million
• Co-leads: Jump Capital and Eniac Ventures
• Other Participants: Peterson Ventures, Tenzing.VC, Peak Ventures, and angel investors Jeron Paul and Francis Santora
• Purpose: To accelerate Mobly’s mission of transforming event marketing through smarter lead capture, data-driven engagement, and streamlined workflows.

Key Achievements in 2024:

• Revenue Growth: 5x increase
• User Growth: 4x increase
• Platform Impact: Reduced "Speed to Lead" from 11 days to a few minutes, transforming lead capture efficiency.

Mobly’s Game-Changing Technology:

Founded in 2023 by Zach Barney and Kris Jenkins, Mobly’s platform empowers marketing and sales teams to:

• Enhance Lead Capture: Smarter tools for real-time lead engagement.
• Automate CRM Enrichment: Deliver higher lead quality and better conversion rates.
• Analyze Event Campaigns: Scalable, data-driven solutions for measurable ROI.

Executive Perspectives:

Zach Barney, Co-Founder & CEO, Mobly:

"With robust support from investors, we’re accelerating efforts to redefine event marketing. Our platform is already driving significant results for brands, reducing lead times, and delivering higher-quality data. This is only the beginning."

Saaya Nath Pal, Partner at Jump Capital:

"Event marketing has been underserved by digital transformation. Mobly's innovative, scalable solutions uniquely position them to lead this space, and we’re excited to support their journey."

Kristin McDonald, Principal at Eniac Ventures:

"Zach and Kris are not just building another tool – they’re creating a modern revenue engine for event marketing. Mobly brings AI-powered automation and innovative solutions to a space that has lagged in technological adoption."

The Future of Event Marketing:

With the backing of its seed funding, Mobly aims to:

1. Scale its platform capabilities for real-time lead capture and conversion.
2. Expand its customer base and market presence.
3. Pioneer AI and automation-driven solutions for event marketing.

Mobly’s momentum reflects the growing demand for event marketing solutions that deliver measurable results, enhance workflows, and provide real-time insights.

Cloudester Software has unveiled the Reference Standard Management System (RSMS), an innovative inventory management platform designed to address critical challenges faced by pharmaceutical and research organizations. With advanced features for maintaining, dispensing, and tracking reference standards, RSMS offers unparalleled precision, compliance, and operational efficiency.

RSMS: Simplified, Scalable, and Intelligent

RSMS integrates effortlessly into existing workflows, delivering transformative benefits such as:

• Forecasting Inventory Needs: Optimize stock levels and streamline inventory management.
• Zero Human Error Dispensing: Scan-based operations ensure precision.
• Proactive Alerts: Notifications for expiry, replenishment, and discard events minimize risks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Built to meet global standards including 21 CFR Part 11, FDA, EU Annex 11, and GAMP5.
• Real-Time Reporting: Generate accountability, stock reconciliation, and audit trail reports instantly.

This robust system is adaptable, scalable, and deployable in under seven days, making it ideal for fast-paced industries.

Key Features of RSMS

1. Vial-Level Management: Eliminate inefficiencies and dead stock through granular tracking.
2. AI-Powered Insights: Analytical dashboards offer trend analysis and demand forecasting for smarter decision-making.
3. Barcode Scanning: Accurate dispensing prevents stock errors.
4. Automated Reporting: Site-specific usage, stock reconciliation, and performance reviews at your fingertips.
5. Real-Time Alerts: Stay ahead of potential issues with intelligent notifications.

Driving Industry Impact

RSMS addresses longstanding inefficiencies in reference standard management, enabling organizations to:

• Reduce inventory holding costs.
• Enhance compliance with global regulations.
• Improve operational efficiency with real-time data and actionable insights.

Client Success Story: Alembic Pharmaceuticals

Alembic, a global pharmaceutical leader, has implemented RSMS across its facilities with remarkable results:

• Reduced Inventory Costs: A significant reduction in holding costs and stock wastage.
• Eliminated Human Errors: Accurate dispensing and tracking with barcode scanning.
• Optimized Workflows: Enhanced real-time insights and compliance support.

