ADR 017: Analytics Tooling Standards

Status: Proposed | Date: 2025-07-28

Context

Organisations need simple, secure reporting that avoids complex JavaScript toolchains. Static reports reduce maintenance and security overhead.

• Quarto Documentation
• Evidence BI Documentation
• Government Digital Service Design Standards

Decision

Use Quarto for static reporting with Evidence BI for high-interactivity cases only.

Primary: Quarto Framework

• Static Reports: Markdown-based with embedded visualizations
• Multi-format: HTML, PDF outputs from single source
• Git Integration: Reports alongside code in version control
• Compliance Ready: Accessibility and professional formatting

Secondary: Evidence BI

• Limited Use: Only useful for interactive drilldown reporting (simpler to host than e.g. PowerBI)
• SQL-based: Minimal JavaScript complexity

Integration

• Data Sources: Connect via ADR 018: Database Patterns
• Deployment: Use ADR 016: Web Application Edge Protection for secure distribution

Consequences

Benefits:

• Static reports with minimal operational maintenance overhead
• Enhanced security posture with reduced attack surface
• Version-controlled analytics ensuring reproducible results

Risks if not implemented:

• High operational overhead maintaining dynamic dashboard infrastructure
• Security vulnerabilities from complex interactive analytics platforms
• Inconsistent analytics outputs affecting decision making