In this paper several pitfalls in the application of AHP to performance measurement or
efficiency analysis are outlined. It has been shown that the careless application of the
AHP can cause certain problems. Most of the pitfalls can be avoided by some
countermeasures, if the decision maker or an AHP expert is aware of them. The pitfalls
were identified in a number of research projects as well as applied projects, which were
conducted with companies from different industries such as retail, heat treatment and
healthcare. Thus, the countermeasures to avoid falling into pitfalls discussed here as
managerial implications can be understood as some kind of best practice in dealing
with AHP-based performance measurement.