Reporting with some combination of Excel and Powerpoint is definitely AN option - but in my experience, it's nowhere near THE BEST option. Combining a number of excel sheets and powerpoints slides quickly becomes a hassle for data analysts. This is only exacerbated when an entire leadership team is trying to jam in their information last minute, the charts are not automatically updating, and then the real issue emerges when someone loses track of which version is the latest version.
So I would recommend ClearPoint Strategy Management and Balanced Scorecard Software. More information and free trials are available here: https://www.clearpointstrategy.com/promo/learn-more/balanced-scorecard-software
But is balanced scorecard software overkill? too expensive? In my opinion - no way. Especially if your organization uses more one person to collect your quarterly or annual balanced scorecard data, analysis, and recommendations for each of your 10-25 measures.
So scorecarding software is a rapidly growing field especially as more and more social and nonprofit sector organizations begin to utilize these powerful tools to replace the headaches of Powerpoint and Excel reporting.
As for the differences in dashboarding and scorecarding software:
Dashboarding software is just that - for turning data into charts, and then combining charts into visual dashboards - just like in your car.
Balanced Scorecard Software is different. It is designed to manage a larger set strategy management requirements. BSC software should be able to support things like project reports and time-scaled gantt charts, organization alignment matrices to see how the mission cascades throughout the different levels of organizational measures. Balanced scorecard software should also support Drs. Kaplan and Norton's key strategic framework elements like perspectives (customer, financial, internal processes, and learning and growth), strategy map(s), objectives, measures, initiatives, as well as short term action items.
We recommend that every potential buyer should sample and demo a few alternatives to fully understand each systems capabilities and to build internal momentum behind implementing and using a new method of communication, collaboration, and management.
One option you might try is ClearPoint Strategy.
ClearPoint Strategy is a web-based balanced scorecard, dashboard, and performance management solution. ClearPoint has a highly effective US based support team that is eager to help you get started quickly. They also offer a number of example templates to browse and can add your strategic plan, charts, or even add other users while you get comfortable using the collaborative web-based tool.
Click here for more information and a free demo version of the software: ClearPoint Strategy Management and Balanced Scorecard Software
Best of luck!