Mobile maintenance management systems in health-care clinics: a cross-sectional study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to further investigate mobile maintenance management systems in decentralised organisations with branches nationwide. Recent studies regarding mobile maintenance management systems focus on an organisation’s specific industries, processes and technologies rather than decentralised organisations. Design/methodology/approach Using real data from Israeli health-care clinics’ information systems, the authors examined the effect of implementing real-time mobile maintenance management systems on preventive and corrective service calls. The study involved a systematic quantitative data analysis, with a cross-sectional investigation exploring preventive and corrective maintenance activities involving eight types of repairs. Findings A gamma analysis demonstrated that after implementing the new system, there was a significant drop in the time required for numerous maintenance activities. Poisson analysis indicated that the users used the new system, as shown by the increased number of service calls. Embracing the new system strongly affected both the maintenance time and extent of use of the system, particularly in three repair categories: (1) carpentry and frames; (2) electrical issues; and (3) sanitation. Practical implications The findings demonstrate positive operational results by reducing the time to close service calls when using a digital maintenance system tailored to the organisation’s needs and types of maintenance and repairs. Implementing the software can help managers in decentralised organisations effectively address maintenance challenges. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the role of mobile maintenance management systems in decentralised health-care organisations. It highlights the value of such systems in improving maintenance processes and supporting geographically scattered clinics.