Scorecards, dashboards and performance alerts which help users analyze, quantify and act on the latest information achieve optimal results over time. The three tools support performance management but vary as to how they achieve it. A dashboard monitors performance. Unlike the scorecard, it generates metrics from a particular point of view. A scorecard manages performance. It can reflect several perspectives. A performance alert indicates a key trend or event related to a goal. Ventana Research's survey of managers and analysts discloses the potential of the parameters as business tools. The reason for adopting the tools is for the alignment of operations with corporate goals. Alignment is indicative of resources utilization. Results also show that the terms 'scorecards' and 'dashboards' are used interchangeably. Aside from alignment, improvement in decision-making and use of company resources are other reasons for using the tools. Mid-level managers use the tools more often than do executives. This implies that dashboards and scorecards are deployed as supervisory tools for middle managers and not strategically as an instrument for top executives. The technologies are deployed in finance, sales, information technology and marketing, in the order of frequency from most to least often. Based on the study, scorecards and dashboards are effective in aligning to strategies. One common complaint from users is that the instruments lack integration. Optimal benefit from the performance measures is achieved over time. Using scorecards and dashboards needs individual and cultural change. Employment of a detailed approach to developing solutions is recommended.