WCAG
W3C standard for accessible web content to all users
AS9100
International standard for aerospace quality management systems.
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for users with disabilities via testable criteria, while AS9100 mandates aerospace quality management with safety and traceability controls. Organizations adopt WCAG for legal compliance and inclusion; AS9100 for certification and supply chain access.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- POUR principles organize accessibility into perceivable, operable, understandable, robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA conformance levels
- Technology-agnostic design applies to all web content and platforms
- Backward-compatible additive updates preserve policy and tool continuity
- Strict conformance requires full pages, complete processes, non-interference
AS9100
AS9100D: Quality Management Systems for Aviation, Space, Defense
Key Features
- Configuration management for product integrity
- Product safety planning across lifecycle
- Counterfeit parts prevention controls
- Operational risk management in processes
- Enhanced supplier evaluation and controls
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is a W3C recommendation and global technical standard for web accessibility. It provides technology-agnostic, testable requirements to make web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Its layered approach uses principles, guidelines, and success criteria for flexible conformance.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust as foundational framework.
- 13 guidelines under POUR with ~80 success criteria at A, AA, AAA levels.
- Informative techniques, failures, and understanding documents support implementation.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives legal compliance (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549), reduces litigation risk, expands market reach. Enhances UX, SEO, conversion rates; builds stakeholder trust via inclusive design.
Implementation Overview
Phased program: policy setting, audits, design systems, CI/CD tools, training, monitoring. Applies to all organizations with web content; no certification but VPAT/ACR for procurement. Involves automated/manual testing, user validation.
AS9100 Details
What It Is
AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-oriented approach to ensure product safety and supply chain integrity.
Key Components
- 10-clause Annex SL structure covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risk (8.1.1).
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for many OEM contracts; enhances market access via OASIS database.
- Reduces defects, improves delivery, mitigates safety risks.
- Builds stakeholder trust, lowers costs, boosts competitiveness in high-stakes industries.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
- Applies to all sizes in ASD; involves documentation, risk tools (FMEA), supplier controls.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | AS9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Aerospace quality management and safety |
| Industry | All web content worldwide, all sectors | Aviation, space, defense organizations |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, policy benchmark | Certification standard extending ISO 9001 |
| Testing | Automated/manual, assistive tech, user testing | Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no formal penalties | Certification loss, contract disqualification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and AS9100
WCAG FAQ
AS9100 FAQ
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