ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
WCAG
International standard for accessible web content.
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 provides QMS certification for operational excellence across industries, while WCAG delivers testable web accessibility guidelines for digital inclusion. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for quality trust and market access; WCAG for legal compliance and broader user reach.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking embedded throughout QMS
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
- Seven quality management principles foundation
- High-Level Structure enables standard integration
- Process approach applicable all organizations
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic, backward-compatible versions (2.0-2.2)
- Full pages and complete processes conformance requirements
- Informative techniques, failures, and Quick Reference tools
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a flexible, process-oriented framework for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while pursuing continual improvement. Built on risk-based thinking and the PDCA cycle, it applies universally across sectors and sizes.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Seven quality principlescustomer focus, leadership, people engagement, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decisions, relationship management.
- High-Level Structure (Annex SL) for integration with other ISO standards.
- Voluntary third-party certification via accredited bodies, with surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and market access.
- Drives cost savings through waste reduction and risk management.
- Builds stakeholder trust and competitive reputation; over 1 million certifications worldwide.
- Supports regulatory compliance and sustainability (e.g., 2024 climate amendment).
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; 6-12 months typical.
- Global applicability; focuses on evidenced effectiveness.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the W3C's globally recognized, technology-agnostic framework for web accessibility. Its primary purpose is to make web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. WCAG uses a layered approach: principles, guidelines, and testable success criteria.
Key Components
- **Four POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~80 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal references (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk, improves UX/SEO, expands market reach.
- Enhances reputation, procurement competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, testing.
- Applies to all org sizes/industries publishing web content.
- No formal certification; self-assess via audits, VPATs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | WCAG |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Quality management systems for all operations | Web content accessibility for digital interfaces |
| Industry | All industries, sizes, global applicability | Web/digital content creators, public/private sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable QMS standard | Voluntary technical guidelines, legally referenced |
| Testing | Internal/external audits, certification bodies | Automated/manual tests, assistive tech validation |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market disadvantage | Litigation fines, regulatory non-compliance |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and WCAG
ISO 9001 FAQ
WCAG FAQ
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