Civilian armored vehicle operations in Brazil – challenges and production processes improvements: a qualitative survey

Abstract Armoring civilian vehicles requires specialized knowledge and experience that many armoring companies lack as they are not direct or indirect suppliers of vehicle manufacturers. This limits their access to automotive quality manufacturing certifications detailed designs, which can result in loss malfunctioning components during the process. Therefore, this study aimed investigate challenges faced by Brazilian identify opportunities for improvement production processes. Qualitative research was conducted using a questionnaire-based survey eight firms Brazil, well literature related DFMA, design assembly, quality, automotive, ballistic references. The results include operation steps, qualitative reports, helpful references practitioners generate standard procedure different models. Following best practices procedures collected responses standardize enhance protection operations while preserving original systems' functionalities warranties. work provides valuable information improve interfaces with systems follow