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SMC 4.11 fulfills WCAG criteria
Accessible documentation made easy
With version 4.11, the XML-based editing system Smart Media Creator (SMC) sets a significant milestone in the creation of accessible documentation. Companies can now create HTML and PDF publications that fully comply with the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and thus also meet the legal requirements of the German Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG). These requirements must be implemented for many companies and organizations by June 2025.
Accessibility Reinforcement Act: requirements for products and services
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) obliges manufacturers and providers to consistently integrate accessibility into their processes - from development to provision. With the BFSG regulation, Germany is fulfilling the EU requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and sending a strong signal for inclusion and equal opportunities.
What does this mean in concrete terms for products and services?
- Multi-channel communication: Every function must be usable via several sensory channels - e.g. content can not only be read, but also read aloud.
- Individually adjustable visual elements: Users* must be able to adjust the size, brightness and contrast. Alternative color schemes are also required.
- Customizable acoustic output: Users should be able to adjust the volume individually.
- User-friendly controls: Products must be designed in such a way that they can also be operated with limited fine motor skills.
These requirements show that accessibility is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to make products and services better and more accessible.
Accessibility for everyone - and everywhere
The accessible editions of the CCMS (Component Content Management System) SMC are specially designed to make content accessible to people with disabilities, for example people with visual impairments or motor impairments. Screen readers can reliably read the content aloud and the intuitive keyboard navigation makes it easy to use, even without a mouse.
The SMC also automates the semantic structuring of texts, images, tables, headings and lists. This significantly reduces the workload for editorial teams and ensures standardized accessibility. Alternative texts for images can also be easily inserted so that screen readers can interpret them without any problems.
Why accessibility is also important in an industrial context
Accessibility is not only crucial for people with disabilities, but also plays a central role in industrial environments. Here, employees often face particular challenges:
- Loudness in production: in noisy environments, content with screen readers or acoustic output devices can be helpful.
- Restricted mobility due to protective work clothing: Gloves or protective clothing often make it difficult to use touchscreens or small controls. Optimized keyboard navigation is a great advantage here.
- Difficult lighting conditions: Glare, poor lighting or reflections impair the view of monitors. A clear, high-contrast design and the option of using content via audio as an alternative are essential.
- Complex working environments: When fast and precise navigation in documents is required, structured content with semantic tags, bookmarks and tables of contents ensure greater efficiency.
What else editorial teams should consider
Even if the SMC automates many tasks, the editorial team remains a key factor for accessible content. The following aspects should be given particular consideration:
- Simple language: texts should be formulated in a way that is easy to understand so that they are accessible to all user groups.
- High contrast ratio: A clear differentiation between text and background colors is particularly important for people with impaired vision.
- Color design for color vision deficiency: Color choices and combinations should also be easily recognizable for people with red-green vision deficiency or other color vision deficiencies.
- Clear structuring: Logically structured documents make orientation and navigation easier.
Another step into the future of documentation
With version 4.11 of the CCMS Smart Media Creator, companies can not only meet legal requirements, but also optimize the user experience - whether in the office, in the home office or on the store floor. The new functions underline our goal of developing innovative solutions that make documentation accessible and usable for everyone.
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