"RSMS has transformed how we manage reference standards," shared Mr. B.S. Natarajan, Deputy General Manager at Alembic Research Center. "It simplifies processes, ensures compliance, and delivers unmatched efficiency. Cloudester's innovation is a game-changer."

Future Enhancements

Cloudester is committed to continuous improvement, with plans to introduce:

• Mobile-based tracking for enhanced accessibility.
• Automated equipment calibration controls.
• Advanced AI functionalities for predictive analytics and workflow optimization.

BCMS, a cutting-edge headless content management system (CMS), is now available, offering a transformative solution for businesses and developers seeking a seamless, scalable, and efficient approach to web development. By addressing the challenges faced with traditional CMS platforms, BCMS provides the perfect balance between performance, usability, and flexibility.

Key Features of BCMS

1. Scalability: BCMS is engineered to scale with your business. It supports projects of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, ensuring smooth growth without sacrificing performance.
2. Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface, BCMS allows clients to independently manage their digital content, reducing the need for developers for routine updates.
3. Modern Design Principles: BCMS is built with clean, modern design standards to meet the expectations of today’s digital-first businesses.
4. Efficiency: By reducing maintenance burdens, BCMS enables developers to focus on innovation, rather than getting bogged down by repetitive tasks.

A Platform for Collaboration

BCMS is not just a CMS—it is a collaborative platform that empowers both developers and clients. With its combination of scalable performance and user-friendly content management, it fosters better teamwork and delivers high-quality digital products.

Designed for Flexibility

BCMS supports modern technologies, making it compatible with a wide range of development frameworks and workflows. Whether you’re a startup building your first website or an enterprise looking for a robust CMS solution, BCMS adapts to your needs.

Kaon Interactive introduces Kaon Demo360+™, a cutting-edge platform that redefines digital customer engagement by transforming traditional 3D product tours into personalized, value-driven experiences. Leveraging advanced AI, Demo360+ tailors each demonstration in real-time to resonate with buyers’ unique needs, driving measurable business impact for global B2B companies.

Key Features of Kaon Demo360+

1. AI-Powered Personalization: Tailors content to individual buyer needs, guiding them through a dynamic, value-driven journey.
2. Outcome-Based Navigation: Transforms technical product features into real-world value stories that address specific business challenges.
3. Interactive Learning Options: Offers both self-guided and sales rep-led journeys for enhanced engagement.
4. Photo-Realistic 3D Product Experiences: Provides lifelike visualizations of products, including 360-degree spins, zoom, and animations that demonstrate workflows.
5. Immersive AR and VR: Delivers lifelike product experiences in real environments, no app download required.
6. Embedded Resources & Custom CTAs: Instant access to relevant marketing materials and actionable next steps, guiding buyers effectively.
7. Intuitive UI & Branding: Seamlessly integrates with your company’s brand, ensuring a modern and personalized experience.

Driving Results for B2B Enterprises

Kaon Demo360+ is already delivering tangible results for companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Hamilton Company:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: "Kaon Demo360+ provides a tailored, self-serve engagement powered by AI-driven insights, enabling faster, more informed decisions and turning web interactions into qualified opportunities."
• Hamilton Company: "The immersive product experiences allow customers to evaluate our solutions remotely, expanding our global reach and improving efficiency."

Why Kaon Demo360+ Matters for Your Go-To-Market Strategy

Kaon Demo360+ isn’t just a product demo tool; it’s an omni-channel platform that enhances your go-to-market strategy. By simplifying the buyer journey, accelerating sales cycles, and boosting conversion rates, Demo360+ helps you align product launches, trade shows, and sales demos with personalized, outcome-driven storytelling.

In today’s digital-first world, Kaon Demo360+ equips B2B enterprises with the tools needed to optimize sales strategies, engage customers, and create more meaningful connections, leading to more informed and quicker buying decisions.

