WCAG
Global standard for web accessibility to disabilities
ISA 95
International standard for enterprise-manufacturing system integration
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for users with disabilities via testable criteria, while ISA 95 standardizes enterprise-manufacturing integrations. Companies adopt WCAG for legal compliance and inclusivity; ISA 95 for reducing integration costs and errors in operations.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- Testable success criteria with A/AA/AAA conformance levels
- POUR principles structuring 13 guidelines
- Technology-agnostic for all web technologies
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Full pages and complete processes conformance
ISA 95
ANSI/ISA-95 Enterprise-Control System Integration
Key Features
- Purdue levels 0-4 hierarchy for system boundaries
- Activity models for manufacturing operations management
- Object models for equipment, materials, personnel
- Standardized Level 3-4 transactions and messaging
- Alias services for identifier mapping
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 providing a technology-agnostic framework for accessible web content. It addresses disabilities via testable success criteria under POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
Key Components
- POUR principles, 13 guidelines, ~80 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Normative criteria; informative techniques, understanding docs, failures.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with regulations (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Mitigates litigation, boosts UX/SEO/conversion, expands market.
- Enables procurement, builds trust/reputation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, audits, remediation, training, CI/CD integration.
- Applies universally to web publishers; VPAT/ACR for claims.
- Continuous audits, user testing essential (180 words).
ISA 95 Details
What It Is
ISA-95 (ANSI/ISA-95, IEC 62264) is an international framework standard for integrating enterprise business systems like ERP with manufacturing operations management (MES/MOM) and control systems. Its primary purpose is to define consistent information models, hierarchies, and interfaces across Purdue levels 0-4, focusing on the critical Level 3-4 boundary using activity, object, and transaction models.
Key Components
- Hierarchical Purdue model (Levels 0-4) for system boundaries
- **Eight partsmodels/terminology (Part 1), objects/attributes (Parts 2/4), activities (Part 3), transactions (Part 5), messaging/aliasing/profiles (Parts 6-8)
- Core principles: semantic consistency, technology-agnostic exchanges
- Compliance via architectural alignment, no formal product certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces integration risk, cost, errors in IT/OT convergence
- Enables OEE, traceability, regulatory compliance
- Drives agility, data quality for Industry 4.0
- Builds stakeholder trust through shared vocabulary
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, canonical modeling, pilot, rollout
- Key activities: gap analysis, data governance, secure interfaces
- Applies to manufacturing industries globally; voluntary adoption
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISA 95 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Enterprise-manufacturing system integration |
| Industry | All industries, global web/digital | Manufacturing, process/discrete sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, policy reference | Voluntary ISA reference architecture |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | Gap analysis, integration validation |
| Penalties | Litigation, regulatory non-compliance | Integration failures, operational risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISA 95
WCAG FAQ
ISA 95 FAQ
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