Development of an Effective and Efficient Low-Cost Bridge Maintenance Information System Integration for the Mamminasata Region

Abstract

Effective and efficient management of bridge infrastructure is crucial for maintaining regional connectivity and economic vitality. However, many local governments face significant challenges in implementing maintenance strategies due to high software licensing costs, limited technical capacity, and fragmented data management. This research addresses these issues by designing and evaluating a low-cost Bridge Maintenance Information System tailored for the Mamminasata region (Gowa and Makassar). The system innovatively integrates Microsoft Excel for data processing and spatial analysis (clustering, hotspot analysis, forecasting) with Google Earth for visualization. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the system's effectiveness and efficiency were rigorously evaluated against predefined indicators. Results demonstrate a substantial improvement in operational efficiency, with the time required for identifying maintenance priorities reduced drastically from approximately seven days to just one day (an 85% reduction). Furthermore, the system achieved high accuracy in data integration and spatial representation, supported by a validated forecasting model with an error rate consistently below 5%. The analysis identified critical bridges and high-risk zones, providing an objective, data-driven basis for strategic maintenance planning and budget allocation. Evaluation confirms that the Excel-Google Earth approach is not only significantly more cost-effective (by eliminating expensive software licenses) but also user-friendly and maintainable, effectively meeting the core objectives of effectiveness and efficiency. This study contributes a practical, accessible, and replicable model for bridge asset management in resource-constrained environments, offering a viable alternative to costly proprietary GIS solutions.