Perform ISO 18644:2016 Assessment using eAuditor
ISO 18644:2016 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the inclusion of Braille on packaging labels or through direct printing, aiming to ensure that product information is accessible, legible, and durable for visually impaired users. It provides guidelines on Braille placement, dimensions, spacing, and resilience, helping manufacturers and designers incorporate readable Braille into consumer packaging in alignment with universal accessibility principles.
Performing ISO 18644:2016 Assessment using eAuditor ensures a structured and consistent evaluation of Braille labeling on packaging, verifying compliance with international accessibility standards while supporting inclusivity, quality control, and supply chain durability. eAuditor enables manufacturers, quality teams, and packaging designers to assess Braille integration directly on consumer products through digital inspections, documentation, and evidence-based reporting.
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Understanding the ISO 18644:2016 Framework
ISO 18644:2016 provides technical requirements and guidance for including Braille on packaging labels or through direct printing, ensuring that product information remains accessible, legible, and durable for visually impaired consumers. It is applicable across product categories and packaging types, focusing on:
- Standardized Braille dimensions (dot height, spacing, layout)
- Accurate positioning of Braille to avoid distortion or obstruction
- Durability of Braille under typical handling and distribution conditions
- Optional alignment with national Braille regulations, where applicable
The standard emphasizes clarity, consistency, and resilience of Braille throughout the product lifecycle.
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Key Features of Using eAuditor for ISO 18644:2016 Assessments
Using eAuditor transforms the assessment process into a streamlined digital workflow by enabling:
- Customizable audit checklists tailored to ISO 18644 requirements
- Real-time inspection and data logging during packaging or production review
- Photo documentation and annotations of Braille placement and quality
- Automated corrective action tracking for identified issues
- Centralized report storage for traceability, reviews, or certification readiness
- Mobile offline capability for on-site assessments at packaging lines or distribution centers
- Audit history tracking for quality trends and supplier compliance
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Detailed Steps to Perform ISO 18644:2016 Assessment Using eAuditor
3.1. Develop and Customize the Assessment Template
- Build an eAuditor checklist that mirrors ISO 18644 clauses, including sections for:
- Braille dot dimensions (height, diameter, spacing)
- Legibility and tactile clarity of Braille
- Correct positioning relative to packaging design elements
- Durability tests through simulated transport or handling
- Consistency across production batches and packaging types
- Reference to national Braille standards, if applicable
- Include form fields for:
- Product and packaging identifiers (SKU, batch number, type)
- Inspector name, date, and location
- Dropdowns for conformity rating (e.g., Conforms, Minor Issue, Non-Conforming)
- Evidence fields for images, sketches, or comparison with Braille templates
3.2. Conduct the Physical Inspection
- Use eAuditor on a mobile device to assess sample packaging units for:
- Accurate Braille character formation
- Proper alignment and position on the label or container
- Uniform dot height within specified tolerance
- Absence of printing defects, overlaps, or misalignments
- Accessibility from a user’s perspective (e.g., tactile readability)
- Capture photos showing Braille quality and annotate as needed
- Include comments for partial compliance or unclear tactile feedback
- Record feedback from blind or low-vision users (if integrated into the assessment)
3.3. Test for Braille Durability and Resistance
- Assess the legibility of Braille after simulated handling conditions:
- Packaging line movement, shrink-wrapping, or friction
- Transport vibration, stacking, or environmental exposure
- Compare pre- and post-handling conditions using photos and tactile checks
- Document any loss of readability, dot flattening, or material degradation
3.4. Assign Corrective Actions and Follow-Up
- Flag non-conformities directly within the audit form
- Assign corrective actions to:
- Packaging engineers
- Printing vendors
- Quality assurance personnel
- Define timelines and resolution types (e.g., redesign, recalibration, alternate materials)
- Require follow-up photos or reinspection evidence to confirm compliance
- Track action closure via eAuditor’s “Actions” dashboard
3.5. Final Review and Report Generation
- Review the completed checklist and corrective actions before approval
- Include digital sign-offs from quality leads or compliance managers
- Export the final assessment report in PDF or Excel format
- Store the report securely within eAuditor, categorized by product, packaging type, or audit date
- Schedule follow-up inspections or recurring assessments to monitor long-term compliance
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Final Summary
Conducting an ISO 18644:2016 assessment using eAuditor helps ensure that Braille on packaging is implemented correctly, remains tactilely legible, and withstands production and distribution conditions. By combining digital checklists, photographic documentation, and action tracking, eAuditor simplifies the verification process, supports continuous packaging improvement, and reinforces accessibility compliance. This approach empowers teams to uphold inclusive packaging practices and enhance quality assurance across product lines.