Elevating South Africa’s Railways Through Smart Asset Management

This study presents the findings of an assessment of the challenges hindering the integration of smart asset management (SAM) in the South African railway sector. The study also determined the critical success factors (CSFs) required for effective integration, as well as the benefits inherent in this integration. A survey of experts’ perspectives in the country’s railway sector was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data analyses were conducted using appropriate descriptive and multivariate methods, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This paper shows that system and regulation-related problems, along with problems related to the integration of technology, are relevant because of their considerable influence on the efficiency of three groups of CSFs and four groups of benefits. This research contributes practical recommendations for improving management and service provision in the railway industry. Additionally, this paper makes a rigorous contribution to SAM theory from the point of view of South African railways, which is not a widely discussed topic within current SAM discourse.