VPAT Report for ERP – Ensuring Accessibility Compliance -WCAG 2.2, Section 508 & EU Standards

VPAT Report for ERP

VPAT Report for ERP: A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is the key document. It demonstrates an ERP system’s adherence to accessibility standards. This helps organizations meet procurement requirements while fostering inclusivity.

This article explores:

• What is a VPAT for an ERP?
• Why it’s essential for compliance
• ERP-Specific Accessibility Considerations
• Step-by-step process to create one
• How it benefits procurement
• Get Your ERP Accessibility VPAT
• FAQs – VPAT Report for ERP

1. What is a VPAT for ERP?

A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized report that evaluates how well a software product—such as an ERP system—conforms to accessibility guidelines, including:

• WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) – Global standard for web accessibility.
• Section 508 – U.S. federal requirement for accessible IT procurement.
• EN 301 549 – EU’s accessibility standard for ICT products.

The VPAT provides a transparent breakdown of an ERP system’s accessibility strengths and limitations, helping buyers make informed decisions.

2. Why is a VPAT Critical for ERP Systems?

A. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

• U.S. Government Contracts: Section 508 mandates accessibility for federal agencies.
• EU Procurement: EN 301 549 compliance is required for public sector purchases.
• Global Accessibility Laws: Non-compliance risks lawsuits (e.g., ADA in the U.S., EU Web Accessibility Directive).

B. Inclusivity & Corporate Responsibility

ERP systems must be usable by employees and customers with disabilities, including:

• Screen reader compatibility (for visually impaired users)
• Keyboard navigation (for motor disabilities)
• Color contrast & text resizing (for low-vision users)

C. Competitive Advantage in Procurement

Many organizations, especially in government and healthcare, require a VPAT before purchasing software. Having one readily available speeds up procurement and improves bid success.

3. ERP-Specific Accessibility Considerations

A. Complex Data Tables & Grids (e.g., Inventory, Reports)

• Issue: ERP systems rely heavily on data grids (e.g., purchase orders, financial reports), which can be hard for screen readers to interpret.
• Solutions:
  • Use ARIA roles  for dynamic tables.
  • Guarantee keyboard navigation
  • Give text summaries for complex charts/graphs.
  • Allow customizable views (e.g., filtering, sorting) for easier comprehension.

B. Forms & Data Entry (e.g., HR, Procurement, CRM)

• Issue: Long forms with mandatory fields can be difficult for users with cognitive or motor disabilities.
• Solutions:
  • Logical tab order (left-to-right, top-to-bottom).
  • Clear error messages (e.g., “Date format must be DD/MM/YYYY”).
  • Auto-fill & suggestions where possible.
  • Skip logic for conditional fields (e.g., show “Vendor ID” only if “Is Vendor?” is checked).

C. Dashboards & Analytics (e.g., BI, KPI Tracking)

• Issue: Visual dashboards with interactive widgets may not be screen-reader friendly.
• Solutions:
  • Offer text alternatives for charts/graphs (e.g., hidden descriptions for screen readers).
  • Allow keyboard interaction with drag-and-drop widgets.
  • Support high-contrast mode for low-vision users.
  • Offer simplified data export (e.g., CSV, Excel) for users who need raw data.

D. Workflow & Approvals (e.g., Leave Requests, Purchase Orders)

• Issue: Multi-step approval processes can be confusing without clear indicators.
• Solutions:
  • Progress indicators (e.g., “Step 2 of 5: Manager Approval”).
  • Email/SMS notifications for pending actions.
  • Keyboard shortcuts.
  • Alternative input methods (e.g., voice commands for approvals).

E. Mobile & Responsive ERP Access

• Issue: ERP mobile apps may lack accessibility features present in desktop versions.
• Solutions:
  • Touch target size
  • Zoom support .
  • Voice control compatibility (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant).
  • Offline mode with sync for users with unreliable internet.

F. Role-Based Accessibility (e.g., Admin vs. Employee Views)

• Issue: Different user roles (Admin, Manager, Employee) may need different accessibility accommodations.
• Solutions:
  • Allow customizable UI (e.g., font size, contrast themes).
  • Provide role-specific keyboard shortcuts.
  • Ensure admin panels are as accessible as end-user views.

G. ERP-Specific Assistive Technology Support

• Screen Readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
  • Test with dynamic content updates (e.g., real-time inventory changes).
  • Ensure proper labeling for custom ERP controls.
• Switch Devices & Eye-Tracking
  • Support sequential keyboard navigation.
  • Allow dwell-clicking for motor-impaired users.
• Braille Displays
  • Ensure compatibility with data tables.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Create a VPAT for Your ERP System

Step 1: Find Applicable Standards

Decide which regulations apply based on your market:

• WCAG 2.2 (Level A, AA, or AAA)
• Section 508 (U.S. federal contracts)
• EN 301 549 (EU public sector procurement)

Step 2: Conduct an Accessibility Audit

• Automated Testing: Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse.
• Manual Testing: Engage users with disabilities to test with JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver.
• ERP Module Checks: Evaluate dashboards, forms, mobile access, and exported reports (e.g., PDFs).

Step 3: Fill Out the VPAT Template

Download the latest VPAT 2.4 from the ITI Website and document:

• Conformance level (Supports / Partially Supports / Does Not Support)
• Remarks explaining limitations and workarounds

Step 4: Confirm & Publish

• Have accessibility experts review findings.
• Reveal known issues and remediation plans.
• Include the VPAT in RFPs (Proposal Requests) and sales documentation.

5. How a VPAT Benefits ERP Procurement

A. Wins Government & Public Sector Contracts

• Required for U.S. federal (Section 508) and EU (EN 301 549) procurement.

B. Reduces Legal & Financial Risks

• Avoids penalties from ADA lawsuits or EU non-compliance fines.

C. Expands Market Opportunities

• Many corporations now mandate VPATs before purchasing software.

D. Enhances User Experience for All

• Accessibility improvements help everyone, not just users with disabilities.

Get Your ERP Accessibility VPAT Today!

Ensuring your ERP system meets WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and EN 301 549 standards is critical for compliance and inclusivity. Enabled.in provides VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) Report to validate your ERP’s accessibility.

Email us: info@enabled.in
Mobile: +91 9840515647
WhatsApp: Click here to chat on WhatsApp

You can also learn more about our VPAT and compliance services by visiting our website: enabled.in/vpat-compliance-certification/

•  Ask for a FREE Consultation to assess your ERP’s accessibility gaps.
• Fast-Track VPAT Certification for procurement and legal compliance.

“Don’t let accessibility barriers limit your ERP’s potential—get VPAT Report today!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – VPAT Report for ERP