HERITAGE : Process  

CONFIDENTIALITY & QUALITY

 

Total Quality : a shared requirement.

Within Defense Control, quality is a state of mind.  Everyone is affected, at all grades and at all times.  The Group makes all those working in collaboration with it aware of any non-quality factors and encourages them to work together to identify and correct them.

This philosophy  is practiced by all the staff and suppliers in order to deliver to the client « zero default », because the making of an armored vehicle has a direct impact on the survival of our clients.

Confidentiality plays a vital role in our business.  For our clients, the acquisition of advanced products gives him an important advantage over the enemy and the threat that he represents.  The manufacture of each vehicle is therefore surrounded with the utmost discretion necessary.

Defense Control’s 10 stages of QUALITY

 

Phase 1 : Quality “assessing the needs”

The evaluation unit  puts together the specifications.

According to the needs expressed, and if necessary, it takes the liberty of advising the client on the options available for the product, especially regarding the feasibility and the limits of the product.

When both parties come to an agreement, an “order” sheet is drawn up.  This sheet resumes all the points raised during the earlier meetings.  It is annexed to the order form and acts as a vital thread for the manufacturing process and quality control.

 

Phase 2 :       Quality “Purchase of raw materials”

At the same time as the vehicle which will be the basis of the final armored product  is purchased, the raw materials are ordered from the suppliers listed by Defense Control. The supplier listing follows a rigorous and draconian process, which includes their capacity to :

• manufacture a product which meets the required international certifications
• deliver the product within the required timescale
• manufacture the product  in line with an officially approved quality process
• immediately replace any defective products
• protect sensitive information linked to the contract in question

It is mainly a question of :

• glass
• steel
• composite materials
• electronics fitted
• extra equipment

 

Phase 3 :       Quality “Upgrade of vehicle”

During this phase, the vehicle undergoes modifications which subsequently enable it to have exceptional road performance.  The know-how at this level is as important as it is during the “armoring” phase.

The following are modified or reinforced :

• The door fixings and hinges
• The shock absorbers
• The braking system
• The anti-roll bars
• The wheels are fitted with “run flat tires”

 

Phase 4 :       Quality “armoring”

It goes without saying that this phase is important. The objective : to prevent ammunition from reaching the occupants or the vital parts of the vehicle.  So the following are meticulously installed :

The firewall (armored section between the dashboard and the engine)

Protection on the sensitive parts of the engine

The anti-mine floor

The ballistics-proof glass

The steel and composite panels

The armoring of the fuel tanks

 

Phase 5 :       Quality “tactical options”

The tactical installation kits are then installed :

• Manual fire extinguisher system
• Intercom (interior/exterior – interior/interior
• Law enforcement sirens
• Special lights
• Hatches
• Electronic equipment

 

Phase 6 :       Quality  “end of manufacturing process”

Although Quality Control is present at each stage of the manufacturing process, the vehicle then has a complete inspection by the Quality Control team.  Using an exhaustive check-list, particular attention is paid to each control point.  In order to avoid human error, the vehicle is inspected by two people.

 

Phase 7 :       Quality  “trials”

Once the Manufacturing Director is given the green light by Quality Control, the vehicle is tested.  The operational team then take over.  The vehicle is then tested on the following points :

• opening/closing of the doors - constraints
• functioning of accessories : lights – infrared - intercom
• starting / checks on the standard functions of the vehicle
• basic road performance
• road performance in emergency situations : acceleration – braking – road holding at high speed – performance Corrective action is undertaken if necessary.

 

Phase 08 :     Quality “final check”

Final quality control check and approval of the vehicle.  A quality sheet is made out.  It resumes all the checkpoints and serves as a basis for the vehicle acceptance report

 

Phase 09 :     Quality “Delivery”

The contractors and transport agents are selected for their reliability and their respecting of delivery times.

Tracking allows the products to be located, in real time, throughout the entire delivery phase.

Defense Control makes it a point of honor to respect its delivery dates.

 

Phase 10 :     Quality “after-sales service”

Defense Control makes it a point of honor to ensure immediate assistance if there should be a problem with a vehicle, whether it is because of Defense Control or the client. Our experts are in a position to travel immediately to advise and intervene.

Each component has a reference number so that, in case of a defect, it can be traced immediately.  Damaged parts can, therefore, be replaced immediately.