Zartico, a MarTech innovator based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is redefining how marketers understand and connect with people and places. By leveraging advanced data science and proprietary technology, Zartico transforms complex data into actionable insights that drive meaningful marketing outcomes for destinations, place-based businesses, and agencies.

1. Advanced Data Science for Actionable Insights

• Moves beyond data aggregation to uncover hidden patterns in movement and spending signals.
• Enables marketers to identify ideal customers and optimize marketing strategies.
• Improves real-world impact analysis for effective decision-making.

2. Introduction of Digital Campaign Optimization (DCO)

• Designed through a 6-month pilot with leading agencies like Miles Partnership and MMGY.
• Focuses on maximizing campaign performance and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).
• Offers two key outputs: client-direct insights and an Agency Connect feed for advanced modeling.

3. Core Metrics for Effective Campaigns

• Impression Metrics: Assess audience targeting, frequency, and reach for better conversions.
• Conversion Metrics: Optimize campaigns based on visitor behavior and timing.
• Comparison Metrics: Align campaign tactics with ad-influenced behavior and quality visits.

4. Seamless Integration with Zartico's Product Suite

• Complements solutions like Website Attribution for analyzing content performance.
• Includes market indexing, profile building, impact reports, and comparative analysis.

5. Real-Time Decision Making

• Helps marketers adapt campaigns instantly based on weather, audience shifts, or market conditions.
• Ensures targeted messaging for diverse audiences with minimal waste.

6. Focus on Data Quality

• Emphasizes accurate attribution to build trust and deliver meaningful insights.
• Redefines benchmarks for effective data usability and impactful results.

Testimonials on Zartico’s Impact

• Timothy Bush, CMO, Visit Lake Charles: Praises the ability to remove guesswork with geolocation and spending insights.
• Danni Winter, Noble Studios: Highlights how DCO delivers actionable outputs, not just raw data.
• Gray Lawry, Miles Partnership: Appreciates the redefined benchmarks for quality data.

Zartico’s Digital Campaign Optimization (DCO) is revolutionizing marketing by delivering real-time, actionable insights that maximize efficiency and ROI. By targeting high-value visitors and enabling precise adjustments to campaigns, Zartico empowers marketers to make data-driven decisions for impactful results.

Oktopost, a leading B2B social media management platform, has unveiled a powerful integration with Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio). This collaboration empowers marketers to create dynamic reports, consolidate data, and gain deeper insights into their social media performance, all while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

1. Seamless Data Consolidation

• Integrates Oktopost’s social media analytics with Looker Studio’s data visualization capabilities.
• Combines social metrics with broader marketing and business data in a centralized dashboard.
• Eliminates data silos to provide a unified view of marketing performance.

2. Enhanced Reporting and Automation

• Automates social media performance tracking, reducing manual tasks.
• Provides customizable, shareable dashboards for better team collaboration.
• Aligns social media efforts with broader business goals, including revenue and lead generation.

3. Actionable Insights for Smarter Decisions

• Offers a holistic view of social media impact alongside KPIs like traffic, revenue, and lead generation.
• Supports data-driven strategies to refine go-to-market approaches and optimize campaigns.
• Empowers teams to measure campaign precision and align initiatives with growth objectives.

What Looker Studio Brings to the Table

• Self-service business intelligence tool with customizable charts and graphs.
• Access to over 800 data sources for a comprehensive overview of performance.
• User-friendly interface for creating shareable reports with minimal effort.

Oktopost’s Broader Vision

• Advances in AI-powered social tools and Advocacy Gamification Engine strengthen Oktopost’s platform.
• Enables B2B marketers to amplify employee voices, streamline content, and drive measurable business outcomes.
• Focuses on fostering brand trust, web traffic, and lead generation through advanced social analytics.

Oktopost’s integration with Looker Studio enhances B2B marketing by delivering actionable social media insights in a unified platform. This collaboration simplifies reporting, optimizes workflows, and empowers marketers to align their efforts with measurable business growth.