Towards a computerised maintenance management system for healthcare facilities in South Africa

Abstract

Healthcare facilities constitute one of the essential infrastructures in any community. It plays a critical role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3, which aims to enhance the health and well-being of individuals. Nevertheless, the efficient upkeep of healthcare facilities in South Africa has encountered several obstacles, and one potential solution is the implementation of computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS). This study explored the benefits of the deployment of CMMS for healthcare facilities in South Africa. A quantitative methodology required data collection through a structured questionnaire distributed to professionals within the built environment. The collected data was analysed via exploratory factor analysis, utilising principal component analysis as the extraction method. The study’s outcome identified four components as the benefits of the deployment of CMMS for healthcare facilities in South Africa: maintenance efficiency and facilities uptime, asset and resource management, regulatory compliance and safety assurance, and sustainability adherence and strategic insights. In conclusion, the study offered suggestions that could facilitate the effective integration of computational systems like CMMS to maintain healthcare facilities in South Africa.